d's delights- cooking and crafts

Rio Black Beans This tuned out a happy accident because I started to use an unintended Pinterest recipe before finding the one that I had planned to make. Garlic, chopped Olive Oil 2 cans of black beans (not rinsed or drained 1 6 oz can tomato juice 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp dried oregano Salt and pepper Fresh cilantro Saute the garlic in oil. Add beans, tomato juice, cumin and oregano, salt and pepper.   Bring to boil.   Simmer until thick.   Add cilantro before serving.

Blue Ribbon Blackberry BBQ Sauce Here is a sauce that’s great for grilled chicken.   Rob liked this, as it wasn’t spicy and had just enough sweet tang to it.   I put aside 3 small ½ cup baggies to freeze and use again later. 2 tsp oil ¼ Cup finely chopped onion 1 1/2 C ketchup  1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons orange juice 12 oz blackberry jam (seedless) 1 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp orange zest Cook the onion on the oil for a few minutes.   Add in the other ingredients.   Bring to a boil, simmer for 10 minutes.   Brush the sauce on the chicken after it has been browned on each side.

Westside-Story-Rainy-Day Kebabs   I made this on a gloomy, rainy July 4 th .   Westside Story was on TV.   I (gasp) had never actually seen it in its entirety.   I mean, I know the songs, the story, the dances… and the lyricist… but had never sat down and watched it all the way through.   So, I think these kebabs will always remind me of the movie since we made and ate them while it was on, and while Rob re-lived his glory days of being on stage. The original recipe called for some dill… but I am not a fan of dill.   It’s like the one herb I just don’t do.   Maybe it reminds me too much of pickles.   Anyway, you can sprinkle on some dill if you like.     Ingredients : 6-10 small new potatoes, cut in half (you’ll probably use 2 whole potatoes per skewer) 9-12 grape or cherry tomatoes 6-10 green onions.   (You’ll use the bottom thick portion- cut into 1 ½ in pieces.) 1 package of precooked smoked sausage. (You could use any kind of sausage you like, but make sure i

Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Chicken Breasts ___ Juice of 1 Lime 2 Tbs Honey 1 Tsp-ish cumin Handful of chopped Cilantro 2 Tbs Olive Oil ___ Montreal Seasoning Mix juice, honey, cumin, cilantro and oil to make marinade.  Marinate chicken at least 10 minutes. Add seasoning on marinated chicken and grill. Great with Mexican Chunk Salad.

Mexican Chunk Vegetable Salad 2 Tomatoes 1/3- 1/2 cucumber 1/2 red onion 1 medium bell pepper (I used a red one) 2 ribs celery 2 tbs olive oil 2 limes (juiced) salt and pepper to taste Chop up vegetables, combine with juice and olive oil. Great with Grilled Honey Lime Chicken

Balsamic Grilled Veggies I'm trying to eat healthy and plan meals better... and I'm tired of  "Salads" for my vegetable intake!  I loves salads, but it's hard to eat one every day sometimes.  So, I found some grilled veggies recipes.  This also helps get rid of those vegetables that are still good, but maybe not as crisp as a few days ago.  My husband can eat them with his rice and I eat them over some lettuce or by themselves. Balsamic Grilled Veggies 6 Tbs Olive Oil 1/4 C Balsamic Vinegar 1/4 C Fresh Chopped Basil 1/4 C Fresh Chopped Parsley Chopped or Minced Garlic (a few cloves) Marinade chosen vegetables for 30 min.  I used carrots, zucchini, mushrooms (on a skewer) and red onions. Grill until done.  Yum. Ranch Grilled Veggies This one is super easy.  You know those packages of ranch season to make your own dressing?  Well, that's what you need.  Drizzle chosen veggies with olive oil, sprinkle on seasoning, and grill.  You can real

Lemon Chicken with Cucumber Salsa This is a great meal for Spring or Summer.  My husband even likes to eat the cucumber salsa!!!  Chicken Breasts ___ 2 lemons (zest about a tablespoon and juice 1/2 C) 3 Garlic Cloves, chopped or minced 2 Tablespoons olive oil (or canola) 2 Tsp Dried Oregano 1Tsp Paprika 1/2 Tsp Salt 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper ___ 1/2 Medium cucumber (I use the English kind) 2 Tbs Chopped Red Onion 1/4 C Chopped Red Bell Pepper Marinade/Dressing Mix lemon zest, juice, garlic, oil and spices. Reserve 2 Tbs for the vegetables. Marinade Chicken in dressing. Grill chicken, mix vegetables with reserved marinade.