Black Bean Dip

Black Bean Dip
1- 15.25 oz can black beans
1/2 c salsa
2 T lime juice
1/4 t cumin
about a 1/4 bunch of cilantro, to taste
salt and pepper, to taste

1. Place beans, salsa, lime juice, cumin, and cilantro in a food processor; process until smooth.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with tortilla chips.

Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops

Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops
2-3 eggs
1 c grated Parmesan cheese
1 c Italian-style bread crumbs
4-5 (1/2-3/4" thick) center-cut pork chops
salt and pepper, to taste
4-6 T olive oil

1. Whisk eggs in a shallow dish. Put cheese and bread crumbs each in their own shallow dish, or plate.
2. Pat pork chops dry and rub with salt and pepper. Press in to Parmesan, dredge in eggs, and then press in to bread crumbs. (Repeat for each pork chop.)
3. Pour olive oil into a large skillet and place on stove over medium heat. Once the oil has heated up, lay 1-2 pork chops in the oil.
4. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes depending on thickness, on each side. Serve warm.

Dark Muddy Buddies

Dark Muddy Buddies
4 1/2 c rice Chex cereal
1/4 c creamy peanut butter
2 T butter, softened
10 Hershey's special dark kisses, cut into small pieces
1 t vanilla
3/4 c powdered sugar

1. Measure cereal into a large bowl; set aside.
2. Mix peanut butter, butter, and kisses in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave on high for 30 seconds.
3. Stir vanilla into mixture and pour over cereal; toss well to coat.
4. Sprinkle powdered sugar over cereal and toss to coat.

Freezing Bell Peppers & Green Onions

I found red bell peppers for a steal at a local market and bought a bunch. I knew I wouldn't use them all before they went bad, so I decided to freeze them. Here's how I did it:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice or chop peppers into desired size; lay one layer on parchment paper.
3. Place in freezer for 45 minutes.
4. Transfer to freezer bags, remove air and seal bags, and place them in the freezer.

Here's how I froze green onions:
1. Rinse green onions and dry completely.
2. Line a baking sheet with a paper towel; chop green onions as usual and spread on baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Place baking sheet in freezer for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from freezer; put onions in plastic container(s)*, cover, and freeze.
*You can also use a freezer bag if you let out all the air before storing.

Buttered Garlic Top Sirloin

Buttered Garlic Top Sirloin
8-10 oz top sirloin(s)
salt and pepper, to taste
2 T butter, per steak
1-2 cloves garlic, per steak

1. Take steak out of the fridge about a half hour early to bring it to room temperature; meanwhile, prep the grill.
2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and then rub salt and pepper into both sides of the steak.
3. Melt the butter and mix in garlic; slather on one side of steak.
4. Lay steak, butter side down, on the grill; slather garlic butter on the top side of the steak.
5. Cook steak for 8-10 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and how well done you like your steak.
6. Once cooked, let it rest on the plate for about 5 minutes before cutting/serving.

Baked Potato Chips

Much healthier than anything you'll buy in a bag.

Baked Potato Chips
2 large or 3 medium russet potatoes, cut into 1/8"-thick slices
2-3 T olive oil
2-3 t black pepper
2-3 t salt

1. Preheat oven to 450* and line two baking sheets with foil.
2. Place all ingredients in a large ziploc bag; shake to coat evenly.
3. Spread potatoes out on baking sheets in a single layer.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, rotate sheets (top/bottom and front/back), and bake for another 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.

Sour Cream Cucumber Salad

Sour Cream Cucumber Salad
1 large cucumber
3/4 c water
3/4 c white vinegar
1 1/2 t salt
1/2 c [light] sour cream
1/2-1 t dried dill, to taste
1/2 t sugar
pepper to taste

1. Slice cucumber super thin; place in ziploc bag along with water, vinegar, and salt.
2. Soak for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.
3. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, dill, sugar, and pepper.
4. Drain cucumbers, rinse, and drain again. Repeat a few times if desired.
5. Add cucumber slices to sour cream mixture and coat evenly.