Vegetarian Black Bean Mexican Cornbread Casserole

This is a recipe I heard on NPR one weekend while driving in the car. I love this recipe because you could make it vegetarian or add seasoned beef, chicken, or turkey if you wanted. Either way, it's very filling and very yummy!

1 large yellow onion, diced (but not too small)
3 multi-colored bell peppers, diced (but not too small)
2 Tbs. butter (I use Promise)
1 can black beans (drained & rinsed)
1 can corn (drained)
1 (16 oz.) jar salsa
1/2 packet of taco seasoning
1 package 2% Mexican blend shredded cheese
1 packet cornbread mix (Martha White)
1 egg (for cornbread mix)
1/2 cup milk (for cornbread mix)

In a small bowl, prepare the cornbread mixture according to packet directions and set aside.

Sautee onions and peppers in butter until tender (~7-10 minutes). Add in corn, beans, salsa, and taco seasoning. Mix and continue to sautee for ~2 minutes until heated through.

Pour mixture into a casserole dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Even it out with a spoon, then put a healthy layer of cheese on top. Gently pour the cornbread mixture on top of the cheese and gently spread over until casserole is completely covered.

Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

This dish could be the main dish or a side dish. It could be vegetarian or meaty. You could add different vegetables if you want. That's what I just love about this dish! You can make it your own!

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Honey-Glazed Easter Ham

To me, the holidays conjure up images of family, friends, and FOOD! A clove-studded, honey-glazed Easter ham is a perfect, easy way to serve your loved ones a delicious, traditional meal. It's not difficult in the least, and doing it yourself will save you a lot of money, plus, it makes your house smell wonderful!!

6 lb. bone-in, ready-to-cook ham
1 cup water
1/4 cup whole cloves
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
2 cups honey
2/3 cup butter

In a 2 inch deep, foil-lined roasting pan or casserole dish, pour in one cup of water and place your ham, rounded side up. Bake the ham, lightly tented with foil, for 1 hour at 350.

On the stove top, heat syrup, honey, and butter on medium low heat. Stir until it's an even liquid. Don't boil!

Remove ham from oven, score, stud with cloves, and brush on a coat of honey glaze. Keep the remaining glaze warm in the saucepan, keeping the heat on low and stirring occasionally.

Cook the ham uncovered at 350 for another 1 hour and 15 minutes (or until center of ham reaches ). Baste ham with glaze every 15 minutes until done.

Remove ham from oven and let rest 20-30 minutes under foil before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

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Hand-Painted Easter Eggs

Okay, so this isn't exactly a recipe, but these hand-painted eggs were so fun and turned out to be so pretty, that I had to share this idea.

My mom had suggested having an egg painting party around Easter, so I started looking up images on the Web of hand-painted eggs.

I bought a set of those Crayola washable paint sets that you buy for kids to paint with, a couple of thin paint brushes, and an Easter egg dye kit.

Once all of the eggs were dyed and dried, I picked up the brush and just started painting! I highly recommend this activity with your family, kids, or friends. I love the idea of the Egg Painting Party that my mom suggested. With all of the new 'spirited art' places popping up, I thought this is a way to put your own twist on it and get all of your friends together for some creative fun! 

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