Going Bonkers for Canned Beans
Leftover Grilled Pork and Garden Tomatoes Became a Quick and Healthy Late Summer Lunch
I'm a big fan of canned beans. I buy them by the case and always have stacks of them on hand in the pantry. They're cheap, convenient, keep for ages, and go with practically everything. Don't get me wrong—I think it's great that everybody seems to be jumping on the dried bean bandwagon these days (my Roasted Garlic Lover's White Bean Soup is one of the most searched for recipes on Farmgirl Fare), and I'll be the first to admit that canned beans aren't as tasty as home cooked.
But while I live for slow food and cooking from scratch—and routinely let homemade chicken stock simmer for five or six hours on the stove (which not only tastes fabulous but makes the house smell so good)—last year's plan to start cooking up a pound of dried beans once a week still has yet to begin. Sometimes you just need to bypass your best intentions and head for the canned bean aisle instead, because everybody knows that canned beans are infinitely better than no beans.
For years I've snacked on garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas) simply rinsed and sprinkled with salt. I also toss them into everything from Arugula Pesto to Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. A handful of garbanzos or kidney beans can turn a salad into a meal, and canned black beans are the star of my Mexican Jumping Bean Slaw.
A while back I discovered cannellini beans, which are sometimes called white kidney beans, and quickly began adding them to everything from Greek Salad to summer squash sautés. Then I got hooked on white bean spreads, which have to be the easiest appetizer ever. Plunk a rinsed can of beans, some sort of flavoring, and a little olive oil into the food processor and whiz for a couple of seconds. I started with pesto and quickly moved onto pretty much anything in the pantry: artichokes, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and that yummy olive bruschetta stuff sold in pretty octagonal jars at Trader Joe's. White bean spread is guilt-free and addictive.
Full of fiber and nutrients and a good source of protein, beans are one of the healthiest foods around, and moderation isn't really necessary. But when I began craving cold leftover baked beans for breakfast a while back, I started to get a little concerned. And when I found myself standing in the kitchen scooping up refried black beans straight from the can with tortilla chips, I knew I could do better.
So what do you like to do with canned beans?
Quick and Easy Refried Black Bean Dip
This is the kind of thing I love to have in the fridge because it keeps me from grabbing a cookie or a slice of chocolate cake or a handful of cheese and crackers instead of something healthier and more substantial when I walk into the kitchen starving. It's incredibly versatile and can be made in summer with juicy, vine-ripened tomatoes or in winter with some good canned tomatoes.
Use it thick as a dip with tortilla chips or a burrito filling, or thin it out and top a platter of nachos. You can even turn it into a dressing for a Tex-Mex inspired salad like the impromptu one pictured above that I made last summer with heirloom tomatoes from the kitchen garden and chunks of leftover grilled pork.
As always, I urge you to seek out local and organic ingredients, as they really do make a difference in so many ways. Quality of canned beans can vary greatly by brand, and I've found that the organic ones taste best. Cans of organic beans are readily available in natural foods stores and many supermarkets and can often be found for the bargain price of about a dollar apiece. Some stores, such as Whole Foods, will even give you a case discount if you stock up and buy 12 cans at a time.
1 can refried black beans (I like the jalapeno flavored kind)
1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1/4 cup (or more*) chopped onions or scallions
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon cumin (freshly ground is amazing)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 4-1/2 ounce can chopped mild green chilies or 1/2 cup salsa
Large handful cilantro, chopped
Garnishes:
Cilantro
Salsa
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Chopped scallions
Chopped tomatoes
Avocado chunks
Guacamole
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. This dip tastes best after the flavors have had a chance to mingle, so try to make it up at least a few hours before serving and let it chill in the fridge. Serve warm or cold, garnished as desired.
Still hungry? Here are more Farmgirl Fare recipes that call for canned beans:
Arugula Pesto, Arugula Pesto Cream Cheese Spread, & Arugula Pesto Pizza
Basil Pesto and White Bean Spread
Colors of Summer Tomato and Fresh Vegetable Salad
Mexican Jumping Bean Slaw & Quick Vegetarian Tacos
Swiss Chard Cabbage Salad with Cottage Cheese and Broccoli Stalks
Fast Black Bean Soup/Chili
Broccoli, Onion, and Garbanzo Bean Soup
Roasted Red Pepper, Tomato, and Artichoke Soup
Quick Cream (or Not) of Artichoke Soup
Swiss Chard Artichoke Soup with Garbanzo Beans
*6/09 update: I'm loving my sweet spring onions from the garden so much I tossed at least a cup of them into today's batch of dip. Delicious!
