When you bring a cold salad to a potluck and it is the first thing to disappear, you know you have a winning recipe. We first made this crowd-pleaser for a tropical-themed party a few years ago, and it has been our go-to salad ever since. Loaded with fresh red and yellow bell peppers, sliced green scallions, black beans and rice, and seasoned with a zesty cuban-inspired dressing made with dijon mustard, minced garlic, and spices, this delicious and festive dish is a kaleidoscope of bright colors and summer flavors.
pan y chocolate
How is it possible that this classic, chocolatey, Spanish dessert is not a household name? And why has it taken so long for Ryan to tell Adam about this magnificent treat that he grew up with? There are many questions in life that remain a mystery. Recognizing this, the best advice for Adam is to just let it go, be thankful that he now knows the recipe, and to make up for lost time by preparing this as often as possible.
moroccan carrot and chickpea tagine
You don’t need a fancy tagine to make this easy and delicious Moroccan dish. Since it is vegetarian, it cooks quickly and any large covered pot in your kitchen will work! Tagines are the original slow-cookers, and these African clay pots are traditionally used to simmer stews for hours over hot coals, using the cone-shaped lid to enhance the flavors by trapping steam and returning the condensation back into the pot. If you do decide to buy one, they are widely available at kitchen stores and online. But either way you can still prepare this exotic delicacy, in which sliced carrots and tender chickpeas are simmered with onions, freshly chopped garlic, and blended with aromatic spices of turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon, creating a deliciously satisfying dish with the irresistible fragrances and distinctive tastes of Morocco.
snobby joes
We were thrilled to find a vegetarian version of this family favorite. When we were growing up, we were always excited to have sloppy joes for dinner, and every time it felt like a special treat. But what made them so appealing? Perhaps it was the tangy sauce, with a sweetness that felt indulgent and almost dessert-like. Maybe it was the silly name, or that they were just so messy and fun to eat. Whatever it was, they were so good that you couldn’t help eating more than one. Hats off to the Veganomicon for creating this tasty alternative that has the same smoky, tangy, sweet, and savory flavor as the classic recipe, but simply without the meat.
sangria
We make this traditional sangria recipe any chance we get during the summer, and every time it is a huge hit. This cool and refreshing Spanish drink made an appearance at every outdoor party and family event when Ryan was growing up, as it is one of his dad’s signature specialties. The deep burgundy wine blends with freshly-squeezed oranges and lemons, a splash of sparkling club soda, slices of colorful fruit, and just a hint of sugar to make an irresistibly delicious beverage that is so satisfying on a hot summer day.