Dads deserve delicious dishes
If you're still searching for flavors to arouse taste buds come Father's Day, today's recipes -- sweet-spicy Cayenne-Cinnamon Ribs with Maple Glaze, a Southwestern-inspired Zesty Corn and Cucumber Salad, and Chicago restaurateur Carlyn Berghoff's flavor-icious Smokey Black Bean Dip with Goat Cheese -- should be solutions.
Berghoff, of Berghoff Catering and Restaurant Group, has created a dip perfect for summer entertaining and just right for M.D. of Oak Forest. To prepare 4 cups (enough to serve 8 to 12): In a heavy skillet, cook 4 smoky bacon slices over medium heat until crisp (about 6 minutes). Remove bacon from skillet and drain on paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet. Break bacon into pieces.
Add 1 1/3 cups chopped onion and 1 cup chopped red bell pepper to skillet and saute until soft, stirring occasionally (4 to 5 minutes). Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic, ½ teaspoon ground cumin and ½ teaspoon chili powder; saute 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool slightly; reserve.
Process 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans (drained and rinsed) in food processor with the chopped onion, sauteed onion mixture, 2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream, ?206-140? teaspoon red pepper sauce (or more, if desired) and ?206-140? teaspoon natural liquid smoke flavoring until smooth.
If desired, stir in variations (½ to 1 cup of roasted corn; chopped smoked chicken; chopped red, green and/or yellow bell peppers; minced cilantro or parsley). Add kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Transfer to 2-quart oven-proof casserole dish; sprinkle with 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese. Bake in 350-degree oven until bubbly, hot and browned on top (about 15 to 18 minutes). Serve hot with thick tortilla chips and/or fresh vegetable dippers.
Note: Dip may be prepared ahead. Mix well, place in casserole dish, cover and chill for up to 5 days; heat in 350-degree oven for 20 minutes.
I'm looking for a recipe for meringue cookies for a baby shower I'm hosting.
N.R., Chicago
My kids love black-and-white cookies from the deli. Does anyone have the recipe?
H.T., Schaumburg
I would appreciate a recipe for salads using roasted or grilled beets.
W.M., Chicago
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