Name: Spicy Black Bean Cakes
Yield: Makes 18
Ingredients: 2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained well; 6 green onions, finely chopped; 1/2 cup finely chopped seeded red bell pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño chili; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons plus 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 6 tablespoons (about) olive oil; Sour cream; Purchased salsa

"I attended a function that featured wonderful hors d'oeuvres—among them, spicy black bean cakes—from chef Matthias Radits of The Breakers in Palm Beach," writes Ruth Acteson of Lantana, Florida. "Do you suppose he would share his recipe?"

The chef serves these little cakes with a mango-avocado salsa, but a purchased salsa would make a fine substitute.

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