All things soups, stews, chilis, beans, ragus, and so on.
Autumn is upon us in the Pacific Northwest. The long, warm days of August are behind us. Now we get alternating days that are clear, warm in the afternoon and chilly in the morning and days that are gray, rainy, and cold. Which means it’s time to start making soups […]
Back Story To This Minestrone Recipe I have eaten minestrone off and on through the years and NEVER liked it. But it is a much loved soup, it’s from Italy, and it involves beans. So, I should like it. I was talking about soups with my wife the other day […]
When I was a kid, beans and hamhocks (could be navy beans, could be lentils) were a staple on our menu. And I really loved it when it was a beans and hamhocks night. Over the years, I’ve cooked beans and ham many times, but I really never made it […]
Cooking beans yourself is not horribly difficult. In fact, once you master the idea of barely simmering, they are downright easy to cook. You will get far more flavor cooking your own beans, and you can control what goes in them. Prefer they not be cooked with any alcohol? Done. […]
Smoked Texas Chili is amazing. It’s life changing. The first time I added smoked meat and onions to my chili, I was bowled over at the difference it made. You have to try it! Smoked Texas Chili Backstory There are three main sources for this recipe. Many years ago, I […]
I have got to tell you, the Rancho Gordo Marcella beans were amazing. Some of the best beans that I’ve ever had …. Cannot wait to cook more with these. I used them to create a fall stew: chicken and beans. My wife calls this a chili because of the […]