Froze-in February Fiesta Black Beans and I-Forot-My-ID Froze-In Cocktails

I know, you all have missed me.  It's been about...a couple hours since my last post.  OK, so I'm a little bored and stir-crazy with this ice storm.  BUT, it's giving me plenty of time to write, blog, and throw together random things I have in my kitchen (no, not all of which have been blog-worthy).

Last night I decided I had had it and it was time to get out, if even for a little bit.  I resolved to walk to the little Mexican restaurant around the corner from my house (less than a mile...not too bad) for some of their delicious, fresh guacamole.  I didn't want to get my car out of the garage; I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get it back up the driveway...and then I would have to go all the way outside to start it AND scrape windows...YUCK!  So I bundled up (2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts, hoodie, a fluffy vest, puffy coat, large scarf, cap hat, gloves, and boots), and set out on foot.  Actually, the walk there wasn't half bad.  The wind was at my back so I barely felt the cold!  I stopped at the Mexican grocery - where everything is written in Spanish, and everyone speaks Spanish - for some tortilla chips, walked a few doors down for the guac, then to the next door to choose some booze.  Wine can make being shut in better for anyone, right?

Of course, I didn't have room in all that bundling for my wallet, so I had just grabbed a couple bucks and my debit card.  I totally didn't even think about my ID until the scruffy older woman at the counter said with a scowl, "Just need to see your ID."  DOH!  I politely told her I didn't have it, totally forgot it, my bad.  "Well, I know, it's your fault."  Huh?  Whaaaa?  I mean, I know, I understand why you might think I'm some dumb-ass minor who's trying to pull one over on you, but still...you don't have to be so crabby!  I smiled at her and left, with half a mind to drive my happy ass back with my ID just to be trite.  Nah...not worth it!  I had vodka in the freezer anyway.  :-D

After walking home, making the best of the sleet stinging my face since the wind was now in my face, I was ready for something warm to go with my chips and guac.  Here's what I concocted (using what I had in my cupboard, plus a couple things I picked up at the Mexi-market while I was there).

Froze-in February Fiesta Black Beans with Mango and Spinach

*1 can black beans, rinsed (my favorite are Eden Organic...they have kombu seaweed, which helps cut down on the flatulence factor ;-) )
*1 c. your favorite jar salsa (I would normally add fresh ingredients tomatoes/jalapenos/onions, but I didn't have any!)
*1 mango, cubed
*1-2 handfuls fresh spinach
*dash cayenne
*1 tsp. chili powder

Bring black beans and salsa to a simmer in small saucepan or shallow pan.  Stir in remaining ingredients until spinach is wilted.  Serve warm with chips and guacamole, or use as tortilla filling!

Now since I couldn't buy myself some wine, I decided to whip myself up a frozen concoction with what I had.  Vodka, fresh and frozen fruit, it can be done!  Frozen cocktails while I'm "froze-in"...meh, we make the best of what we have!

I-Forgot-My-ID Cocktails

Since I wasn't able to buy wine, and I was in desperate want of some adult refreshment, I had to use what I had in my kitchen already.  Here's what I found to inspire me:

-an opened bottle of vodka in the freezer

-a bottle each of apple pucker and apple vodka

-an unopened bottle of Strawberry Hill Boone's Farm (joke gift from a friend for my last birthday)

-a variety of frozen fruits (mixed berries, blueberries, pineapple)

-fresh bananas, apples, pears, oranges

I-Forgot-My-ID Froze-In Cocktail:  Sled-berry Hill

*1/2 banana (fresh or frozen)

*1 c. (approx.) frozen mixed berries

*1 part vodka

*6 parts Strawberry Hill Boone's Farm (separated, 3+3)

Place banana, berries, vodka, and 3 parts Strawberry Hill in blender.  Blend on high until smooth.  Pour remaining 3 parts Strawberry Hill into glass, then pour frozen mixture in on top.  Garnish with sliced banana and/or strawberries.

Hot and Spicy Black Bean Salsa with Spinach

This recipe came about because I wanted spicy, I wanted beans, I wanted Mexican. I didn't have tortillas or guacamole, so my burritos weren't doable. I used what I had and made this warm black bean salsa...and it was actually more delicious than I had expected! Here goes...

-1/2 c. black beans (dry)
-1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
-1/4 medium onion, chopped
-1/2 medium green bell pepper
-1 clove garlic, minced
-1/2 tsp. chili powder
-1/2 tsp. cayenne powder
-1 small-medium tomato, chopped
-1 c. fresh spinach
-salt/ground pepper to taste

Rinse and soak black beans overnight. Place soaked beans in saucepan with water and cook desired tenderness.

Heat olive oil in skillet. Saute onion and bell pepper until slightly tender. Add garlic and heat until vegetables are soft and onions translucent. Stir in beans and chili powder; cook until heated through. Stir in tomatoes until warmed. Add spinach and allow to wilt. Season with salt/pepper.

Serve warm with tortilla chips (my favorite are Garden of Eatin' Red Hot Blues).