Spanish Rice

2 T vegetable oil

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic

½ green or red bell pepper, chopped

2 cups water or chicken broth

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cumin

Fresh or dried parsley to taste

Jalepeno, chopped, to taste (with or without seeds)

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion, garlic, and pepper for a couple minutes.  Add rice and sauté until rice is nicely browned and onions are tender.  Stir in all other ingredients.  Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Stew Meat Fajitas (crock pot)

1 lb. stew meat (or any cut of beef – I get whatever is on sale!)

1 cup salsa

1 small jar mild chilies (or use some seeded jalepenos)

1 tsp cumin

1/8 tsp chili powder

½ tsp salt

Juice of one lime

Red onion, sliced thin (or yellow onion)

Red or green pepper, seeded and cut in strips

Cook all ingredients except red onion and pepper in crock pot on low for at least 6 hours.  Then take meat out, shred it, and return to pot. Saute red onion and red or green pepper strips in a little olive oil until onions start to carmelize and pepper is tender.  Sprinkle with sea salt.  Serve with fajita meat, along with cheese, sour cream, avocado/guacamole, extra salsa, tortillas, etc.