Homemade Refried Beans by John Spottiswood

I'm ashamed to say that though I LOVE refried beans, this is the first time I've ever made them myself. It's just so easy to buy them in a can, or at a mexican restaurant, that I haven't bothered. But this recipe is simple and it is definitely worth the effort in my mind. I figure my kids are the true test, since they aren't that…

Mexican Rice by John Spottiswood

I was looking for an improved Mexican Rice recipe, so I adapted this one from the America's Test Kitchen cookbook. I used many of the same ingredients, but instead of baking it, which seemed like a waste of energy, I finished it in my rice cooker. The result was a very flavorful and wonderfully textured mexican rice. Browning the…

Chili Sauce by Salad Foodie

Chili sauce is one answer to that bumper tomato harvest. The perky piquant sauce can compliment many classic recipes like meatballs, meatloaf, cutlets, chops, tenders, eggs, potatoes, etc. This recipe is from Ball Blue Book of Canning (2010) and is what I’d deem a standard chili sauce for a wide variety of family uses. It is not…

Mango Chipotle Sauce/Glaze by Bob Vincent

This is a good sauce/glaze for almost anything. It is easy to make and stores refrigerated well for several days or if air tight much longer. I use it on grilled fish, chicken or pork. It can be used hot as a finishing sauce or cold as a glaze during the last few minutes of grilling. Adjust the chipotle peppers to your taste.

Mexican Charra Beans by Marlin Rinehart

Very flavorful beans, slightly soupy. Frequently served as a side dish with a Mexican meal in many restaurants along the border.

Easy Corn Casserole by Glenn

My family loves corn anything and this will be a regular thing at our dinners. Thanks to my friend Jaynee Levy-Polis for the recipe.

Pace Fiesta Beer Rice by Joann Mathias

Southwest Black Bean Casserole by Salad Foodie

Vegetarians rejoice! This Tex-Mex favorite can be used as a side dish for 12, or as a main dish for 8. The toppings of lettuce, tomatoes, olives, green onions and sour cream together with some tortilla chips add color and crunch. You can make this with as much punch as you’d like - add minced jalapeno peppers, sriracha sauce, red…

Moussak’aa by CHEF ASHRAF ABD ALEEM ELKHARBOTLY

Moussak’aa

Spatzle by CHEF ASHRAF ABD ALEEM ELKHARBOTLY

Spatzle

Grilled Asparagus by Kelsey Martin

Balsamic Mayonnaise by Smokinhotchef

This is mayonnaise set on it's ear. I came up with it one day while making my traditional homemade mayo. I searched my pantry, and to my dismay, I had run out of white, red, cider, distilled and seasoned rice vinegar. Alas, I came to my balsamic vinegar. I took a gander and gave it the old college try. I was extremely pleased…

Dorothy's Pickled Beets by ChaCha Can Cook

This is a great and refreshing way to eat beets. No fuss, no muss, just big taste.

Hawaiian Crest Salsa by Smokinhotchef

I came up with this recipe at the spur of the moment to accompany the shrimp recipe I was preparing for a late lunch get-together with several of my sisters and my brother Ken. I had just visited the supermarket, so I had lots of fresh ingredients on hand. My sister Gayle said this recipe reminded her of Hawaii and crisp freshness…