Black Bean Hummus

If you can't tell, Mr. Picky is on a black bean crusade right now. Don't know where he got this recipe but he's experimented with many different versions and likes this one the best.

1 clove garlic (smaller one)
1 can black beans (drain & reserve liquid)
2 tbs lemon juice
1 1/2 tbs tahini
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or 1/2 tsp black pepper)
1/4 tsp paprika
olive oil

Put all in blender and blend. Accentuate with olive oil when serving.

Black Bean Soup

- Food Network, Dave Liberman

Attention everyone... attention....
We have a 5 STAR recipe here.
My Mr. Picky ate this for dinner, and then breakfast and lunch the next day. A very good sign indeed. The only thing I'd do differently is experiment with how they added the bacon, or try it with no bacon at all. Still a little too fatty for our taste (the fat cooked but didn't dissolve, so rather chewy if you know what I mean...) but that didn't stop us from eating it. Smells awesome too.

10 slices bacon, finely chopped
2 medium onions, chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
6 garlic cloves, pressed
1 can chicken broth
1 1/2 c canned chopped tomatoes
2 tbs ketchup
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbs chili powder
4 cans black beans (drained but not rinsed)
salt & pepper
1 bunch cilantro
juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tbs)
thin sliced scallions (garnish)
sour cream (garnish)
grated cheddar (garnish)

Cook bacon in large pot (about 4 min) then add onions and cook til transparent (about 4 min?). Add garlic and cook til you can smell it (1 min).
Add broth, tomatoes, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. Stir.
Add beans and bring to a gentle boil for about 10 min.
Season with salt & pepper.
Cut stems off cilantro, wash and shake dry. Chop coarsely and add to mix. Cook til thick (5 min). Stir in lime juice. Serve with garnishes.

Serves 8-10