Got an e-mail letter from Mr. Poersch today, giving many, many examples of what Democrats think about things, and boy, are they mad!  At Republicans, for being the obstructionist party now, when they didn't mind spending all those years on their own agendas.  Between Reagan and the two Bushes, we have racked up 11 Trillion in debt.  And they are whining and complaining about the economic stimulus plan?  It's that they really, really do not care about this country and its people, as long as they get their tax cuts. 

On a more pleasant note, last night, I made Mexican food, and the hot sauce (it must have been the hot sauce!) practically cured my everpresent cold itself.  Unless it was just time for it to leave....  But the meal we prepared last night was the best Mexican dish we have ever collaborated on.  I've just got to blog about it, even if it is not the cure for the common cold.

                                Mexican Tortilla Dish

1-1/2 cups black beans, cover with water and heat until seething.  Drain and rinse.  Place beans in crockpot and add water to cover.  Cook until soft, adding water if necessary to keep them covered.  Set aside.  (I cook them separately, freeze or use later.)  Drain off the dark water and save it aside.  Refry the beans in olive oil over high heat, adding cumin to taste and a mixture of white sugar and red wine vinegar (a few tblspns. of each) mixed together in a small bowl.  When the beans seem about to burn, add some of the reserved bean water, a little at a time.  Salt to taste, not too much will be needed.  Keep stirring and mashing the beans down with a spatula for about 10 minutes.  Set aide. 

Brown 1 lb. of hamburger in 1 tblspn. of olive oil, add 1 pkg. of taco seasoning mix and 3/4 cup of water.  Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring a couple of times.  Turn off heat, set aside.  Meanwhile, cut lettuce in shreds, chop fresh tomatoes, dice up some sweet onions, open a carton of sour cream, shred cheddar cheese, and bring out the salsas!  I tried the raspberry salsa I got for Christmas, and it was so delightful, I ate almost half the jar.  But back to cooking.  We like to take the store-bought large flour soft tortillas and cut them into thick strips or wedges, and brown them in a little olive oil in a pan over high heat for a minute or two, turning once, then drain on paper towels. 

On a plate, put a big dab of refried beans in the middle and spread it around, top with a big spoonful of taco/hamburger mix, top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onions, shredded cheese, salsas, and a big blob of sour cream on top.  Sliced black olives for garnish.  And stick the tortilla strips in here and there around the sides.  I had 2 platefuls and loved every bite.