Black Bean Soup

2-4 T Olive Oil
1 onion
1-3 carrots
2 stalks celery
4 cloves garlic
2.5 t cumin
dash of cayenne pepper depending on taste
2 cans black beans
1 can diced tomatoes (I happened to have a 10 oz can with jalapeno, cilantro and lime)
4 cup water
3 chicken bouillon (or 2 cans chicken broth. For vegan, use vegetable broth)
3/4 cup rice

Sautee onion, carrot, celery and garlic in olive oil until onions are clear. Add cumin and cayenne pepper and sautee additional 5 minutes. Add beans with liquid and tomatoes. Add water and bouillon. Bring to a boil and simmer until veggies are tender. Remove 4 cups of soup and puree in blender. Add back to soup. Add rice. Return to boil and simmer until rice is tender. Top with fresh cilantro or dried, shredded cheddar cheese or sour cream and serve with corn bread or tortilla chips.

p.s. I am just making this the first time. I may have additions or changes to make.

Hamburger Buns

1 cup milk
1 cup water, divided
2 T butter
1T sugar
1 1/2 t salt
5 1/2 cups flour
2 1/4 t yeast
1 egg yolk
1T water
sesame seeds (optional)

Combine milk, 1/2 cup water, butter, sugar and salt. Bring to just to a boil. Remove from heat and leave to cool to lukewarm.

Proof yeast by combining remaining 1/2 cup of hot water with yeast and leave 10 minutes in a warm place.

In a large bowl mix flour, proofed yeast, and cooled liquids. Knead 8-10 minutes or until dough cleans the sides of the bowl (in a stand mixer under the dough hook.) Cover and let stand until double in bulk (about 1- 1 1/2 hours.)

Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal portions (slightly larger than a golf ball.) Make tight balls by pulling the dough tightly around and pinching it at the bottom. Place on greased baking sheet and let rest for a minute. Grease palms and flatten each ball until 3-4 inches wide. Rise until double in bulk.

Preheat oven to 400. Mix together egg yolk and tablespoon of water. Brush onto tops of rolls. If using sesame seeds sprinkle on top now.

Bake for 10 minutes, rotate racks if necessary and bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until nicely browned.