Challenge Ingredient: Kidney Beans

Now that Fall is upon us, the time for making stews, soups and chilis has come! So, what better ingredient to feature than our high-fiber, protein-packed, heart-healthy friend-- the KIDNEY BEAN?


To get your creative juices flowin', here is a list of quick serving ideas from WHFoods.com:

• Combine cooked kidney beans with black beans and white beans to make a colorful three bean salad. Mix with tomatos and scallions and dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and black pepper.

• Serve cooked kidney beans over a piece of cornbread and top with grated cheese for a twist on the traditional tamale pie.

• In a food processor or blender, combine cooked kidney beans with garlic, cumin and chili peppers for a delicious spread that can be used as a crudité dip or sandwich filling.

• Make a pot of chili, the hearty Mexican soup that traditionally features kidney beans.

• Make tacos with a vegetarian twist by using kidney beans in place of ground meat.

Have fun with this week's ingredient, and get your recipes posted by next Sunday. Have a great week!

Note: Sorry for the delay in posting the new challenge. In the words of Andie Anderson, "Do you think I'm some kind of mental person?!" I think so! I've been such a space case lately! Hopefully I can get my act together sooner than later.