Thursday, January 9, 2014

posole, blue chair, and monkey business


I recently discovered a slow cooker vegetarian dish that I have to share with you all.
It is so simple to throw together, it almost sounds like it's too good to be true. We
had this a couple of weeks ago and even the husband loved it so much, that he 
asked me to make it again. Zesty Bean Posole is a hearty Mexican stew.


ZESTY BEAN POSOLE
2 (15-16 oz) cans golden hominy, rinsed & drained (I used white hominy
the first time and it turned out fine)
2 (15-16 oz) cans red beans, rinsed and drained (I used one can red
beans and one can pinto beans)
3-1/2 c. reduced-sodium vegetable broth (or you could sub chicken broth)
1 (16 oz.) jar thick & chunky salsa
2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 c. whipping cream or half-and-half
2 T. all-purpose flour
Slivered green onions & shredded cheese for garnish

In a 4 qt. slow cooker combine hominy, beans, broth, salsa, and oregano.
Cover; cook on low setting 7-8 hours or on high setting for 3-1/2 - 4 hours.
With 30 min. of cook time remaining, increase to high heat setting if
necessary. In a small bowl stir together cream and flour until smooth; stir
into mixture in cooker. Cover; cook for 30 min. more or until mixture is 
slightly thickened. To serve, ladle soup into bowls. Top with green onions
and shredded cheese, if desired. Makes 6 serv.


Well, I ended up moving that blue chair back by the fireplace. I think it
looks better there...that area needs some color!


And then I moved the little black chair to the other side of the table.
Who knows how long it will stay there? ;-)
 

I also bought a rug pad and moved Grandma's oriental runner into the hallway.
Nosy Monkey had to check it out, of course.


And now that he's discovered he can get to the top of the china cabinet,
he's taken a liking to just hanging around up there.


A few days ago I was in the basement and Monkey was down there prowling
around. All of a sudden, he came whizzing by me with something dangling from
his mouth as he headed upstairs. Of course, I thought it was a mouse and
went chasing after him, expecting to find something gray and fuzzy running
around the kitchen and living room. Instead, I found this. A bunched-up
ribbon decoration for a baby present. Some mouse!


 How can I not love and laugh at this freaky face? I was watering plants and 
he just had to sniff the end of the watering can. What a weirdo. (And I mean
that in the nicest sense.)


Happy Thursday, everyone. We're warming up into the 30's for the weekend,
but the warmer temps are bringing freezing rain and snow showers.


17 comments:

  1. Hi Melanie - Soup sounds good this time of the year. That cat is so silly!

    Judy

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  2. Your posole looks delicious; satisfyingly tasty comfort food, for sure! That Monkey is such a charmer! Your commentary on his latest antics cracked me up!:-D Ever since having 'adopted' Prince Richard, our own copper toned cat, I am really getting a kick out of all his catty characteristics, which I see are shared by his extended feline family!! Great pics!

    Poppy

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    Replies
    1. I love seeing how each animal has its own very distinctive personality, don't you?

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  3. Hi Melanie
    What a nourishing posole I must make it soon. I just have to tell you, I love love love Monkey! We have 2 kitties and they never cease to amaze me with their antics. Have a great week end. Love and Hugs, Nana

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    Replies
    1. I hope you try the posole - it makes good leftovers, too! I hope you have a wonderful weekend; thanks for stopping by.

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  4. That chair looks great there. Love the pop of color.

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  5. Your cat is hilarious! I love that photo of him with the watering can. It must have been very interesting! The chair looks great there, excellent thinking. The posole looks delicious to me, I will have to try your recipe. Thank you for sharing it!

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    Replies
    1. Monkey is a very funny boy in his own weird way! I hope you do try the posole - leftovers are even better. I've had it served both over polenta and rice!

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  6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  7. Hi Melanie! Congratulations again on winning the Give Away on The Moksi Homes. (this is my blog as well, Daydream Living) I hope you will find a lovely place for it. Jane lives all the way in Tasmania so it will make a big journey coming to you! Enjoy and the first newsletter will be made very soon. All the best!
    Maureen x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Maureen! I can't wait until I get my word! :-)

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  8. Yes, the blue chair looks much better by the fireplace! I know you don't like the black and white photos over the fireplace, but with the blue chair, they work pretty well. The black chair is so small that I wouldn't even use it as a chair, more of a small table, planter, or such. The new hall rug really pulls out the red in the paint at the end of the hall. Good match!

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    Replies
    1. For now the photos work - until I get a long wooden shelf (to use as a mantle) or huge mirror on the wall - or both! Otherwise, they are simply not my style. I'm not using the black chair as a chair...as you can see, it's piled with books. :-) I love my grandma's rug in the hallway - yes, it matches the red wall!

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  9. LOL well your cat stole the show BIG time on this post! :)

    I THINK that I was interested in the stew and all but in the end I just bust out laughing....Fun Post! :)

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