Spicy Black Bean Potato Salad

8 medium red potatoes
4 large eggs -- chopped
8 slices bacon
1 15 ounce can black beans -- drained and rinsed
3 fresh jalapeno peppers -- diced
1/2 medium green bell pepper -- diced
2 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 bunch green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons brown mustard
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
salt and pepper to taste

Place potatoes in a pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender. Drain, dice, and cool.
Place eggs in a pot with enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover saucepan, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, cool, peel and chop.
Place bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix chopped eggs, 1/2 the bacon, black beans, green onions, jalapeno peppers, bell pepper, mayonnaise, mustard, and Cajun seasoning. Gently mix in diced, cooled potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with remaining bacon. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.


NOTES : Don't be afraid of the jalapeno's. It's a spicy salad, but not too much. If you want to make if with just one Jalapeno the first time it's still good.

Cheesy Baked Shells & Broccoli

5 cups medium pasta shells
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups coarsely grated Cheddar or Gruyere -- (8 ounces)
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
kosher salt & black pepper
1 16 ounce bag broccoli florets -- thawed

Heat broiler. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add 1 1/2 cups of the cheese and stir until melted. Stir in the nutmeg, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Add the pasta and broccoli and toss to combine. Transfer to a broilerproof 8-inch square or another 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Broil until golden, 3 to 4 minutes.