Mayan Black Bean Soup

Makes 8 to 10 servings

2 cups dry black beans (replace with 4 cups canned, if desired)
8 cups water
1 onion, chopped
1 green or red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 16-ounce cans chopped tomatoes
1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Curly Pasta Salad

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Make this salad ahead of time to allow flavors to blend.

1 12-ounce package dry rainbow rotini pasta
1 16-ounce package frozen chopped broccoli and cauliflower, thawed completely
1 cup sliced mushrooms
4 green onions, chopped
1 2-ounce jar chopped pimentos

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 cup fat-free honey-Dijon salad dressing
2 tablespoons soy sauce
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 dash Tabasco sauce (optional)