Easy Microwave Risotto

I LOVE this recipe! Its so easy and you can add whatever you like to totally change the flavor of the dish ... it's SO versatile!!! In the photo shown, I've added/used green onion, mushrooms (LOTS), 2 garlic cloves and a combo of 5 yr Gouda and Parmesan cheeses and served it with grilled pork chops and grilled prosciutto wrapped asparagus :) YUMMY!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 - 2 clove garlic, minced
• 2/3 cup onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef pending what else your having)
• 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a 3 quart, microwave safe casserole dish combine butter, olive oil, garlic and onion. Place dish in microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes.
2. Add broth and heat in microwave until the broth is hot but not boiling (approximately 2 minutes).
3. Stir the rice into the casserole dish with the onion, butter and garlic mixture. Cover the dish tightly and cook on high for 6 minutes.
4. Stir wine into the rice. Cook on high for 10 minutes more. Most of the liquid should have boiled off. Stir the cheese into the rice and serve.

I'd love to hear any variations of the recipe should you decide to try this one :)

Black Bean & Corn Salad

I posted this recipe once before but it seems to have disappeared??? So, here it is again ... This salad is AMAZING!!! I've made it three times now ... for Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day and Memorial Weekend ... very refreshing and full of lots of good-for-you stuff :)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 36-40 grape tomatoes - sliced in half
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Place lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small jar. Cover and shake until ingredients are well mixed.
2. In a salad bowl, combine beans, corn, avocado, bell pepper, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Shake lime dressing, and pour it over the salad. Stir salad to coat vegetables and beans with dressing, and serve.