Sweet Corn & Black Bean Salad

This salad is one of my go-tos in the summertime. It's light, fresh, flavorful and healthy. It's also the perfect side dish for a cookout because it goes with anything (and is olive oil based so it's safe to sit outside for a bit longer than your usual mayonnaise based side dishes). It's delicious on top of fish, in tacos, with grilled chicken or steak, scooped up with some tortilla chips, or just by itself.

Ingredients
2 ears sweet corn (I prefer Silverqueen), shucked, rinsed & cut off the cob
1 large fresh tomato, chopped
2 green onions, diced
1 avocado, chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, diced
1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp red wine vinegar
Juice from 1 lime
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper

Step One
Pour all the veggies & cilantro in a large bowl.

Step Two
In a seperate dish, mix together the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, salt & pepper. Pour over veggie mixture and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

This salad is even better the next day so be sure to save some leftovers. Enjoy, y'all!

Father's Day Breakfast Ideas

Put a smile on Dad's face by surprising him with a yummy breakfast in bed (or at the table if you are a neat freak like me). : ) Here is a compilation of some of my favorite breakfast recipes, including a little something for every Dad's taste!

The "Classic" Dad
For the Dad who likes the basics...scramble up some eggs, cook some sausage and simmer some delicious Creamy Grits to go alongside. This breakfast won't disappoint!

The "Foodie" Dad
For the Dad who appreciates the details of a meal, try this Tomato, Scallion & Ham Quiche.

The "Go For It" Dad
For the Dad who loves something hearty, buttery and cheesy...this Everything Breakfast Bake is the way to go.

The "Trying to Cut Back" Dad
For the Dad who still wants to indulge but cut a few (calorie) corners along the way, try this cheese-less & crust-less Spinach & Bacon Frittata.

The "Sweet Tooth" Dad
For the Dad who likes a little sweetness to start the day...slice up some fresh, warm Banana Bread and spread a little butter on top. Yum!

Happy Father's Day to all the special men in your lives! Enjoy, y'all!

Slow-Cooked Creamy Chicken Tacos

I am not ashamed to admit that I could eat Mexican food every day... and luckily my boys share the same sentiment. We definitely have some form of it one to two times per week around here...and I always have tortillas, black beans, avocados, cilantro & Mexican spices on hand as a back up. These are kitchen staples, folks!

During the summer (especially when the temperature is 90+) I don't looooove cooking over a hot stove or around a heated oven. Who does?? We're also tied up in the busyness that summer brings. You feel me?? My solution: heat up your slow-cooker, not your house, and let it do the cooking for you. And if you're craving something Mexican these Slow-Cooked Creamy Chicken Tacos are the bees knees.

Ingredients
3-4 medium-sized chicken breasts
Spice blend: 1 tsp each: salt, garlic powder & cumin; ½ tsp each: pepper & chili powder
1 cup salsa verde
4 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
2 green onions, diced

Step One
Rinse off chicken breasts and pat dry. Place in bottom of crock pot and spread spice blend on top.

Step Two
Pour salsa over chicken, then layer cream cheese on top. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8, whichever you prefer/works easiest for your schedule.

Step Three
When cooking time is complete, shred chicken with two forks, add in green onions and mix everything together. Leave setting on warm until ready to eat.

Serve with warm tortillas and top with your favorite fixins' (we like red onion, lettuce, tomatoes and avocado)...and of course add a salad or rice & beans to the side. Enjoy, y'all!