Black Beans n Rice.... a comfort food meal

I love black beans and do not make them often enough! Pintos and anasazis are my go-to beans for most meals but every so often I have a hankerin' for good ole black beans.

I soak them overnight to get a head start..

saute onions, scallions and garlic in bacon drippings...

add smoked sausage for extra flavor....

Then the drained black beans...

Next comes chicken stock, a pinch each of thyme, basil, and oregano. Bay leaf....cayenne to taste.

Into the drum to catch some smoke and simmer til the beans are tender...

While the beans simmered, I made a skillet of jalapeno cornbread..

I like to add whole corn kernals, minced scallions and minced jalapenos to my cornbread batter..

I used my oven for this. lol I have an oven!

Added smoked pulled pork to the beans and let them go a bit longer...

I added more chicken stock when needed during the cook...

Seasoned with salt and pepper to taste...

Topped some hot rice with the smoked pork and black beans...

Added a bit more "juice" and called er good.

'

It reminds me of my childhood for some reason.  Maybe because it's filling, warming and my mom used to make something similar with rice. I don't make this often but when I do, I wonder what took me so long. lol

All is going well here. Still no rain but things could be worse. My critters are fat and happy. There are a few beautiful days mixed in with "rocks in your pockets so you won't blow away" days.

Hope everyone is staying healthy and happy.

Thanks for stopping by!

More Smoked Chicken Chile Rellenos

One of the things I love about leftover smoked meats, I can stuff rellenos with them!

I saved some smoked chicken from this cook...

Blistered, peeled and seeded some poblano chiles...

added scallions, cheese and seasonings to the smoked chicken..

Stuffed the chiles and dusted them with flour to help the batter stick...

Made my batter.. beat 8 egg whites til stiff, add 8 fork beaten yolks..fold in 8 TBs of flour and a pinch of salt...

Dip stuffed chiles in batter and fry til golden...

Spoon some of the hot oil onto the chile to set the batter before flipping them over. It makes things easier. lol

Served over a sauce of sauteed onions and garlic, add 2 cups of chicken stock, 8 oz of tomato sauce, oregano, salt and pepper to taste..

I love these! 

Still no rain here but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. My garden plants are ready to be moved outside as soon as then night temperatures rise a bit. I have camping fever and hope to get away for a few days this week. Not sure if outdoor campfire cooking will be allowed. I might have to take a tabletop grill or sardines in a can. lol

Hope everyone had a nice Easter.

Thanks for stopping by!