Black Bean Dip Salsa

If you are looking for something simple to make for a barbecue, try this black bean dip salsa.  It is so easy, and definitely one of the first things to go at a party.  This has always been one of my favorite things my mom would make for us.  The key is to pick out a great salsa, which is half of the recipe.  You can make your own, or you can pick one out at the grocery store.   I have been enjoying Frontera Habanero Salsa, from Rick Bayless (of course).

Tortilla Soup in a Flash

Sometimes when I get home from work I am really tempted to ordered something in. When I give into temptation, I end up with a mediocre meal that just leaves me with a stomach ache and greasy Styrofoam. Now, when I feel that urge I think about the simple recipe of Black Bean Tortilla Soup. I found this soup in Everyday Food a month ago, tried it out, and have made it a few times since. Besides being quick, hearty, and great leftovers, the best part about the soup is that I usually have a lot of the ingredients in my cupboard. The recipe calls for chicken broth, but I use vegetable and I add a lot more lime than it calls for because it really freshens up the soup.