crockpot black bean soup.

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a soup that is light enough for the summer, but hearty enough for those cold fall and winter months too.

photo from {closet cooking}.

crockpot black bean soup: serves 8.
1 1/2 C. dried black beans
4 C. chicken broth (4 C. water and 4 tsp. chicken bouillon)
1 jar  mild or medium salsa (equal to 1 pint)
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 T. chili powder
1 can corn, drained

optional toppings:
tortilla chips
sour cream
shredded cheese
cilantro
tomatoes
avocado
black olives
lime

1) soak beans overnight (rinse well, and pick out any beans that are broken and cover with 2" water).

2) in the morning: rinse beans and place in crockpot.  add salsa, chicken broth and spices and stir until combined.

3) cook on low for 6-8 hours.

4) take out 2 C. of soup and puree in a blender until smooth; add back to soup.

5) stir in corn and cover; allow to warm back up again for a few minutes.

serve with toppings of choice and don't forget to lick the bowl clean!

peanut butter banana roll-up.

this is a great snack or lunch, especially fun for kids.

photo from {ready, set, eat}.

peanut butter banana roll-up:
tortillas
peanut butter
bananas
granola, optional
honey, optional

1) spread each tortilla with 2 T. peanut butter.  

2) sprinkle with granola if using.

3) place banana in the center and drizzle with honey, if using.  

4) roll and slice diagonally.

serve to kiddos (and sneak some for yourself) and lick your fingers clean!

shirley temples.

our traditional New Year's Eve party drink and it is delicious!!! it would also be a refreshing drink to beat the summer heat.

photo from {this lil piglet}.

shirley temples: 
ice
1 liter Canada Dry ginger ale
grenadine syrup (found with the mixes in the alcoholic isle)
orange juice

garnish:
maraschino cherries
orange or lime slices

1) fill a pitcher with ice and pour ginger ale in until almost full.  

2) add a generous splash of grenadine syrup and a generous splash of orange juice. 

3) garnish with cherries and orange or lime slices.

don't forget to drink every last drop!