Tex Mex Fiesta

Since yesterday was Cinco de Mayo, I thought it fitting for this post. My mother-in-law made this once for a RS Birthday dinner and the whole family uses these recipes again and again. They are all so yummy!

Corn & Bean Salsa

1 can whole corn, drained & rinsed

1 can black beans, drained & rinsed

1 can black eyed peas, drained & rinsed

1 green pepper, chopped

½ cup cilantro, chopped

4 roma tomatoes, chopped

½ purple onion, chopped

1-2 avocados, chopped

1 pkg. Good Seasons Zesty Italian Dressing mix, prepared as directed.

Mix together, serve with chips, ENJOY!

Sweet Pulled Pork

3-5 lbs. sirloin or boneless pork loin roast (cut larger roast in half or quarters)

1 cup salsa

1 cup packed brown sugar

Place ingredients in a greased slow cooker. Cover with lid and cook on high for 6-8 hours until pork begins to fall apart. Shred pork using two forks. Do not drain liquid, it will be absorbed back into the shredded meat. Add 1 additional cup of salsa. Season with salt (1-2 tsp.) and pepper to taste. Turn crock pot to warm or low. Use meat in burritos, tacos or salads.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice

1 tsp. butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. grated lime peel (zest)

2 cups chicken broth

Combine into saucepan and cook until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat.

2 Tbl. freshly squeezed lime juice

2 tsp. granulated sugar

3 Tbl. fresh chopped cilantro

Mix together in a bowl, pour over rice, mix together, and serve.

Black Beans

1 lb. pkg. dried black beans

3-4 cups tomato juice or blended canned tomatoes

4 Tbl. olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbl. ground cumin

1 tsp. salt

¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

Soak black beans overnight and cook as directed on pkg. Drain and rinse beans in a colander. In a non-stick skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly. Add beans, tomato juice, and salt. Continue to stir until heated through. (Can be put into a crock pot on warm or low) Just before serving stir in chopped cilantro.

Creamy Tomatillo Dressing

2 cups light Ranch Salad Dressing

1 cup tomatillo salsa

2 Tbl. fresh chopped cilantro

Mix together in blender until smooth. Refrigerate.