Black Bean and Corn Salad

This refreshing salad is a perfect combination of hearty black beans, sweet corn, crisp bell peppers, zesty green onions, and a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. This salad is ideal for those looking for a nutritious and satisfying option, as it is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. Enjoy this versatile salad as a side dish, a topping for tacos, or as a tasty and healthy snack.

Ingredients

• ½ cup olive oil

• ⅓ cup fresh lime juice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels

• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 6 green onions, thinly sliced

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Place olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small jar. Close the lid tightly and shake the jar until the dressing is well combined.

2. Combine in a salad bowl beans, corn, avocado, bell pepper, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.

3. Shake dressing again, pour over salad, and toss to coat.

Campfire Foil Packs

From roasting marshmallows to cooking hearty stews in a Dutch oven, it’s the season for campfire cooking. Try this simple recipe that can be prepared in a zipper bag ahead of time and packed in to your campsite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - cubed

• 2 onions, diced

• 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms

• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips

• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips

• 4 cloves garlic, sliced

• 4 small potatoes, cubed

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 lemon, juiced

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

2. Build a campfire and allow the fire to burn until it has accumulated a bed of coals. Rake the coals into a flat bed on one side of the fire.

3. Combine chicken, onion, mushrooms, peppers, garlic, and potatoes in a large bowl or a large resealable plastic bag. Pour in olive oil and lemon juice and toss to coat.

4. Evenly divide the mixture between 4 large sheets of aluminum foil. Top each with another sheet of foil and roll up the edges tightly. Double wrap each packet with another sheet of foil.

5. Cook over the preheated coals until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 40 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F.

Baby Spinach Omelet

On Mother's Day, start the day off right by preparing a delicious baby spinach omelet for mom. Slide the omelet onto a plate and serve it to mom with a side of fresh avocado and a warm smile - the perfect way to show your appreciation on her special day.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup torn baby spinach leaves

• 1 ½ tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Beat eggs in a bowl, and stir in baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Season with onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

2. Spray a small skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Once warm, add in the egg mixture and cook until partially set, about 3 minutes. Flip with a spatula, and continue cooking, 2 to 3 minutes.

3. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, 2 to 3 minutes, or until omelet reaches desired doneness.

Vintage Lemonade

In the 1800s, a simple yet revitalizing lemonade recipe emerged, combining freshly squeezed lemons, cold water, and just the right amount of sugar flavored by the peel. This classic concoction provided a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, offering a perfect way to beat the summer heat. Embrace a taste of the past with this timeless lemonade recipe that continues to stand the test of time.

Ingredients

• 5 lemons

• 1 ¼ cups white sugar

• 1 ¼ quarts water

Directions

1. Peel the rinds from the 5 lemons and cut them into 1/2 inch slices. Set the lemons aside.

2. Place the rinds in a bowl and sprinkle the sugar over them. Let this stand for about one hour, so that the sugar begins to soak up the oils from the lemons.

3. Bring water to a boil in a covered saucepan and then pour the hot water over the sugared lemon rinds. Allow this mixture to cool for 20 minutes and then remove the rinds.

4. Squeeze the lemons into another bowl. Pour the juice through a strainer into the sugar mixture. Stir well, pour into pitcher and pop it in the fridge! Serve with ice cubes.

TexMex Pasta Salad

Try this southwestern twist on a summer favorite at you next cookout.

Ingredients

• ½ (16 ounce) package rotini pasta

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice

• 2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 ½ cups whole kernel corn

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• ½ cup diced green bell pepper

• ½ cup diced red bell pepper

• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves

• 1 cup chopped roma (plum) tomatoes

Directions

• Step 1

  Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

• Step 2

  In a large bowl combine oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic. Stir in pasta and set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

• Step 3

  Stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves. Spoon onto a platter and garnish with tomatoes and remaining cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Spring Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is the perfect spring dish. With broccoli and cauliflower being cool weather plants, you might have some just about ready to harvest.

Ingredients

• 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1 medium carrot, shredded

• ¼ medium red onion, minced

• 5 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper sauce (such as Frank's® RedHot®)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

• Step 1

  Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli and cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Drain, then transfer florets to a bowl of ice water to cool.

• Step 2

  Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, pepper sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for dressing together in a bowl.

• Step 3

  Remove florets from the ice water and put on paper towels to dry.

• Step 4

  When ready to serve, transfer florets to a large bowl. Mix in carrot, onion, and bacon. Pour in dressing and toss until well distributed. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.