Mexican Rice & Beans

My mom sent me this email to use these for my Mexican fiesta for the Green Orchid Photography Christmas Party.  Everyone was ranting & raving about the rice & beans so I figured I'd post her email on here so you could try it yourself.  Rice & beans are a great addition to any meal to add a little texture & weight.  Rice & beans in a salad add a ton of protein & help you fulfill your hunger much quicker!!  So, here is her email!  Enjoy.

"black beans- wash beans a few times. To the bean pot add black beans, a couple fresh(or canned) jalapenos, add water to about 2 inches above the bean level. Cook on low for as long as 6 hours or just until the beans are soft. Add a little salt after the beans have been cooking for a while. Cover with a sprinkle of cheese.
spanish rice- to a large pan, add 1.5 tbsp of oil. Add 2 cups of white rice and fry up the rice until it turns white. add dice onions and let cook with rice. When the rice is white, add 2.5 cups of broth (veggie), a chopped up tomato, salt. and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce . turn fire to low and cook for about 20 mins."

Mango Lassi- Refreshing & Healthy!!

Mango Lassi

Time from start to finish: 5 minutes

9 fluid ounces plain yogurt

4 1/2 fluid ounces plain soy milk

4 1/2 fluid ounces canned mango pulp or 7 ounces from 3 fresh mangos (stoned & sliced)

4 teaspoons sugar, to taste, or feel free to try salt & cardamom seeds :)

Put all the ingredients into a blender & blend for 2 minutes, then pour into individual glasses & serve with or without ice (I prefer with ice! The ice makes it super refreshing).  Lassi can be kept in the refrigerator without ice for up to 24 hours!!

Hope you enjoy this refreshing drink that will hit your sweet tooth while keeping you fresh & low in sugar!   Ditch those milk shakes & ice cream sundaes... this will definitely do the job for a huge fraction off the calories & heaviness!

Enjoy!