Pinto Beans & Goat Cheese |

It’s the beginning of November and the weather in Maryland is still very nice! For the last 4 years I’ve been in Central PA during November… where it’s COLD COLD COLD and often snowy or wintry mix-y. I’m not used to this warm weather anymore but I love it. It gets cold enough to wear thick sweaters and warm boots but not so cold its unbearable! Today, its in the high 50s, low 60s. It’s gorgeous outside. There are still green leaves on the trees. Some red and yellow too.

I will be heading up to PA this weekend (brrrrr) for my grandmother’s 90th birthday!!! Go Grandma! We’re throwing her a 90th birthday bash and a bunch of my family will be there. We’re going to party like it’s the 1920s! Technically, Grandma probably partied most in the 30s since she was born in the 20s but whatever. We’ll party like it’s the early 20th century.

She also lives very close to Stephen’s hometown sooo I get to go to Echo Hill. I’m beyond excited! I plan to buy millet, steel cut oats, bread flour, vanilla beans, a variety of nuts, spices, and so much more! I love Echo Hill ❤

I was craving something hearty & warm (even though it’s nice, it’s still fall!) and soup wasn’t going to cut it. This recipe could easily be made with black beans too. Mmmm. The chipotle adds an amazing smoky flavor to the beans and the quinoa rounds out the protein. You could add other veg for a little more variety. If I had bell peppers I probably would have added them! Anyway, enjoy! : )

Pinto Beans & Goat Cheese

Pinto Beans & Goat Cheese

Olive Oil
1/2 Medium Onion, diced
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 Can Pinto Beans, unsalted
1 Can Water
1/4 Cup Quinoa
1 Tsp Cumin
1 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 Tsp Chipotle Pepper, ground
Splash of Hot Sauce (I used Crystal)
Salt & Pepper
Soft Goat Cheese

Sautee onion in olive oil over medium heat for a couple of minute before adding the garlic. Add the spices to bring out the flavors. Rinse beans before adding to pot. Add water and bring to a boil. Add quinoa and let simmer until quinoa if fully cooked and mixture has thickened considerably. About 15 to 20 minutes. Just can add more water if you’re looking for a soupier consistency. Add hot sauce, salt & pepper to taste. The vinegar in the hot sauce will enhance the other flavors. I think lemon juice would be a nice addition of acidity as well. Once plated, sprinkle goat cheese crumbles over beans or leave off for vegan option.

Bon Apetite!!

I was playing with my camera last night and took a few pictures of my favorite ring. It was my mom’s.

I don’t know where the dried flower came from, I’ve had it on my vanity for quite some time but the handwritten card was from Stephen : D

Also, took some pictures of the trees & leaves outside a couple of days ago.Last picture! Tuesday mom & I drove to the Eastern Shore to visit my maternal grandmother & grandfather. They live on the water and I snapped a couple of picture of the sunset.