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the bonkers for beans foodie farm blog where Farmgirl Susan shares recipes, stories, and photos from her crazy country life on 240 remote Missouri acres—and leftover baked beans for breakfast are actually rather tasty, especially when warmed up and served over a piece of toasted homemade honey bran bread.
But It's a Little Embearrassing
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the lovesick foodie farm blog where we believe in a well-rounded diet for all, which meant that a quick chest freezer cleanout yesterday yielded a Tex Mex breakfast of leftover nacho pie for Bear and the big girls (picky beagle Robin doesn't do ethnic cuisine, especially if it contains tomatoes and cilantro) that was greeted with confused sniffs at first but was happily inhaled seconds later.
Does Anything Say It Better than Daffodils?
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the cheerful yellow foodie farm blog where a quick count this morning estimated the number of blooming daffodils in the yard (which faithfully appear year after year without even the slightest bit of assistance on our part) at around an astonishing 400 flowers—including a small clump that has jumped over and popped up next to the flowering quince (another no maintenance favorite), as well as two cute little rows of blooms that are marching their way across the lawn under the clothesline. What a perfect excuse not to mow the grass.
That's Our Crazy Daisy
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the four-footed foodie farm blog where there's a certain time each afternoon when as you're walking around the farm while you work, it quickly becomes obvious that just about everyone else except you is sound asleep. And they say animals aren't as smart as humans.
There Are Usually Dogs (At Least That's How It Works Around This Farm)
Calling All Owners of Rescued and Adopted Dogs: Your Pet Could Be One of the 2009 Faces of Love!
How can you not love somebody who proudly calls herself a 'crazy dog lady?' That would be my dear friend and talented artist, Leigh Jackson, who says in her bio, "I found the loves of my life—except my husband—at animal shelters." Leigh's affordable modern dog portraits, which wonderfully capture the unique spirit of each beloved animal, are in hundreds of dog-loving homes worldwide (including many Hollywood celebrities') and have been featured in such publications as Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion and the Miami Herald.
Leigh's latest project is called Faces of Love, and you're invited to submit photos of your dog for consideration (with no obligation to purchase a portrait). "I am looking to paint all the wonderful rescued and adopted dogs out there: big, small, furry and not so furry," explains Leigh. She wants to share their stories, too, like Jak's, who is pictured below. He's a "foster dog extraordinaire" who "has raised upward of 50 kittens and helped rehabilitated 5 injured dogs. . . and even helped raise a baby squirrel."
Ten percent of purchases from this year-long project, which includes paintings, prints, a 2010 calendar, and a compilation book, will be donated to A Place to Bark Animal Rescue, Bernie Berlin's amazing sanctuary in Tennessee. I've written about Bernie and her tireless efforts to save hundreds of unwanted dogs and puppies from certain death before. She is a true inspiration, and I thank all of you who have generously made donations to A Place to Bark. You can learn more about Leigh's 2009 Faces of Love project here, and you can see the dogs she's already painted—along with the photos that she painted them from—here. I know many of you have welcomed rescued and adopted animals into your lives, and I hope you'll let me know if your dog becomes one of the 2009 Faces of Love!
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the laid back furry foodie farm blog where even if the dogs are sitting right on top of the flowers (which is what Bear happens to be doing in this photo), we still wouldn't trade them for the world. And besides, at least the dogs don't eat the the flowers like some of the critters around here do.
The First Daffodils in the Front Yard are Up!
Need a Bigger Bouquet Today?
You'll find all sorts of colorful blooms here and here.
© 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the warm and toasty foodie farm blog where the heat is once again coming from the woodstove rather than the blazing sun (which is the way it's suppsed to be this time of year), although we're not quite sure about another snowstorm. They did take the predicted 2 to 4 inches of accumulation out of the forecast, which is probably just fine with the daffodils.
