Black Beans (also, this is a test post from my phone)

I started off using an actual recipe, but then abandoned it when I figured I could just as well make it without one.
Black Beans
1 or 2 cans worth of black beans (I use dry beans)
1 small can of diced green chilies
1 can corn
1 small can of tomato sauce
1/2 to 1 cup water
1-2 tsp beef bouillon
To taste:
Fresh minced garlic
Chopped onion
Cumin
Salt
Pepper
-Place everything in your crockpot and cook on high for about 4 hours or until it reaches the desired consistency.

We had this with fresh made tortillas, rice, lettuce, cheese, and homemade ranch. It was delicious and very flexible. You can pretty much in what you think will work for your taste preference!

Of Course I Have to Modify..."Resistance is useless"

Penne with Vegetables in Tomato-Basil Sauce
original recipe from Betty Crocker Sunday Dinner Cookbook
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped onion
2 carrots, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 zucchini
1-2 cloves pressed garlic
Basil, Oregano, Salt, Pepper to taste
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Penne pasta (I use whole grain and it is great)
-Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion, garlic, and carrot in oil until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; cook 5 minutes.
-Stir in zucchini and seasonings; reduce heat to medium. Cook until desired consistency. I simmered the sauce while I cooked the pasta and it turned out perfect for us. Serve over pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese. (Yes, I am a snob about parmesan cheese thanks to my mom who not-so-affectionately calls the stuff in the cans "fake cheese." It really does make all the difference in the world though.)

Seriously, Zach and I both LOVE this recipe. It is simple, fast, and so healthy especially if you use the whole grain pasta. I am still figuring out how much pasta to cook, but that is probably the easiest portion to change. Sorry, I don't make a habit of whipping out the camera for dinner so I don't have any pictures. Although, I have to admit it is quite a pretty dish to serve. Not that that REALLY matters. ;)

*Completely UNRELATED note: Who can tell me what book/movie (will accept either one, although will be more impressed if someone mentions the book first) I quoted (which means the part in quotations) in my title? Zach you should know this one as it is in your top ten movies of all-time.

Sillyness and beans

-Sami is silly. Above is my evidence.
-Zach's new job is such a blessing. I love you Zach, for being willing to work to provide for us.
-I do NOT want Congress to include the three US automakers in their bailout. If they can't run their businesses to be successful, they should suffer the consequences, NOT US. Where does it end?
-A delicious recipe from Bettycrocker.com modified by me because I don't like lima beans or kidney beans (sorry, no picture, it's beautiful trust me):
Rice and Bean Bake
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 tbsp vegetable or chicken boullion
1 1/2 tsp fresh chopped marjoram or 1/2 tsp dried marjoram leaves
1 medium onion
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can pinto beans, undrained
1/2 cheddar cheese, shredded
Heat oven to 350. In ungreased 2-quart casserole dish, mix all ingredients except cheese.
Cover; bake 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Stir; sprinkle with cheese.
-I'm reading The 5000 Year Leap by Cleon Skousen and LOVE it. Everyone should read this. It's about the Constitutional Convention. It's easy to read and relatively short considering the topic.
-I love my book club. I have read books that I wouldn't have read otherwise, and enjoyed most of them!
-Sami got her leg stuck in between the slats of her crib this afternoon. She was crying so hard (which she rarely does). I held/comforted her for a couple minutes and put her back down. She started crying again and looked so sad. I just couldn't leave her in there, so I got her up and consequently, she didn't take a nap this afternoon. Bad mom maybe, you judge, but I just couldn't her there crying and looking so sad. :)
-The weather has been so nice the last few days, I love it. Sure doesn't feel like it's almost winter (or basically already is here because we pretty much have TWO seasons: Hot and Cold).
-Um...I am SICK and TIRED of hearing/reading about Proposition 8! It already passed in CALIFORNIA, not Utah. It is a MORAL issue, not a POLITICAL or an equality issue. I will respect the new President Barak Obama, even though I didn't vote for him. I wish all would do the same concerning this issue. Deal with it!
-Zach and I watched Get Smart on Friday. I LOVED it! I thought it was hilariously awesome and Steve Carell was perfect as Max Smart. And, bonus, it was surprisingly clean.
-I'm looking forward (nervously?) to the BYU-Utah game on Saturday. It would be AWESOMELY amazing if we beat Utah and I know we can do it.
-Seriously, try my recipe. It's easy and yummy!

Homey Chicken Hash

I found this recipe in the Deseret News last Wednesday and tried it yesterday. It was delicious (even though I did cook the potatoes too long.) It's pretty easy and quick, try it out!

Homey Chicken Hash
1 tbsp oil
1 small onion (1/2 cup chopped)
2 medium carrots (1 cup chopped)
4 cups diced cooked potatoes (or 1 lb, 4 oz pkg refigerated potatoes w/onion)
2 cups cooked chicken
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a 12-inch skillet that has a lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Peel and coarsely chop the onion, adding it to the skillet as you chop. Peel and slice the carrots, adding them to the skillet as you slice. Cook until the onion begins to brown on the edges, about 3 minutes.
Add the potatoes to the skillet. Stir and cook until brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the chicken, and stil well to break up any pieces. Cook until the chicken is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season the hash liberally with salt and pepper, to taste.
Sprinkle the cheese over the hash and cover the skillet. Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest until the cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Serve at once, with ketchup if desired.

Zach put barbecue sauce on this instead of ketchup. He said it tasted really good that way. I just ate mine by itself and it was delicious that way, too! Also, I added a little extra oil because it seemed kind of dry.