The Southwest Voice

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My fifth cousin, 13 times removed, from the Spanish branch of the Kelly clan — famed bullfighter Fernando de Garza Alberto Martinez Kelly — would eat this salad before each bout with the bulls. On the day Fernando was to fight the ferocious Mayberry, there were no canned beans to be found anywhere in Madrid. Ever brave, Fernando entered the ring having eaten nothing but a Big Mac and fries. The smell of two all beef patties special sauce lettuce cheese pickles onions on a- sesame seed bun on Fernando’s breath maddened the already crazed Mayberry. There wasn’t even time for an “olé” before Mayberry gored Fernando through, sending him to the golden arches in the sky. Fernando was immortalized with a statue of him placed atop a mountain of canned beans. And Mayberry played a major part in the 127th billion served.

Let’s start with a glass of nice Merlot...

• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can garbanzo beans
• 1 can whole kernel corn
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 to 2 teaspoons dried cumin
• 1 palm-full dried oregano, crushed
• Cilantro to taste, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rinse and drain canned goods. Dump it all into a big bowl. Rest and sip a little.

Mix in remaining ingredients and chill for several hours. While chilling, finish off the Merlot with a nice apricot Stilton cheese.

Serve over salad greens and top with grated cheese.