3 Flavorful Dishes From the Pantry

 We all get tired of the same old things to eat.  It is nice to have some variety.  You all know I love anything that even resembles Mexican food!  I like flavor.  There are just certain flavor combinations that are great together.  You can make these as mild or spicy as you like depending on ingredients.  Also note - these can be changed up to use what you HAVE, there is no set way to make them.  

Hope this gives someone a new idea and a little variety.

SOUTHWEST SALSA CORNBREAD

1 1/4 C all-purpose flour

1/4 C cornmeal

2 tsp. baking powder

1 C corn - can use frozen or canned (drained)

3/4 C milk

1/2 C salsa (mild to hot depending on your desire)

3 Tbsp. oil

1 egg

Heat oven 400* and spray a 9" pan with non-stick spray

Blend all dry ingredients and stir till blended.  Add remainder if ingredients and stir until just well blended.

Bake at 400 for 18 - 20 minutes.

This would be great with beans, fried potatoes or any meal.  I can see using AS a main item for a meal.  I am thinking a big warm slice slathered in butter with a nice salad!!!!!

It would make a wonderful warm breakfast bite as well - or even for an evening snack.

SCRAMBLED TOSTADA OR TACO (non-meat dish)

6 eggs beaten (or egg products if desired)

1/4 milk 

salt, pepper

1/2 C diced peppers and 1/2 C chopped onion (use what you have)

refried beans (homemade or canned)

salsa, chili sauce or enchilada sauce

1 C shredded cheese

Mix eggs, milk and veggies and scramble in a bit of oil.    Top tostadas with beans (or put in first in taco shells), top with scrambled eggs, then top with sauce of choice and cheese.

Place in a 375* oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted.

Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner!!!!!!!

                                   This combo would be great in tortillas as well - like burritos

SOUTHWEST MEAT AND BEAN STIR FRY

Cut into strips a couple pork chops or a chicken breast or even some ham or beef (use what you have)

1 med. onion cut into small wedges

1 pepper cut into strips

2 cloves of garlic

2 C corn (frozen or canned (drained)

1 - 15 oz. can of black beans (or kidney or what you have) drained

1 small zucchini (chopped) - I have also subbed broccoli - use what you have

1/2 C salsa

Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet - add onion, peppers and meat - cook 6-8 minutes (until no pink in meat) and veggies are tender.

Stir in corn, beans and zucchini or broccoli and salsa - warm until flavors are blended.

Serve with/or over rice.

Super easy and flavorful dishes, using what you have on hand.  There are no set ingredients kiddos - use what you have.  You can make things as mild or spicy as you choose.  You can top with cheese if desired or add sour cream.  PLAY with your food and have fun.

Good food doesn't need to be complicated or expensive!!

I hope this gives you some ideas on how you can mix and match what you have and make some new and yummy comfort food.

ENJOY!!!!!