Bean & Cheese Nachos

This warm and meltingly delicious snack has been a family favorite for years. It's crunchy, chewy, salty and spicy, which makes if very satisfying. My kids love this snack so much that they help me make it. If your kids like salsa, guess what, it's a vegetable! The beans are a great source of protein and fiber. If they ask for more than the 5-7 chip serving size, give them a piece of fruit!

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Trader Joe's baked whole grain tortilla chips
  
• 1 jar Trader Joe's fat-free spicy black bean dip
  
• 1 bag Trader Joe's shredded low fat cheddar cheese, or a blend of cheeses
• 1 jar Trader Joe's mild or medium salsa (optional)
• 1 container Trader Joe's low-fat sour cream and/or guacamole (optional)
  

Preparation:

1. Scoop a small amount of bean dip up onto each tortilla chip (5-7 per child) either by dipping the chip into the jar or using a spoon so the chip won't break.
2. Place all chips with bean dip in a single layer on a microwave safe plate.
   
3. Spoon some salsa on top of each tortilla (if using), then sprinkle lightly with cheese.
4. Microwave 10-15 seconds or until just melted.
   
5. Optional: serve with low-fat sour cream and guacamole.
   

Buen provecho!

Quick, Delicious and Kid Friendly Bean Burritos

It's cold and everyone wants something hot and satisfying for dinner, but you're also busy ferrying kids to activities, talking on the phone with sick friends, and wondering in the back of your mind how you'll possibly make it to the dryer before the clothes get wrinkled. So, here's a quick and easy dinner that the kids can help make. They can learn a little Spanish while they're at it; burrito means "little donkey", but this recipe is strictly vegetarian! Authentic Mexican burritos are flour tortillas that are grilled or steamed and then filled with refried beans, rice, or meat.

Bean Burritos

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Trader Joe's whole wheat tortillas
• 1 can Trader Joe's refried black or pinto beans
• 1 bag Trader Joe's frozen tri color pepper strips (substitute shredded Romaine)
• 1 jar Trader Joe's mild to medium salsa, depending upon your taste
• 1 container Trader Joe's 0% Greek yogurt – this tastes and looks like sour cream!
• 1 bag shredded Trader Joe's Mexican blend cheese
• 1 package Trader Joe's prepared guacamole
  

1. Gently heat refried beans in saucepan over medium heat until hot.
2. Stir fry pepper strips until cooked through and no juice is left (otherwise burritos will be runny).
3. Place salsa, yogurt and cheese in individual bowls on table.
4. Microwave 1 tortilla per person for 30 seconds, uncovered.
5. Place one tortilla on each plate, spoon some beans onto first 1/3 of tortilla and top with peppers, salsa, cheese, and yogurt to taste. Roll tortilla and bring in sides to form a burrito. Eat with your hands. Serve guacamole on the side. Enjoy.