End of Week Mix Up

Well, it is Friday and I have ingredients with no real purpose.  Time to make something up.  I've got two ears of fresh corn, cilantro, and zucchini in the fridge.  I've got many types of onion (shallot, green onion, red onion, white onion, sweet onion - good grief! plenty of onions).   I have a pound of ground beef in the freezer.  The pantry contains an Old El Paso burrito dinner kit, a can of black beans, and a can of diced tomatoes.  Looking like Mexican tonight. Here's my side dish for my quick burritos. (ok the side is way better than the main tonight!)

Zucchini, Corn, & Black Bean Sauté

Zucchini, Corn & Black Bean Sauté

1 Tbs olive oil
1 shallot, chopped
1 zucchini, finely diced
2 ears corn, cut off the cob (or one can corn niblets)
2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 Tbs lime juice
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp red pepper
1/2 tsp oregano
2 green onions, green tops thinly sliced
1 Tbs chopped cilantro
salt & pepper

In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium high heat.  Add shallot and cook for 1 minute, stirring once.  Add zucchini and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring a couple of times and add salt and pepper to taste.  Add corn and garlic and cook for 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes, black beans, lime juice and next 4 spices and cook for 3 minutes or until heated through.  Just before serving, add green onions and cilantro.  Adjust seasonings and serve.

Brussels sprouts? Who says that?

Brussels sprouts, not brussel sprouts - is the "s" silent? Nobody says Brussels sprouts.  Anyway, I love the little fellas and last night I found the easiest and most delicious way to roast them. I guess it could have something to do with the bacon...

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

1 lb. Brussels sprouts
4 cloves garlic
2 slices thick bacon (ex. Wright bacon)
salt (optional)

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

To prepare sprouts, cut off stem, discard outer leaves, and cut in half. Cut garlic cloves into 4 pieces.  Toss sprouts and garlic in roasting pan. Cut bacon into small pieces and sprinkle over sprouts.

Cover roasting pan with foil and cook for 20 minutes. Remove foil, toss everything around a bit and return to oven, uncovered. Roast for 15-20 minutes longer or until sprouts are tender and bacon is cooked.  Taste and add salt as needed.