What a Lovely Little Surprise
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the naturally color coordinated foodie farm blog where a huge display of flowers is always gorgeous, but around here more often than not just two little ones will do (especially when they're bulbs you planted years ago that only bloom once in a while)—and the reason I'm still awake this late is because I have a pear cake in the oven (and a cookbook deadline looming). But at least I know what will be on the menu for breakfast!
But Not Quite (taken spring 2007 and forgotten until now)
Welcome Country Living Magazine Readers!
So many wonderful things have happened as a result of starting Farmgirl Fare nearly four years ago, but being featured in a magazine I've loved for more than 20 years is definitely one of the best!
I was thrilled when pet expert, author, and awesome dog rescuer Julia Szabo e-mailed me last fall to say that I was going to be the subject of her March Country Living column, and I had a great time talking with her on the phone about life on the farm with all of my critters (don't you just love the word critters?).
I suppose that technically our conversations were interviews, but I don't think I've ever laughed so much during one. Julia is a dog-loving hoot who swore me to secrecy over just how many rescued canines she shares her New York City apartment with. (Hint: it's more than five.)
I'm a little late getting this welcome announcement up since the March issue has already been out for weeks, but I suppose I could say that I was simply waiting for the online version of "Loving Livestock"—which can be found here—to be published. And yes, it's complete with a photo of very camera shy me.
For those of you who have been kindly asking about everybody's favorite hen (or at least that's what she thinks she is) Whitey the Chicken, please know that at a rather amazing nine years old she is still doing just fine—but if you thought she was full of herself before, you should see her now that she and her baby chicks are national magazine superstars. Who knew such a tiny bird could have such an enormous ego. (She was actually pushing for the main photo in the story to be of her.)
It's been so much fun hearing from new readers who came to visit after seeing the article as well as those of you who saw the story and realized that you already knew me. Some of you even recognized the donkeys! A big thanks to Julia and to all of your for your continued support. We wouldn't be here without you.
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the Country Living loving foodie farm blog where we're almost but not quite into lambing season, but if you can't wait until next month to see more adorable bouncing babies, you'll find lots of links to little lambies here.
Don't They Just Look Thrilled?
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the hot and cold foodie farm blog where the weather can make up its mixed up mind any old time. Twelve degrees two mornings ago and a balmy 70 this afternoon. The daffodils even poked up!
Big Snowstorm
Want an even bigger snowstorm?
You'll find links to lots more snowy farm photos here and here.
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the still white foodie farm blog where 12-year-old, semi-retired Robin now spends most of each winter curled up next to the woodstove, but she hasn't neglected all of her farmly duties—especially the ones that include ferociously fending off those crazy wayward donkeys.
Looking Past the Front Yard Gate To the Sheep Barn Yesterday Afternoon
Because we're in such an unpopulated area, our online weather comes from either 25 miles to the north or 60 miles to the south. Despite the further distance, the southern forecasts are usually more accurate so I pretty much always rely on them.
Yesterday our predicted snow accumulation went from three to four inches down to just one to two inches, much to our relief. But when it became increasingly apparent that we had more than two inches of snow piled up out there no matter how or where you measured it, and it was still heavily falling (I believe the technical term used by the professional weather people to describe what was going on was "freezing snow fog,") Joe had the brilliant idea to check the northern forecast. Aha. Five to six inches.
We ended up getting about nine inches of snow in less than six hours. This is pretty unusual for us, especially in very late February.
Looking Ahead To Last Night
You might even say it was something worth celebrating.
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the once again snowed in foodie farm blog where the very white landscape is gorgeous, but it's a pain to get around in—and it really puts a damper on your "let's get an early start this year" garden planting plans.
Happy Dance
Happy Dance Recovery
I'm writing a cookbook! I already said that, didn't I? You'll have to forgive me. I don't think it's all completely sunk in yet, even though I've been working on it every day for the past couple of months (which have flown by way too quickly). I'm still getting used to the idea that I have an agent.
Anyway, the book is all about making the most of your seasonal bounty, whether it comes from your garden, a CSA subscription, the farmers' market, pick-your-own farms, or is dropped off on your doorstep by an undercover, overburdened neighbor when you're not at home. It's going to be published in spring 2010 and will cover canning, freezing, drying, and storing, along with my favorite ways to savor everything fresh—all using my Less Fuss, More Flavor methods and recipes. Of course there'll be plenty of growing tips and gardening talk, too.
