Sopapillas

These are incredibly easy and so yummy!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 tablespoons shortening
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 quarts oil for frying

Directions

1. In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt and shortening. Stir in water; mix until dough is smooth. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.
2. Roll out on floured board until 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into triangles (or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes). Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) or until hot enough that when you drop a small bit of dough in it it fries up within a couple of minutes. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with honey.

Brazilian Feijao

When I was finishing up respiratory school, one of my classmates invited the class to her house for dinner. She is from Brazil and made this famous dish. There are many versions of this recipe. This one if so flavorful and has been a hit time and again with our dinner guests.

1 pound dry black beans
6 cups water
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 beef roast (any variety 1/2-1 lb)
1 stick kielbasa sliced into 1/4" slices
1 package bacon, coarsely chopped
1 pork roast (any variety 1/2-1lb)

Sort black beans, discarding stones or damaged beans. Wash and drain beans in colander. Soak over night or place in pot of water on stove and bring to a boil for a few minutes. Place drained beans, 6 cups of fresh water, and remaining ingredients in crockpot. Cook on low for at least 8 hours so meat becomes incredibly tender. Remove bay leaves from crock pot. Shred beef and pork roasts, removing any bones if applicable, Stir everything together and serve over hot rice.