Priorities

The Empty Pickle Jar --from Simple Truths

Priorities…and choices….Nancy says “chip away…chip away”….

McDougall's Polenta with Black Beans

2-24 oz packages San Gennaro precooked polenta

½ cup water

2 onions, chopped

2 red bell peppers, chopped

2 orange or yellow bell peppers, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

3-15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed

14 oz can chopped green chilies

1-15 oz can crushed tomatoes

 2 t chili powder

2 t ground cumin

dash or two Tabasco sauce

freshly ground pepper to taste

½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

1-2 cups Mango salsa

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Slice polenta half-inch thick. Place on a nonstick baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the water, onion, bell peppers and garlic in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, except cilantro, and cook an additional 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro and remove from heat.

Serve over the polenta and top with some Mango salsa.

Mango Salsa

2 c peeled, chopped, ripe mango

½ c finely chopped onion

½ c finely chopped red bell pepper

1 whole, fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

¼ t bottled minced garlic

1 T cider vinegar

1 T warm water

several twists freshly ground black pepper

dash salt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving, if possible.