Party time? Ditch the ordinary and embrace a flavor fiesta with this dynamic duo. It’s the perfect summer combo.
SALSA
With its multiple accompaniments, black bean salsa is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its fresh, bold flavors and simple preparation make it a must-try recipe for your next gathering or casual meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 15.5 oz can black beans
- 1 15.5 oz can corn (drained), or same quantity fresh or frozen
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 medium tomato diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 onion: red, white, yellow, chopped (or even shallots contribute a savory depth)
- 2 Tbs cilantro, chopped
- 2 Tbs fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and fresh ground pepper
Directions
- Combine beans, corn, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Stir, cover, and chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or your favorite dipping vessel.
Recipe Tips:
- Yield: This recipe makes 8 appetizer servings, but it’s easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a convenient make-ahead option.
- Variations: Stir in chopped avocado, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
MEZCAL PALOMA WITH A TWIST
A smoky twist on the classic Paloma!
Ingredients:
- 4 oz Mezcal
- 2 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 3 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- Splash – Fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Few dashes – Aromatic bitters
- Optional chili-lime seasoned salt
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled and well-mixed.
- Strain into chilled glasses filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of rosemary (optional, for an extra touch of aroma).
- An optional (but highly recommend) step is rimming the glass with some sort of chile-lime seasoning (e.g. the chile lime blend from Trader Joe’s, or the many other brands out there).