BLACK BEANS AND CORNBREAD RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°. Brown chicken in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often, 7 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Add onion and bell pepper, and sauté 3 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Drain. Stir in beans, tomatoes, cilantro, and salt.
• Pour chicken mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups cheese. Stir together buttermilk and cornmeal mix, and spoon over cheese; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
• Bake at 425° for 25 to 30 minutes or until browned.

Steps:

• For the beans: Rinse beans in cool water; pour them into a large pot, cover with water by 2 to 3 inches. Slice the bacon into 1-inch thick pieces and throw it into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add additional hot water to the pot as needed. Beans should have a thick broth. Toward end of cooking time, add salt and pepper and season to taste. Don’t over-salt. For a variety try adding chili powder, garlic or Tabasco. Serve in a bowl with cornbread. Can be served with small bowls of grated cheese, chopped onions, chopped fresh jalapenos, sour cream, and/or cilantro.For the cornbread: Preheat oven to 450 F. Heat shortening over medium heat in an iron skillet (10-12 inch size), muffin pan, or other oven safe pan. Combine cornmeal, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, and egg. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add baking powder and baking soda. Stir to combine. Add ¼ cup of the melted shortening, stirring constantly. Pour the batter into the hot pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.