Author: Chef Cloud Wine

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro or parsley
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped* (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil or canola oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first 10 ingredients. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vinegar, oil, chili powder and sugar;. shake well. Pour over bean mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Ingredients

1 russet potato, peeled and cubed
5 slices bacon, diced
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can crab meat, drained
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 cube chicken bouillon
1 1/2 cups milk
1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Wrap potato cubes in plastic wrap, and microwave for 30 seconds. Set aside.

In a saute pan, cook bacon over medium heat until heated through, and add chopped onions. Cook and stir until onions are clear. Stir in crab meat and parsley flakes. Set aside.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large stock pot over low heat. Whisk in flour until mixture becomes creamy and takes on a eggshell color. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in wine. Dissolve chicken bouillon in milk; when the flour mixture is crumbly, slowly whisk in the milk. Mix well in order to eliminate all lumps.

When the mixture is creamy and hot, stir in bacon mixture, cubed potatoes, and creamed corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 10 minutes.

For a creamy curry variation add 2 tablespoons curry powder after adding the wine to the flour mixture, and substitute cooked, cubed chicken for the bacon.

Ingredients

3/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup cucumber – peeled, seeded and chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 cup diced red onion
4 large black olives, quartered
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
salt to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and olives.

Whisk together the oil and vinegar. Before serving add the oil and vinegar, feta cheese and salt. Toss together and serve.

Ingredients

1/2 pound linguine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
8 ounces squid, cleaned and cut into rings and tentacles
3/4 cup white wine
3 cherry peppers, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup cream
crushed red pepper flakes to taste
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded fresh basil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crushed garlic, and cook for a few seconds until it turns golden brown. Stir in the squid, and cook until it turns white. Pour in white wine and cherry pepper slices; bring to a simmer, and cook until the wine is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Stir cornstarch into the cream, and add to the simmering calamari. Season with red pepper flakes, basil, salt, and pepper; stir until thickened. To serve, toss pasta with sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.