Black Bean Soup

This is what I had for lunch today and it was yummy! It was my first time making it and it turned out great.

1 can whole black beans
1 can broth (chicken, beef or vegetable)
1Tbs butter
1/2 small onion (chopped)
1 garlic clove (chopped)
sour cream (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Saute the onion and garlic in butter. Than place 3/4 of the can of beans and the whole can of broth in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the mixture to the pan with the onions, garlic and remaining beans and than bring to a boil. Salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: Top with shredded cheese or sour cream.

Note: For a thick and creamy black bean soup use less broth, blend all of the ingredients together and stir in a spoonful of sour cream.

Black Bean and Bacon Quesadilla's

This is a no fail meal in my house. My family would be happy to eat these everyday. This is my go to recipe when I'm too busy to cook a big meal. Quesadilla's are so easy to make and you can put almost anything on them. My favorite quesadilla is from a local mexican restaurant. It's called a black bean florentine quesadilla. It has spinach and black beans on it...yum! But I'm the only one in my family that will eat spinach so I don't make the Florentine at home.

Ingredients:
1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 pack 8 inch tortillas
1/2 cup real bacon bits
2 cups shredded cheese
butter

Directions:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of a tortilla and than place it butter side down in the skillet. Sprinkle desired amount of cheese, black beans and bacon bits on top. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Use a spatula to fold it in half when it's done.