Black Bean Dip or Taco Filling from TM

You asked for a recipe, so here is one of our favorites. We use it to fill tacos or eat it cold with baked tortilla chips.

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can whole corn, rinsed and drained (or frozen)
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced
fresh cilantro, chopped (add to preferred taste)
sea or kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1 T olive oil

Saute bell pepper, onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, about three to four minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir in beans, corn and cilantro, and cook until warmed through.

Spring Time Pasta from TJ

Ingredients:
1 lb. pasta (pick your favorite)
2 T olive oil
2 T minced garlic (1 T of dried garlic)
1 bunch broccoli (cut and peel stalk and include it too!)
½ C carrot (thinly sliced)
½ C yellow onion (diced)
¼ C water
1 red bell pepper (sliced and seeded)
1 8-oz package mushrooms
½ C shredded parmesan cheese

Directions: In large dutch oven, heat water for pasta. Meanwhile in smaller saucepan, add olive oil and garlic over medium heat – heat for one minute. Add broccoli, carrot and onion; toss them in the oil to seal in the flavor. Add the water, cover and cook for 3 minutes. (Check the water for the pasta and add pasta to boiling water – cook for 8-9 minutes – do not over cook.) Add bell pepper and mushrooms to vegetables and cook an additional 2 minutes. Then turn off the heat, cover and let vegetables steam until pasta is done. Sprinkle vegetables with cheese and serve over pasta. Awesome by itself or as a side to grilled fish!

Marinara Sauce from Alisha

Marinara Sauce
I love making fresh sauces and finding healthier versions to serve my family. This is really great over spaghetti squash or angel hair pasta.
1/2 white onion
2 cloves garlic 1-2 small cans tomato paste for thickness
2-3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tsp Dried Thyme
8-10 Fresh Tomatoes
1-2 tsp Dried Oregano 1 Green pepper 1-2 tsp Italian Seasoning
1-2 tsp Dried Rosemary

Sautee onion, green pepper and garlic in olive oil. Add seasonings to your onions after they have cooked half way through. You can add whatever combination of seasonings you desire, have fun and experiment with flavors. Add diced tomatoes tomato paste to onions and garlic. Stir everything together and let it simmer. This mixture should probably simmer for 35-60 minutes. Cover and continue to let simmer. If there is too much acidity, add a little water, or brown sugar to calm the flavors down. Sauce should not be too sweet.