Etiquette

Last night was our Young Men/Young Women Etiquette Dinner. The Young Women leaders cooked for days creating Mexican dishes that would please the palate (while also providing opportunities for learning proper dinner etiquette). :o) Hope you enjoy these side dishes!

Spanish Rice

½ lb. bacon, diced
1 c. rice
1 onion, diced
2 c. water
1 c. tomato sauce
½ tsp. cumin
½ tsp. thyme
½ tsp. chili powder
½ tsp. garlic
cheddar cheese, grated

Chop bacon and fry. Set aside. (Side note: Bacon is MUCH easier to chop when it is slightly frozen than when it is fully thawed.) In bacon drippings, brown rice and onion. Add water and tomato sauce. Season with spices. Simmer until liquid is absorbed. Top with cheese and bacon.


Refried Beans

2 lbs. dried pinto beans
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 beef bouillon cubes (or 3 tsp. bouillon granules)
1 T. salt
2 c. grated cheddar cheese
1/2 c. mild Taco Bell sauce

Rinse beans well before using. In a crockpot, cover beans with water well above the level of the beans and let soak overnight. In the morning, add garlic, beef boullion cubes, and salt. Cook on high about 6 hours or until beans are soft enough to mash. Drain off water about 2 inches below beans. Mix the beans with an electric mixer. Add cheese and Taco Bell sauce.