Ken Oringer believes chefs need to make a point of eating healthy dishes when they can, so he includes protein-rich quinoa in his diet at least three times a week. Here he mixes the grain with black beans, onions and peppers to make a hearty and very satisfying side dish that's a fun variation on prosaic five-bean salad.
Pepperoni provides the zip in this pizza-flavored casserole that kids of all ages will enjoy. "Serve it with a tossed salad and garlic toast, and you'll have a winner every time," assures Nancy Scarlett of Graham, North Carolina.
Cowboy Caviar starts with a spicy base of black-eyed peas, tomatoes, corn, and avocado. Scoop it up with tortilla chips for an appetizer, or add cabbage and it becomes a coleslaw.
I knew I had some precooked italian sausage in the fridge and some totellini in the pantry. So I pulled them out and added a few other ingredients and ended up with what my husband called "the BEST thing he has ever eaten."
These have the perfect combination of flavors and taste absolutely delicious! They do have a little kick to them, so if you don’t like things spicy make sure to take out the chili powder and cumin.
