by on January 31, 2011   •   48 Comments Quick Bites

Michel’s Super Bowl Guacamole Recipe (vlog)

On Sunday afternoon, Danny and I will gather at his father’s place and watch the Super Bowl with as many of his seven other brothers as are in town. There’s also a handful of grandchildren, family friends, wives and girlfriends who help push the numbers well into the twenties, but there’s always plenty of food to go around.

Full confession: I’m not a huge football fan. The Super Bowl is about the only game I sit through all year, and that is mostly because of the company — and the food. For years, my brother-in-law, Michel, has been bringing a massive bowl of guacamole that, together with a few bags of tortilla chips, keeps the gang of us happy until half-time. It always keeps me coming back for more, and with avocados in season right now, guacamole is ideal Super Bowl party fare.

It wasn’t until recently that I discovered Michel’s guac had a secret ingredient, and of course when I did, I knew I had to share it with readers. It is an absolutely brilliant addition that makes for a healthier guacamole and helps stretch it out. And when you’re making dip for twenty people, anything that stretches avocados is a good thing.

Michel agreed to do a demo just for you, my readers, so hit the jump to watch our fun vlog, and learn about the secret ingredient that now goes into all my guacamole.
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5 tips to make a vegetarian main dish
by on January 12, 2011   •   47 Comments Dinner

5 Tips to Create Vegetarian Friendly Meals (Black Bean Burritos)

Written by Katie of Good life {eats}.

With the New Year beginning many of us find ourselves setting goals and often those goals are health related in some way or another. Yesterday while grocery shopping, the check out clerk casually commented that in January she sells more salad related ingredients than any other month. Health is definitely on our minds right now.

I know that I certainly have some of those same goals and doing a little bit better to take care of my body, and the bodies of my family members is pretty high on the list.

I’d like to be more physically active this year, make sure I eat a balanced meal for lunch, my hardest meal of the day, and continue with our tradition of eating vegetarian once or twice a week.

Encouraging my kids to eat more vegetables is also something that is important to us. They are great with fruits, but vegetables are not their most favorite.

Whether your goal is general, such as “eating healthier” or more specific, like “eat less meat” or “eat more vegetables” I have a few tips to help you achieve that goal.

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by on January 5, 2011   •   37 Comments Dinner

Warm up your Season with Beans (Recipe: Frijoles Rancheros)

Written by Diana of A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa.

I am so excited to be here at Simple Bites sharing my family’s traditional Spanish and Mexican recipes. My hope is that you will be encouraged to try new flavors that are sure to spice up your life.

Since the weather outside is calling for dishes to warm our souls, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite Mexican bean recipes. Frijoles rancheros or Mexican ranch style beans.

They are easy to make and the flavors captured can’t be beat by anything you buy in a can.

These beans make a great side dish to enchiladas, tacos or anything you can come up with. However, what I love about these beans is that you can add a brisket or ham hock to the cooking beans and have a complete meal in a pot.

Shred the meat, warm up some tortillas and you’ll have a quick and easy meal of authentic Mexican tacos and beans.

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