1.13.2011

things i love thursday...

Food again.  Someday I'll cave in, admit my problem and just change this feature to "food thursdays" but for now I go on pretending to be living in ignorant bliss and leave it at "things i love".  Some treats and a recipe for you today.

I had a mound of leftover rice after my Christmas party because I panicked when some last minute friends called to say they were indeed coming and I made an extra batch.  Anyhoo, we were sick of eating it as is, I mixed in an egg and a smidge of shredded jalepeno cheese ('cause that's what I had), shaped them into patties and crisped them up in a little olive oil.  Topped them with a mixture of sour cream and "secret sauce" with some avocado on the side - they were come to momma delish!

Thought this quick treat idea was a good one because it was way easy, looked cute and who doesn't like pudding?  Mini glasses with a dollop of chocolate pudding then butterscotch pudding, little spritz of cream and a piece of butter cookie wafer on top.  Had them on my dessert buffet with lots of other little treats.


Since we're on sweets - this black cherry gelato is not something I would usually try but surprise surprise, I liked it.  The secret is these small dishes, 3 little melon ball scoops feels decadent but isn't doing toooo much damage.


Here is the much requested homemade refried bean recipe from my daughter's Monday photo.  This is her recipe as I've never actually made homemade refried beans, wait maybe I did with white beans once, it's hard to say really.

2 c dried pinto beans
2 slices bacon
1 tsp each s&p
Water
1 tbsp of bacon grease (gross but true)
Sriracha sauce (or any hot sauce you like, or jalapenos, or whatever spicy thing suits your fancy)

Rinse pinto beans in cool water. Put in a heavy pan and cover with water (about 2 inches over the beans). Add bacon to the pot. Bring everything to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, cook for 2 hours. Add s&p.

Remove beans to a large bowl, add as much cooking liquid as you like, depending on how soupy you like your refried beans. (don't add the bacon slices) Add the bacon grease, and as much sriracha as you like. Start slow, you can always add more. Mash with a potato masher until you get the desired consistency. I imagine you can also do this part in a food processor if you like really smooth beans, but I don't have one of those.
 
Thanks daughter!

The giveaway is still going on so if you haven't done so - enter now!

20 comments:

Tess Kincaid said...

Oh, I'm always throwing out leftover rice. Thanks for this super idea!

Kellie Collis said...

They look heavenly! Delish! Have a lovely day, Kellie xx

vintch said...

thursdays are always my "look for cooking inspiration" day, so thank you so much! those rice patties look decadent!

Diana Mieczan said...

I have some rice at home right now and Im going to try your recipe:) Thanks,sweetie...Looks delicious:) Yum!
Kisses

Jillian said...

What a great idea for leftover Rice.... we always have soem of that around our house haha

angryparsnip said...

We love that brand of gelato !

And I think Food Thursday would be lovely !

cheers, parssnip

Decor To Adore said...

Ok. I must head to the kitchen because I am now starving. :)

k said...

I would love to make that rice cake! I think it would also be good with just lemon. mmmm (i think thats my bavarian food kick shining through:))

bronwyn said...

Those rice cakes look amazing!! I always have leftover rice - I like to make big batches and freeze it for quick dinners. This fits the bill perfectly. Yum!

KR said...

The food looks delicious! Of course you know I won't be trying any recipes...
'Food Thursday' sounds like a good idea!

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Mmm yummy.

MJM said...

Food thursday? You know I'm in!

Andrew H. said...

My wife is the Queen of taking whatever is available and turning it into a new creation! Very creative.
If left to my own would have just eaten bowl after bowl of white rice until it was gone...

Unknown said...

Mmmhh... they look so delicious!

xoxo

Nicole said...

OH my gosh those first rice cakes look delicious!

pamela said...

gonna have some beans tonight. i love bacon flavor in them but we don't have any. next time!! thanks for the recipe.

French Basketeer.com said...

In a word ~ DELISH!!

Anonymous said...

If I come visit you will you cook for me? Yum. xo

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Yes Deb would love to!

Stacey said...

The black cherry gelato looks yum and what a great way to make use of left over rice! Thanks for sharing! XX