Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos

or shall I call them "boo-ritos"?

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos

Serves 2

1 Tbsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 medium sweet potato (about 1/2 lb), peeled and diced in 1/2" cubes

1- 1 1/2 c. cooked black beans (or 1 can black beans), drained

2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

2 flour tortillas

Toppings: grated cheddar cheese, salsa verde, sour cream

Combine first six ingredients, then put HALF of it (about 2 tablespoons) in a ziploc plastic bag with the diced sweet potatoes. Seal the bag and shake to coat.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Add seasoned sweet potatoes and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes or until soft (add more oil if needed to prevent sticking or burning).  Remove from heat.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the black beans, the remaining seasoning mix, and the other 1 tablespoon of oil.  Cook, stirring frequently, until beans are heated through.

To assemble the burritos, divide the seasoned beans and seasoned sweet potatoes evenly between the tortillas.  Top with cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

Ya'll, some traditions start on purpose.  And others are accidental.  

Purposeful tradition, begun last night: the Mister and I decided that we wanted hang out in the yard and give out hot cider to trick-or-treaters.  So there was a fire in the fire pit, a crockpot full of apple cider, and a giant stack of 5-ounce paper cups awaiting the neighborhood kids (and parents).  Only one crowd of teenage girls who gave us the cold shoulder ... everyone else seemed to like the idea.  Once it started raining, though, it was time to ditch it and scramble inside.

Purposeful tradition, attempted last night: dressing up the sisters as a pair (at least as long as they'll let us have input on their costumes) ... Big Sis was a homemade cupcake (thrifty and last minute, yes!) and Little Sis was a baker (thanks to an easy raid of the costume box and kitchen toys).

The reason it was attempted and not achieved?
I couldn't get them in their costumes, awake, at the same time.
Little Sis is not so excited about things on her head (see below).

Big Sis decided she'd rather wear her pumpkin bead necklace and hiking shoes than be a cupcake.  Who can blame her?

Accidental tradition, begun last night: repurposing the discarded costume almost immediately.  You remember how I said that we had a fire in the fire pit?  Well, I had to start it myself (the Mister had to work a little late) and I did not spend the time I should have prepping the kindling.  I lit and re-lit that thing half a dozen times, before I settled on Big Sis's undesired paper-bag-turned-cupcake-liner costume sitting in her chair.  After a quick check with her, I shredded that puppy up.  That did the trick: we had a roaring fire within 10 minutes.  Strange, I know ... counter-cultural almost (I joked with one trick-or-treat parent about what I had done, and got a stare of horror in return).  But it was kinda fun!  And weird.  Can I just say it?  I burned my daughter's costume.  It was way more unimpressive than it sounds, but I think it could be a fun tradition.

Accidental tradition, begun last night: burritos.  BOO-ritos.  I made it because it's what we had around.  But they were delicious!  You can tone back on the spices if it's too much for you, but at least try the full amount of cumin.  Add in some oregano and/or crushed red pepper if you want to shake things up.  

I think I will make booritos every Halloween night, not because they're spooky in any way, but because I love a good pun (speaking of which, my brother passed this gem along to me yesterday.)

And now, your turn: what are your purposeful or accidental traditions?  Are they as weird as these?  Are you giving me a horrified look right now that I ignited a kid's costume in the name of ambience?