Crockpot Cherry Cobbler

     My sweet friend Alicia gave me some sour cherries that she got from her mom's cherry tree.  I pitted and froze most of them for later but wanted to make a special treat for some dinner guests.  It turned out really great.  My only complaint is that I didn't have any vanilla ice cream to go with it.  It is a simple dessert to make and it makes the house smell divine.  It's also a nice dessert to make for someone with a gluten allergy.

Crockpot Cherry Cobbler:

3 cups sour cherries
1 c brown sugar
1/4 c clear gel
1 T cinnamon
1/2 c oats
1/2 c gluten free baking mix
2 T butter

Place the cherries, brown sugar & clear gel in a saucepan.  Cook over medium heat until thick.  (Stirring constantly)  Generously butter the inside of a crockpot.  Pour the thick cherry mixture in the bottom of the crockpot.  In a separate bowl, mix: oats, cinnamon and baking mix together.  Spread the dry mix over the top of the cherries.  Cook on low for 5-6 hours.  Serve with vanilla ice cream!

Broccoli Black Bean Rice Dish

     I love the taste of brown rice.  I am always trying to invent a recipe that uses brown rice.  This recipe is a great way to use leftover rice and veggies.  It tastes good as soon as you make it or the next day reheated.

Broccoli Black Bean Rice Dish:

1 c leftover brown rice
1 c cooked black beans
1 c corn (off the cob)
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 c broccoli (cut into small pieces)
1 T minced onion
salt & pepper to taste
1 t parsley
2 T cilantro paste
1 T minced garlic

In a large skillet, mix all of the ingredients together (except for the rice) & cook over medium heat until the broccoli starts to get soft.  Serve over brown rice and enjoy!