For me, its almost the ultimate expression of love. Cooking a meal for someone says: You know, I care enough about you that I took the time to think about what you might enjoy and decided to take the time to put it together.
I have seriously cooking since I was twelve. My dad, who had been the cook of the family, passed away. Don't get me wrong, mom knew how to cook,and I use some of her recipes to this day, but mom is more of a meat and potatoes every night kind of gal, where I enjoy being a little more adventurous. It was what we were used to, it was how dad cooked for us.
I've found myself doing more experimenting in the kitchen since I got married. To be honest, I think its because I actually have someone else to give me their opinion. For me, when I'm alone, I just can't bring myself to experiment and be extravagant because the pay off just isn't there. I love it when people's eyes light up and they tell me how delicious it is...hearing the word "delicious" is the equivilant to "I love you" in my world.
Anywhooo...
Tonight's recipe is a tribute to my husband who was begging me to find a good recipe for Cowboy Beans...a dish that is almost chili, but not quite...I did find a recipe...I found several, but none of them had what I was looking for all together...so what does this industrious diva do? She takes a little bit of what she likes from each recipe and creates a new one. I think it turned out alright...but my husband will be the ultimate judge when we finally get to eat it in about 1/2 an hour.
This one is a quick fix- kind of....You throw everything into the crock pot, however, there are a few steps beyond that. Read, cook and enjoy...until next time darlings!
Brittany’s Modge Podge Cowboy Beans
1 can pinto beans*
1 can black beans *
1 can diced tomatoes
2/3 c Ketchup
2/3 c Barbecue sauce
3 TBS vinegar
1/3 c Brown sugar
2 TBS mustard
(optional) a swizzle of tapito or other hot sauce/chili sauce to taste (I usually end up using about 2 ½ tsps.)
Mix these ingredients in a crock pot, turn it on to high
*can substitute other types of beans if you desire them more, for example can use two cans of kidney beans instead of two different kinds or mix black and kidney beans, etc. the possibilities are endless!
Next:
Brown 1 lbs ground beef with the following:
½ large green pepper diced as small as possible
½ medium onion diced as small as possible
Salt and pepper to taste
Add to the crock pot once browned
Next:
Fry 4-6 slices of bacon *
*can stick bacon strips on a paper towel and put a paper towel over the top for 3 minutes in the microwave
Chop the cooked bacon and add to the crock pot
Cook all ingredients together for 2-4 hours in crock pot on high. Serve warm with cheese on top if desired and rolls.
