Don't you think Winter is the time for cozy gatherings with comfort foods and hot chocolate?  I love using these flannel napkins as cozies for bowls and mugs, to enjoy soup snuggled up on the couch for a movie or for a bowl of chili while watching the football game.  This week I made my Black Beans and Rice recipe that I have been making for years and probably make a little different each time I do it. And you also can make it your own with these ingredient suggestions.

Large pot or slow cooker

2 - 3 cans of black beans

1 - 2 cans of diced tomatoes

1 can of diced tomatoes and green chillies

1 - 2 cups of soup broth

Tablespoon of tomato paste

Spices to taste:  salt, pepper, Beau Monde, cayenne pepper, Mural of Flavor (Penzey's), frozen garlic, pinch of sugar

Fresh roasted chicken from the grocery store, meat removed and used in large chuncks

So, into the pot everything goes and let it simmer on low for one to two hours. (longer if you use a slow cooker, usually 4 - 6 hours) 

Serve it over rice.  I usually cook a big pot of rice, but in a pinch I love the frozen packets you can buy at the grocery store, white or brown.  They are a time saver and very convenient.  I buy them for my parents, a packet is a perfect portion for the two of them at dinner.  

On top, you can add whatever you like.  This time I added fresh avacado, sour cream and a couple of breakfast sausages.  Did I mention I have a 21 year old son who likes his protein!  The day before I actually added a hard boiled egg instead of the breakfast sausage.  

You can consider adding a vegetable also if you like, fresh or frozen. Maybe peas, cauliflower, broccoli.... anything you have in your fridge or freezer.  

I have also added cilantro paste in the past and frozen basil but was out of them this time.

There are so many spices that you may want to use in this recipe, as well as other ingredient combinations. Please send them in comments and add pictures of your creations.  I would love to see them.

And here are other ways I use my lunch box napkins:

Thanks so much for taking time to visit and enjoy your day.