Black Beans with Bacon

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             FOOD FUNNY
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In an earlier, less politically correct era, this joke from Rosemary
Zwick might have been known as a "blonde joke." Thank goodness those
days are behind us.

My boyfriend and I were lunching at a sidewalk cafe in Huntington Beach,
California. Our waitress looked like a real surfer girl: athletic with a
great tan and blonde hair. Mulling over the menu, my guy asked her if
the roast beef was rare. The waitress gave us a stare and replied,
"Well, no. We have it, like, just about every day."

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             TODAY'S RECIPE
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I happen to believe that bacon and beans are one of the world's great
natural taste combinations, and this quick and easy chili-type dish
makes good use of both of them.

Black Beans with Bacon

1/4 lb (225 g) bacon, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2-4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 15-ounce (420 g) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-ounce (420 g) can diced tomatoes
1 4-ounce (112 g) can diced green chilies
3 Tbs (45 ml) chili powder
1 Tbs (15 ml) dried oregano
1/4 tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper, or to taste
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Sour cream for garnish (optional)
Chopped cilantro (coriander) for garnish (optional)

Fry the bacon in a large saucepan over moderate heat until almost crisp,
about 10 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and saute until the onion is
tender, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until
the mixture has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes. Serve hot or at
room temperature garnished with sour cream and/or chopped cilantro if desired.
Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Tue Dec 11 19:49:31 2007