Ratatouille???

I don't know about you but I have love, love, loved the rain that has finally kissed us with it's sweet lips. Surprisingly, this morning's rain came with some pretty fierce wind, which having just moved here from Oklahoma (where the winds come crashing through the plains), it somewhat threw me for a loop. After enjoying the sounds of rain from inside the house while working in the garage, I decided I wanted nothing more than to eat something warm and somewhat soupish. Unfortunately I have not done a whole lot of shopping since my move back, leaving with me no choice but to doll up an organic can of beans.

This week was kinda tough in that I had a whole lot going on! I had to relinquish the love of my life, Luke, to an adoptive parent who could give him a home, as I am still looking for mine and I staying with friends. My other Beagle, Tulsa, is staying at a bachelor pad with some friends of mine who I've known for a very long time. The plan is for Tulsa and I to move into our new home within a month. Until then, I continue unpack, sell, post pix on ebay, craigslist and whatever else I need to do to get rid of the thousand-and-one things I own!

Today was no different. I spent the first three hours of my day, entering in ISBN's of the over 500+ books I own to see who'll buy them back from me. When the hunger struck, I was ready to more than ready to eat! The nice thing is that it took me about five minutes to concoct this bad boy. The bad news is...that it was beans. With too much time on my hands today, I took a minute and a half to film the goods. Beware, I have absolutely no makeup on, was still in my p.j.'s and had no intentions of getting dolled up for a bowl of beans! Here you go...

Recipe:

1 Can Organic Pinto Beans

1 -2 tsp. of Garlic Salt

1/4 tsp. of Black Pepper

1/2 cup of vegetables (carrots, broccoli, onions, green and red bell peppers)

1 Tbsp. of Cilantro (not included on video due to having none in the fridge:o)

2 Tbsp. of grated Cheddar Cheese

2 Corn Tortillas

*As an extra garnish/flavor, add green chile-salsa.

Directions:

Add beans to pot, adding all seasonings and vegetables. Bring bean-mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. When finished add cheese on top. On a separate burner, warm up two tortillas as "bread" item. Serves One (which is good when you're eating a whole can of beans) ;)

There is a not-as-cheesey version of this bean bowl, at el pollo loco http://www.elpolloloco.com/ except it's called a veggie bowl (I think), which is no longer on the menu, but still available. On a side-note, their loco-salad is the best $1 salad I've ever eaten...must be the cilantro dressing and the tortilla chips!

Until next time, turn on those tree-lights--they warm my heart...every time.

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39

Fullerton, CA