Mexican Chicken & Rice Casserole

Hello friends! I have returned from an unexpected, yet much needed hiatus from blogging. It has been several weeks, but if you follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, then you know that I have still been busy in the kitchen. Whenever I hear the word ‘casserole’ (or ‘hot dish’ if you are…

Carnita Nachos W/Chipotle-Lime Crema

So.  There is this big game coming up.  Maybe you have heard of it.  Its called the Super Bowl. I only mention it because I happened to be visiting some hardcore football fans the weekend the competing teams were selected and I actually witnessed the games.   Not being a huge sports…

Loaded Black Bean Quesadillas

Greetings! Sorry I have been MIA for a week!  I have been cooking and baking up a storm but it has been mostly new recipes and experiments.  We were out of the state for several days and I literally didn’t even have time to sleep, let alone get any blogging done.  Our…

Vegetable Enchiladas

As I was making this dish, it occurred to me just how often I use black beans. I was writing this blog post in my head while I was cooking, something I do quite a bit in the kitchen, and I was kind of trying to pick an approach.  Generally, I have…

Black Bean Salsa

If you happen to be looking for a new recipe for the upcoming sporting event this weekend, well, your search is over.  For me personally, it is less about the actual game (I don’t even know who is playing) or the halftime show (the last time I watched it Janet Jackson had…

Gringo Chicken Soup & Surprises At The Supermarket

Sometimes, when you least expect it, a little gem of a recipe comes your way.  Something that makes your life easier (super quick to make) and tastes unbelievably good (like cheesy dip on a spoon). A few years ago, not long after moving to Illinois, I was grocery shopping and came across…

Mexican Rice W/Black Beans: Mexican Food and Marriage

There are certain compromises that everyone makes when they get married. For example, my husband folds his T-shirts a certain way and when our households merged, I was expected to comply with this strange, and to me, ridiculous, rule.  He in turn, hand washes all our knives separately and without complaint because…

Enchilada Pie

So, as promised, this is the recipe for Enchilada Pie.  I made it a few days ago and finally got the pics in the computer!   This is not my creation, but a sort of mixed version of several different ones I have found lately.  It was fast, easy, and it is fantastic!  It…

Indian Summer Chili

Like most northerners, I grew up eating chili.  Ground beef, kidney beans, tomato based sauce, onions, spices, and if my Dad is making it, black olives.  Now I like chili and my Dad’s recipe is exceptional, but any meal that I have to eat with a spoon (with the exception of cereal) isn’t my first…