black beans and options

The weekend is almost here and that means some much needed downtime (hopefully), some family time and hopefully a good meal (or two).  For us I love to break out the slow cooker on the weekends as much as the weekdays as I just love smelling the yumminess all day long as we run in & out or are doing some chores around the house…it just seems to make the day that much more enjoyable…and these black beans are a perfect weekend slow cooker dish.  

Not too long ago my weekend slow cooker recipe was black beans.  OK, now I know that may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world, especially when you can buy them already done in a can…but there is just something so good about this slow cooker version.  Not only are they seasoned perfectly but there is so much you can do with them.  

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First you can serve them as a simple side dish with your favorite grilled chicken, shrimp or fish.  Throw some on a salad with some chicken for a southwestern inspired salad. You could mash them up with a little of the liquid and make an faux low fat refried beans to use in your favorite Mexican dish.  You could also mash up some, leave some whole and incorporate them into some additional chicken stock and veggies to make a black bean soup, or you could use them in your morning omelette for a protein packed breakfast.  There are just so many options for a big pot of black beans.  

Break out the slow cooker this weekend and start thinking about all the ways you can use this pot of black beans over the next week…trust me you will love having them as an option for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Make everyday sparkle – MJ