Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           canned black beans -- rinsed, drained
   1      medium        tomato -- chopped (about 1
                        -- cup)
     1/4  cup           green pepper -- chopped
   2      tablespoons   onion -- finely chopped
   1      tablespoon    fresh cilantro -- chopped
     1/4  cup           olive oil -- divided
   1      tablespoon    lime juice
     1/4  teaspoon      salt
     1/4  teaspoon      ground cumin
     1/4  teaspoon      dried oregano
   1      teaspoon      garlic -- crushed
   4                    bays English muffins -- lightly toasted
   1      cup           shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Preparation:

In a medium bowl, combine first five ingredients. In small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoon olive oil with lime juice, salt, cumin and oregano. Toss with black bean mixture. Set aside. In small saucepan, over medium heat, heat remaining olive oil. Sauté garlic until golden, about 2 minutes. Brush muffin halves evenly with garlic/oil mixture. Divide bean/tomato mixture evenly over 8 muffin halves. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Broil 6 inches from heat until cheese melts, about 3 minutes. Serve immediately. Notes: A cilantro-tinged mixture of black beans and fresh tomatoes on garlic- rubbed English muffins lends a Southwestern twist to an Italian appetizer.