It makes the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for the weekend and the leftovers serve as a great light lunch during the week.The best part: You get the full-on flavor without the bloat-inducing sodium in traditional restaurant versions.
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.
My entire family loves this cheese dip. I often get requests to bring it to gatherings with friends. Chopped scallions make a pretty garnish. —Julie Koch, Delaware, Ohio
