Our Fabulous Bites

We recently had a group dinner with friends and we were to bring this dressing.  My friend sent me her recipe but she let me know there are several versions of this.  I don't know about all the versions but we thought this was yummy.  I'm told it is similar to a Cafe Rio dressing. Ingredients 1 packet of buttermilk ranch dressing 1 cup mayo 1 cup buttermilk 1 bunch of cilantro (cut off the stems at the bottom of bunch but don't worry about getting all the leaves off the stems) 2 tomatillos, husked 1 jalapeno, seeded garlic powder, just a few shakes juice from 1 lime Instructions Blend all ingredients in a blender until creamy and smooth.  Let chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

These beans are good with rice, or in a taco salad.  Just a simple recipe. Supposedly these are like beans at Cafe Rio.  It doesn't make a lot, maybe enough for 2 or 3 people, depending on how much you want a serving to be. Ingredients 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 1/3 C. tomato juice 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp fresh chopped cilantro Instructions In a nonstick skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat until you can smell it.  Add beans, tomato juice, and salt.  Stir often until heated through.  Remove from heat and stir in cilantro just before serving.  Taste and add salt if needed.