Chocolate Buffet

Everybody likes dessert right? Check out this link for a fun way to spend that last $26 burning a hole in your pocket:
http://www.langhamhotels.com/langham/boston/dining/chocolate.htm

Vegetarian Chili

2 tbsp oil

1.5 cups chopped onion

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 large serrano pepper, stemmed, seeded and minced

1 medium zucchini, cut in 1/2 lengthwise and then cut into 1/2 slices

1 medium summer squash, cut the same way

2 bell peppers, sliced into bit sized chunks

2 cups fresh corn kernals (about 4 small ears)

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp cumin

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne

4 large plum tomatos, sliced into small cubes

3 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 cup vegetable stock

1. In large heavy pot, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, serrano pepper. Cook until soft.
3. Add zucchini, corn and any additional vegetables. Cook until vegetables are almost done.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, salt and cayenne. Cook for .5 minute.
5. Add tomatoes and stir well.
6. Add beans, tomato sauce and stock. Stir well. Bring to boil.
7. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve with brown rice !

Spicy Black Bean Soup

really hearty and filling, great with homemade garlic bread on a cold night. black beans work well, as do small white beans or kidney beans. mix and match-- make a racially harmonious soup using both black and white.

2 tsp EVOO

2 tsp cumin

2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp oregano

salt and pepper to taste

3 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can diced tomato

1 cup diced celery

1 small onion, sliced

3 gloves garlic, finely chopped

2 cups vegetable broth

avocado

sour cream

1. In large pot, saute onion, garlic and celery until translucent over medium heat.
2. Add spices, stir for 10 seconds on low heat.
3. Add beans, tomatos, salt and pepper.
4. Increase heat to med/high and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Put 1/2 of soup mixture into food processor and blend until fairly smooth.
6. Add pureed soup into pot.
7. Serve with dollop of sour cream and half of an avocado in center of soup.
8. Enjoy :-)