It's exciting, it's fun, it's slightly terrifying, and it's big—which is why I'm hoping you'll help. Or, as my esteemed editor so eloquently put it, "Tell them you're writing this big-ass book and start soliciting input as soon as possible."
So what I'm going to do is start posting random questions, hopefully every day or two, over on my kitchen garden blog. They'll vary from wide open to quite specific, and will be for both gardeners and non-gardening foodies. Short replies, longwinded answers, and links to your own blog posts about the subject in question will all be welcome in the comments section of each post.
The first question is already up. I know many of you are gardeners (yay!), and I want to know more about your garden: How big is it, and how much food does it produce?
Thanks in advance for your help with this, and a huge thanks to all of you for the amazing support you've given me and Farmgirl Fare since I created it nearly four years ago. You've changed my life in so many ways and mean more to me than I can say. Thank you.
© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the busy foodie farm blog where things are going to get even crazier around here what with looming book deadlines and all, and although I'll still be posting recipes and photos on a regular basis (Meyer Lemon Scones or Confetti Egg Salad, anyone?), I figured I'd better (at least for now) take the 'daily' out of the Daily Dose of Cute series. My original plan was to actually post a Daily Dose of Cute every day, but for now they'll have to continue to be as they have been, more like every few days—though it's not for a lack of cuteness around here! Oh, and in case you're wondering, that pretty green grass didn't suddenly sprout up in the middle of February—these photos were taken last spring, but I was saving them for a really happy moment. This one definitely qualifies.
One. . . Two. . . Three. . .
It starts on Friday! Bird and nature fans throughout North America are invited to join tens of thousands of bird watchers for the 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count which will take place February 13-16, 2009.
A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this free event is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to discover the wonders of nature in backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, and, at the same time, make an important contribution to conservation.
“Anyone who can identify even a few species can contribute to the body of knowledge that is used to inform conservation efforts to protect birds and biodiversity,” said Audubon Education Vice-President, Judy Braus.
Volunteers take part by counting birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the event and reporting their sightings online at birdcount.org. The data help researchers understand bird population trends across the continent, information that is critical for effective conservation. In 2008, participants submitted more than 85,000 checklists, a new record. How cool is that?
Check out the Great Backyard Bird Count website for lots more info about this neat event. And to learn more about birds in general, visit All About Birds.
Want to count some chickens?
2/14/06: 5pm and Looking for Love
7/21/06: And Sheeeeeeee's SAFE!
6/1/07: Whitey Gets Her Wish
6/5/07: I'm Just Wai-tin' On A Friend
6/17/07: Whitey and her Baby Chicks
6/19/07: Caution—Foodie Forming
8/2/07: Curious Chickie
8/3/07: Baby's First Perch
8/4/07: Baby's First Dust Bath
8/5/07: Mother As Landing Pad
8/9/07: Cock-a-doodle-doo!
8/26/07: Capturing a Quiet Moment
11/22/07: Enjoying A Feast
1/26/08: Faithful Chicken Guard?
3/6/08: Do Chickens Ever Smile?
4/5/08: Chicken Dance
4/9/08: Rooster Two-Step
4/20/08: 2008 Chick Days Are Here!
4/22/08: Who Needs Ducks?
4/24/08: Country Classifieds
5/6/08: Baby Cary Checks Out the Chickens
6/3/08: Chicken Snacks (Not a Recipe)
10/2/08: Gossip Central
10/11/08: Farm Fresh Eggs, They're What's For Breakfast
1/28/09: Snowed In! (scroll down for chickens)
3/7/09: Cluck! Cluck! Cluck!
4/13/09: Chick Days Are Here Again!
10/25/09: Egg Layers, the Next Generation
6/12/09: Last One Born's a Rotten Egg!
6/14/09: Another Chick Pic
6/15/09: Pizza Party
10/25/09: Egg Layers, the Next Generation
12/31/09: Cheers to You on New Year's!
1/6/10: Easiest Guard Job Ever
1/18/10: Somebody's Laying Green Eggs
© 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the fine feathered foodie farm blog where, even though we know that technically they're birds (and in the backyard), we're pretty sure that chickens don't get to be part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. But please don't tell them, okay? You know how Whitey can be.
It Was Nice to Have You Here
