Have you ever met a friend who you just connected with over shared interests. And later became good friends as a result?

We have. Their names are Steve and Missi. We met at church and discovered we shared a love for comedy and writing. Our church helped facilitate the growth of our friendship by hosting an Annual Christmas Bash where we made fun of everything that had happened during the year.

The productions were big and well loved for the laughter and reflecting back on the shared life we had enjoyed together as a church. But even more fun was the planning, writing and rehearsing that began 9 months prior.

We did parodies, short skits and reenactments of well-loved shows like Star Trek, Andy Griffith, The Wizard of Oz and Brigadoon.

Those were such fun times for Tom and me.

It was a sad day when Steve and Missi moved to CO. for we knew it would mark the end of our lives together—at least how we had known it. We still traveled to see them, but the distance soon grew between us, but not our love.

Good friends are like that. It can be years where you don’t see each other, but when you do, you pick up right where you left off.

It was an even sadder day when we heard of Missi’s sudden death this past May. We were heartbroken and grieved for the loss Steve and their family would face.

All the laughter we had shared now turned to tears. While we are grateful she knew and loved Jesus, she leaves a big hole in the hearts of all who loved her; us included.

What does this have to do Foodie Fridays? Everything!

Missi (Steve too) was a great cook. I have several of her recipes and one we make often is today’s featured recipe.

Missi’s Black Bean Dip

Steve has given me permission to sbare it with you as we begin the countdown to the Super Bowl.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans Progresso Black Beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 blocks (8 ozs.) Neufchâtel cheese
• Fresh bunch cilantro
• 2-4 fresh jalapeños- seeded and minced
• 1 bunch green onions (green part only)
• 1/2 to 3/4 can Del Monte Fresh Cut tomatoes
• Adobo to taste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and stir together using a large spoon. when well combined, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Serve with nacho chips.

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We hope you’ll try it, and if you do, say a prayer for Steve and their two boys. This kind of grieving lasts a lifetime, but thankfully it’s not without hope. I can only imagine how good the food is she’s cooking now.