Hot Ham and Brie(z!)

First of all, I apologize for my extended absence.  I have been so busy lately that I haven't known what to do with myself.  I guess time flies when you're not having fun. 

For the past few years, my husband and I have vacationed in Hot Springs, Arkansas over spring break.  We are always sure to take a ride out to Cafe 1217 for a delicious light lunch.  The neat thing about this restaurant is that the menu changes on a monthly basis, so there's always something new and exciting to try.  Last year, my husband's pick was a hot ham and brie sandwich.  He let me try a bite and I was hooked.  I recreated the sandwich at home for a quick supper and it was just as delicious as I remembered.

Inspired by Cafe 1217

INGREDIENTS
Sandwich buns
Brie cheese
Sliced deli ham
Jam of your choice (I used strawberry)

DIRECTIONS
1.  Layer ham and brie slices on bottom half of the bun.  Place in toaster oven at 350 and cook until ham is heated and cheese is beginning to melt.  Put the top halves of the bun in the toaster oven until lightly toasted.

2.  Remove.  Slather the top half of the bun with jam of your choice.  Enjoy!

Brigadeiro

I happened upon these tiny Brazilian treats sometime last week and filed the recipe away in my "to make in the future" folder.  Well, "the future" happened to be yesterday.  (Read:  Making dessert is a lot more fun than writing papers.)

I've gotta tell you, these little dudes are delicious.  They're basically bite-sized chocolate caramels, with bonus points for being coated in sprinkles.  (YES, I'm 26 and still go goofy over anything with sprinkles!)  You'll know the condensed milk mixture is ready to come off the heat when it thickens up.  You'll be able to see the bottom of the pan briefly as you stir and scrape the bottom.  It took mine right at ten minutes to reach that point. 

Oh, and save yourself the headache and grease your hands when it's time to roll these into balls.  You won't regret it.  I tried to be lazy at first and ended up with gooey choco-Frankenhands.

* For gluten-free diners, use Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk and gluten-free sprinkles.  According to the GF Foodlist, Guittard semi-sweet chocolate sprinkles, Betty Crocker candy sprinkles, and Betty Crocker Decor Selects sprinkles are all gluten-free.

Adapted from Allrecipes
Makes approximately 20 brigadeiros

INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp white sugar
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
Sprinkles

DIRECTIONS
1.  In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow mixture to return to room temperature. (You may also refrigerate the mixture for ease of handling.)

2.  Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.  Form mixture into small balls and rolled in sprinkles to coat.  Truffles may be eaten at once or chilled until serving.

Black Bean Salad

This black bean salad, aka "Texas Caviar" is great on tortilla chips or on its own as a quick and easy side dish.  Be sure to rinse the beans well if you want to keep it looking pretty.

 From Allrecipes

* For gluten-free diners, double check your cans of black beans and corn for gluten sources.   Trader Joe's and Amy's black beans are gluten-free for sure, as are Del Monte cans of whole-kernel corn.  For the dressing, you can opt to make your own vinaigrette or purchase a bottle of gluten-free dressing.  Annie's Naturals, Ken's Steakhouse, Newman's Own, and Wishbone all make gluten-free Italian dressings.

INGREDIENTS

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

2 (15 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained

8 green onions, chopped

2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced

3 tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 lime, juiced

1/2 cup Italian salad dressing (more or less to suit your tastes)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, green onions, jalapeno peppers, bell pepper, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and Italian dressing. Season with garlic powder. Toss, and chill until serving.