Ok, Val, I took your advice and made some black bead soup! I wasn't sure if I would like it or not, and ooooh boy, I wish I'd tried it earlier! Now, now, I didn't use your recipe, though- see that nice dollop of sour cream? Mmmm. I am so glad I have a pantry full of black beans! I almost threw shredded cheddar on it, but nope. And I really did want to scoop up the soup with some tortilla chips, but I am trying to be good! I tossed on the avocado and of course, the cat came running. He was more than happy to clean off the avocado skin for me, though. Very good soup, I'll definitely have to make this one again. After I eat the otehr four bowls that I have for leftovers ;)