Really, I don’t know what to tell you about these burritos. They are fabulous. And that sums it up. Really, truly, seriously the best burritos I’ve ever made or eaten. I have nothing else to tell you except that Dennis is losing his job.
WHAT?
Yeah, I know. What a way to drop a bomb. I guess I’m not good at breaking things gently. Or very good at segues, apparently. It’s something we’ve known about for several weeks and it’s something I’ve wanted to share, but how do you fit in personal information like that on a blog that usually only features recipes and reasons for thanksgiving? So I figured I’d just fit it in where I could.
Burritos and unemployment. Sure, it fits. :)
They no longer need him in the position he fills at his current job, and rather than move to a different department and take a pay cut and a position that would make him miserable, he accepted the soon-to-come lay-off. He applied for a job with the state as a 911 emergency call-taker, which would be a pay raise for him, and something he would find fulfilling and rewarding. He passed both his tests for the position with flying colors, and is scheduled for a “job information” session next week. We’re not sure what that exactly means, but we think it’s a good sign that they’ve asked him to come back.
When our preacher says a prayer, many times he has thanked God for the doors he opens, and the doors he closes. It is a good reminder to stay thankful not only for the good that God provides, but for things we perceive as bad as well. In this case, the closed door may very well lead to a better future for us.
It is easy to become complacent when you can make ends meet, so it can be good to be forced out of your comfort zone to reach a little higher for something that will allow you to provide better for your family. In addition to some house repairs, I could really use a new car, because I’m not sure Baby will last much longer. (You can witness Baby in all her hooptie glory, and me in my Valley-girl glory, in this video.) So this 911 job would be a step in a better direction for us! We are hopeful, but we know that whatever may come, God will provide.
As for the burritos, really, there’s nothing else for me to say. Best burritos ever. I really hope you try them!
Black Bean & Butternut Squash Burritos
Roasting the squash and cooking the rice makes this a long process for a lunch. I recommend preparing these two things in advance, so that when you’re ready for lunch, you only have to proceed as the recipe directs: heat and eat!
Printable recipe
Printable recipe with picture
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red pepper, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons ground cumin, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 (15 oz) can black beans (about 1.5-2 cups cooked), drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 of a medium butternut squash, peeled, cubed, & roasted*
1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
4 large/extra-large flour tortillas
Toppings of choice: avocado, salsa, sour cream, spinach/lettuce, cilantro, etc
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add oil, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the salt and seasonings and stir well. Add chopped red pepper, black beans, and cooked rice and sauté for another 10 minutes on low. Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet and stir well. You can mash the squash with a fork if some pieces are too large. Add the cheese and heat another couple minutes.
Scoop bean filling onto tortillas along with desired toppings. Wrap and serve. Leftover filling can be reheated the next day for lunch in a wrap or as a salad topper.
*To roast the squash, preheat oven to 425F and line a rimmed baking sheet with tinfoil. Drizzle olive oil on squash and give a shake of salt and pepper. Coat with hands. Roast chopped butternut squash for 30-45 minutes (depending on the size of your cubes), or until tender. I highly recommend using the second half of your butternut squash in Jenna’s Split Pea Soup. It is fantastic!
Recipe source: tweaked from Oh She Glows
Veronica's Cornucopia 
Good luck with that new job!
LikeLike
I hope he gets the job! That does sound like a very rewarding job… he’d be making a difference for sure. As for your burritos, I’ve never had butternut squash but if you say these are the best then I MUST try them :)
LikeLike
Oh man! I hope this transition is smooth for you guys. If he ends up with a more rewarding and higher paying job, then that’s awesome. I love your reminder that closed doors can actually be a blessing from God.
LikeLike
I made about the same thing yesterday, but without the butternut squash. Great addition!! Hope he gets the job!!!!
LikeLike
It sounds promising that they’ve called Dennis back for the session next week :) I’ll keep you two in my prayers also. The burritos look good and I like that you used that red plate.
LikeLike
I never mentioned it on the blog, but that red plate was a gift from Dennis for Christmas. It was the only gift I didn’t expect–I opened a box to find an assortment of plates & bowls! He knows I like to have different kinds for pictures so that was really thoughtful. I could only keep the red plate and red square bowl b/c the other two were black animal print and I found it pretty tacky, but I was still really happy with the gift. I love surprises.
LikeLike
That stinks about the job. I hope this new job come through! We’re struggling financially but I am always so thankful that we HAVE jobs and a home. There are so many others who have it so much worse! I can see where these burritos would temporarily make it all better! :-)
LikeLike
So true. When people complain at work, that’s what I’m thinking, “hey, at least we HAVE a job!”
LikeLike
Well, good luck to Dennis first off! Secondly, those burritos look so tasty and filling.
LikeLike
Praying for you both as you move ahead into the unkown. Often times, events like this in our life end up being a blessing – as we get to move into something even better than what we had.
Keep the positive attitude! :)
Those burritos look delicious!
LikeLike
Veronica, they really look delicious and are the kind of dish that my family adores. I am new to your blog, so I took some time to browse through your earlier posts. I’m so glad I did that. I really love the food and recipes you share with your readers and I’ll definitely be back. Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings…Mary
LikeLike
First of all, I am really thinking good thoughts for Dennis’ “job information session.” (Whatever that means—I hope it means “Welcome to the 911 family!”). I do think that everything happens for a reason and that all things work out. Please keep us posted.
And, your burritos look lovely (LOL—not really the same effect :) ).
There is a Mexican restaurant here that does a wonderful veggie burrito that this reminds me of. I have always wanted to try to replicate it. You have given me a great start with this recipe!
LikeLike
I know I loved the butternut and black bean ravioli that we tried recently from Vermont Fresh, these look fantastic!
Sorry to hear about Den….but I know you guys have good karma, something will break :)
LikeLike
Hi,
Your burritos look so good.
LikeLike
Veronica, you are so right and God has way’s of working that we could never imagine. Sometimes in the past I have prayed for Him to make certain situations better but they seemed to get worse – only later could I see that He had a MUCH better plan. I know that He will work this situation for good for you too and you’ll be able to look back and see His wonderful faithfulness. Thanks for your honesty, I can’t wait to see The Plan unfold as you trust Him each day!
LikeLike
That’s a good point….we never know what He has planned and sometimes when we try to force things our own way…it can go so wrong! lol Thanks, Chris, that’s what is going to get us through, trusting and putting our faith in God.
LikeLike
Yum, Mexican food just got that little bit better :D
Sorry makke that a lot better! I promise my friend, your positive attitude, good prayers and wonderful food will keep Dennis going and my best to him to find a new job – with your support and burritos anything is possible!
Keep smiling!
Choc Chip Uru
LikeLike
The butternut/black bean combo is for real one of my favorites!! I’m going to be keeping you guys in my thoughts that the hubs gets the job! It does sound promising though :)
LikeLike