Cooking, Entertainment

Black Bean Salad

This bright, refreshing salad is the perfect side dish for cookouts, tacos, grilled chicken, fish, or even as a light lunch. It’s full of fresh flavors with just a little kick from the spices!

Makes: 5 – 7 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups homemade black beans or 1 15 oz can, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn, or thawed frozen corn)
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 avocado, peeled and diced
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime, more if desired
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (add diced jalapeño for extra heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Gently fold in the diced avocado last to help keep it from being mashed.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional lime juice, salt, or chili powder if desired.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, or fish.
  • Spoon over tacos or burrito bowls.
  • Enjoy with tortilla chips as a fresh salsa.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the freshest texture, prepare the salad without the avocado and add it just before serving.

Warmly,
Lora

Real Estate

July Home Maintenance

Your home works hard for you every day, so give it a little TLC each month. Check out this month’s maintenance checklist and keep your biggest investment in tip-top shape! 

Have questions about your home or wondering which updates add the most value? I’m always just a message away! 

A little home maintenance today can save you a lot of time, money, and stress tomorrow!

Cooking, Daily Happenings, Hickory Things To Do

More Flavor. More Freshness. More Summer

One of my favorite things about summer is the produce. Give me a farmers market, a roadside stand, or even a neighbor with extra tomatoes, and I’m happy.

There is just no comparison between a tomato picked fresh from the vine and one that has traveled hundreds of miles to reach the grocery store. The same goes for sweet corn, peaches, blueberries, and all the other goodies that show up this time of year.

Not only does fresh, local produce taste better, but it’s often at its nutritional peak as well. Plus, eating what’s in season is one of the easiest ways to add variety to your meals without spending a fortune.

The best part? Summer produce doesn’t need much help. Slice a tomato, add a little salt, grill some fresh corn, toss berries into yogurt, or enjoy a peach while standing over the kitchen sink trying not to drip juice everywhere.

If you haven’t visited a local farmers market lately, this is your sign. Grab a basket, see what’s fresh, and bring home something that was probably growing just a few days ago.

Summer doesn’t last forever, so enjoy every delicious bite while it’s here.