Cuz-A-Palooza!

Every year, Sean's cousins host a "Cuz-A-Palooza" down at the farm in Spencer, IN.  Among the horses, Odie--the donkey, the dogs and cats, there is a variety of fun to enjoy--corn hole, horse rides, games, the saloon and karaoke, just to name a few things...and a whole lot of great food!


It's a big group and not everyone can make it every year (we've missed a few ourselves).  But we were able to make it this year and had a fantastic time with beautiful weather and lots of shade.


Everyone pitches in with food and beverage and there are some staples that are must-haves around the table:  "ET Cheeseball," named after Hubby-Bub's brother and sister but, as of this year has been renamed after HB--let's just call it "Hubby-Bubs Cheeseball."  Of course, the event would not be complete without special items like chicken dip, some seriously good mac 'n cheese and something on the grill.


This year, I brought one of our faves---bean and corn salsa!  It's one on Daughter #1's favorites, in spite of the fact that it has black beans in it, which she wouldn't normally eat.  Apparently it was a hit, and I was asked to post the recipe, so here you go:


Ingredients:


1) 16 oz black beans (I buy canned, but you can soak and cook your own--if you do, I highly recommend Hurst brand)
 2) 1 pkg corn niblets (if you have extra corn-on-the-cob, that's the best, otherwise I prefer "fresh frozen" defrosted. Canned corn is too watery
3)  1/2 of one red pepper and one green pepper (chopped)
4)  1 small bunch of green onions (chopped)
5)  1/2 a small red onion (chopped)
6)  2 T fresh cilantro (chopped)
7)  2 cloves of chopped garlic (optional)
8)  1 1/2 t. salt
9)  1 t pepper
10) 1 t sugar
11) 1/4 c olive oil
12) 1/3 c red wine vinegar


In a bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients.  In a smaller bowl, place salt, pepper, sugar and vinegar.  Whisking lightly, slowly add the olive oil to the mixture.  Add dressing to the salad and toss.  Enjoy with chips of your choice.  It's also a great addition to marinated chicken or beef on the grill!  Enjoy!