Black Bean Sloppy Joes

I got this recipe from Stephanie and we really love it. I think it is best as left overs, then it seems to take on more of a 'Sloppy Joe' taste.


Black Bean Sloppy Joe's

1 bell pepper
2 chili jalapenos (Optional)
1 red onion (I use white)
2 garlic cloves (I use many more)

Cook together in a pot.

2 (15 oz) cans black beans
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander

Stir beans and seasonings into veggies. I mash up some of the beans.

1 can 15 oz fire roasted (or diced) tomatoes
1 Tblsp brown sugar
1 Tblsp Worcestershire sauce

In a bowl blend tomatoes, sugar and W. sauce. Then add to bean mixture and simmer 3 minutes.

Salt and pepper to taste and garnish with lime (optional).


We have tried it on onion buns and it's really good. And for an extra healthy meal eat with home made whole wheat bread, carrots and a smoothie!!!

Tortilla Soup

My newest appliance now is a Crock-Pot. I think I have appliance issues. When will it stop? Are there meetings for these problems...is it real? Can anyone help me, or does anyone understand???

Well, I felt I (we as a family) needed an upgrade from our old crock. It was and still is a great appliance. I inherited it when I married my wonderful husband. He had it first and used it often as a bachelor, I'm sure. It's one with "low, high, off" and a plastic lid with lots of cracks. I had to put a towel on it when cooking. Really, it works, but...like I said, I have a problem.

My new Crock has a digital timer and when it is done...it goes to warm! Sweet!!! I like it. My fancy -shmancy rice-cooker has a sister...and it's a pretty red! :)

So, this post is supposed to be about the great recipe I cooked in my fancy-schmancy Crock-Pot. This recipe is adaptable for the stove or crock. I love this recipe and have been cooking it for years.

It has a list of ingredients, but I don't mind because a large majority are fresh. I like to chop and mix... other wise I guess you could go simple and use the frozen or canned or dried...your choice.
Tortilla Soup
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can enchilada sauce
1 med. onion chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic (I love garlic! You can add more or less, or powder)
1 stalk celery chopped1 can chopped green chilies (optional)
2 cups water
14.5 oz veggie broth (or veggie bullion)
1 tsp cumin (be generous)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt (again, be generous)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 can corn (or 10 oz. frozen corn)
1 can red beans
1 can pinto beans

Chop and put all ingredients into crock. You can add shredded cooked chicken if you like.



Serve with tortilla chips and pico de gallo with fresh line slices!

This is also a great dish to make ahead of time and take camping. Just put in jars and heat up at the camp site.

Best Veggie Burgers I have made

Here is another great meal I just made. Once again, dairy-free, oil-free and meat-free. But not by any means good-ness free. This recipe comes from www.TheEngine2Diet.com. I have added some ingredients and I still have some perfecting to do...but it is definitely a keeper. You must go heavy on the seasoning.

E2 Dinner - New York Times Veggie Burgers
Makes about 8 patties

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can tomatoes with or without zesty mild chilies, drained
3 garlic clove, minced or pressed
1 Tbl sp onion powder
2 green onions, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots
1 Tbl sp flax seeds (for flavor, I tell the kids)
2 Tblsp wheat germ (for color, I tell the kids)
some splashes of Bragg Liquid Aminos
1 cup parsley or cilantro
Handfull of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
2 cups quick rolled oats
8 whole grain buns
Fresh veggie toppings and healthy condiments

Preheat oven to 450º. Process the first eleven ingredients using an
immersion or a regular blender or food processor. Remove contents into a large bowl and stir in the oats. Form into patties, place on a sprayed baking sheet, and bake for 8 minutes. Turn oven up to broil and cook for 2 more minutes, until the tops are nicely browned. Toast the buns and pile on your favorite toppings.

These patties actually stay as patties; they are quite firm, like a meat patty, after they are cooked.

Please let me know if you added any extra seasoning to spice them up a bit. I think some Tonys or hot peppers would go well if you don't have young children to feed.

Add some roasted new potatoes tossed with fresh herbs and a splash of water and you have a nice easy meal.