BROWN RICE, SAUSAGE & BLACK BEANS

For a quick, easy and nutritious summer meal. Shame on me, but “quick & easy” are the key words. This dish is perfect for the slow cooker or even a rice steamer. It is full of flavor and promises to be a hit. Just chop and into the pot……no browning, no soaking, no nothing, just yummy.

2 cups Brown Rice

1 large can of “Petite” Diced Tomatoes

1 can of cooked Black Beans

1 round of Smoked Turkey Sausage, cut into 2” pieces

1 large Onion, diced

4 cloves of fresh Garlic, diced or pressed

1 teaspoon dried Pepper Flakes or equivalent

3 Bay Leaves

Sea Salt to taste

4 cups of Water
As I said, no fuss, just into the pot and slow cook until rice is tender. It would be difficult to over-cook this dish. It can also be made on top of the stove in a large, covered sauce pan, but cooked very slowly.
Believe me, this….(I don’t exactly know what to call it) will be a treat to your family and you as well.

WATERMELON SALSA SALAD

This is a novel, fresh and beautiful accompaniment to seafood, fish or just with cottage cheese as a summer refresher.  Have some fun with it.  I served it as a side to grilled shrimp with shell on.  Really beautiful and YUMMY!

Watermelon and Cantaloupe ~ Cut into small half inch pieces, enough for 4 cups

Large bunch of fresh Mint ~ Chop

1 Serrano pepper ~ Dice and discard seeds...too hot… wash your hands after

handling and don’t rub your eyes!

Zest and Juice on 1 lime ~ Place in microwave for 20 seconds before juicing –

the lime will release more juice; also works with lemons

1-1/2 inch (about) of fresh Ginger ~ Grate. Use the zester for this job –so easy

Pinch of Salt

Larger pinch of Sugar; more or less depending on the sweetness of the melons

Mix all together gently. Flavors blend quickly!