Bean and Cheese Burritos with Cilantro Lime Rice and Avocado Cream

I don't think I'll ever get sick of a two year old's way of finding even the most mundane thing super exciting.  They are experiencing so many things for the first time and what is old-hat for us is like an amusement park for them.  Like driving under an overpass.  Super exciting for at least my little two year old.  And every bus, ambulance, fire truck, tractor, dump truck, etc. must be exclaimed over

I love having a two year old.  While I don't love the crying, tantrums, and growing need for discipline, I love two year olds. 

Maybe it's the fact that their excitement makes me see the world through younger, less jaded eyes.  I find myself getting excited when I hear the hiss of the bus's air brakes as it stops just outside my house every afternoon.  Both me and the kid run to the window yelling "bus, bus, bus!"

I find myself looking for new things to let him experience.  Like letting a lady bug crawl on your hand, or finding a local petting zoo, or simply throwing rocks into a creek.  

I think God intended us to have kids when we start getting to the point in our lives where we appreciate the world less.  So we can once again enjoy the little things and thank Him for the beauty and wonders around us.

So, as a segue, although a little forced, here's a meal that will allow you more time to spend enjoying other things. Quick, easy, delicious and filling.  What could be better?  .....buses?....probably.

Bean and Cheese Burritos with Cilantro Lime Rice and Avocado Cream

Serves 6

a balancing the table original

Ingredients:

1 (16-oz)can vegetarian re-fried beans

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice (I microwave instant brown rice)

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 ripe avocado

1/3 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt to taste

6 large tortillas

Shredded cheddar cheese

Torn lettuce

Directions:

1. In a microwave safe dish mix re-fried beans with the seasonings.  Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.  Microwave until hot, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

2. In a small bowl combine the cilantro, oil and lime juice.  Add to the rice and stir to combine.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the peeled and seeded avocado, sour cream, lime juice and salt.  Process until smooth.  (This can also be done in a blender, or just mixed together by hand if you do not have a food processor.)  Add more salt or lime juice if desired.

4. To assemble burritos, spread about 1/6 of refried beans down the center of each tortilla.  Top that with about 1/4 cup of rice per burrito.  Top with shredded cheese, avocado cream and lettuce.  Wrap up and enjoy.  (We love to eat ours with lots and lots of Chipotle Tabasco sauce.)

What the husband thinks:  He loves anything wrapped in a tortilla, even more so if he can drown it in Chipotle sauce.  So, it was a hit with him.

What the kid ate:  a cheese quesadilla with a side avocado cream.  He actually really likes the combination of avocado and lime.  Smart kid.