Black Beans and Rice

2 cups cooked black beans
1 15-oz can diced tomatoes (with chilies is good) or some salsa
1 1/2 cup rice (I always use brown)
2 3/4 cups water

Mix together in a rice cooker, and let it cook. When it's done, eat with sour cream or plain yogurt, lime wedges, tortilla chips, cilantro, and avocado. It always surprises me how good this is.

Raw Cranberry Relish

1 navel orange
1/2 cup sugar
1 12-oz bag cranberries

Cut orange into wedges (keep the skin on). Place in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Add the cranberries and sugar and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.

Butternut Squash Couscous

1 small butternut squash
Olive oil
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 cup couscous
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup raisins
2 tablespoons cilantro
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Peel butternut squash, scoop out the seeds, and cut the meat of the squash into tiny cubes. Toss squash with olive oil and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Remove from oven and add the onions and garlic. Toss together, return to oven, and bake for about five minutes more, or until the squash is tender.

In a saucepan, place the chicken broth, chili powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon; bring to a boil. Add the peas, reduce to medium heat, and cook for 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in couscous, soy sauce, and squash mixture. Cover and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Uncover, add raisins, cilantro, and pumpkin seeds. Fluff with a fork and serve.