Rainy days are here! This is the view from our front window, where I alternate between spying (er, watching) on my neighbors and wasting time online. I have some bad news. I was held over at work last night due to my friend, Lori, (who thinks my blogging is silly!) being sick for her shift. I worked til 5am when normally I only work til 2am. So there goes my planned stamping time for today! I’m so sorry, AJ! I saw your comment relaying your eager anticipation to see my brilliant creations and i let you down!
So, instead of my sharing my wonderous art, i’m sharing a recipe from Keith’s arsenal. One of our new favorites – 3-Bean Salad. Keith found a recipe and we have made it once a week for practically the whole summer. It’s very healthy too- as beans provide much needed fiber and protein as well as carbohydrates. Beans are POWER FOOD!
Now… something you may not know. Beans can be your friend. Honest. You can get past the embarrassing social faux pas all folks are weary of: The Dreaded, Uncontrollable Flatulent Outburst. So many people don’t eat beans because of their fear of odiferous gaseous emissions. Put your fears aside! To conquer the bean side effects, you only need to introduce them slowly into your diet. Start with small amounts, preferably in the privacy of your own home. As your digestive system begins to adapt to the increased intake of roughage, you will notice less undesirable side effects. It’s probably best to have your entire household going through this process at the same time… so you can blame others for any random noises or odors.
If you stick to this plan for a month, adding more beans at least once daily, I guarantee you will lose your fear of eating beans in public. Use all kind of beans also. Don’t just stick to one tried and true because if you don’t, they’ll surprise you when you least expect it.
I do have a funny story about one of my most embarrassing experiences with beans. Honeymooning in Jamaica, it was the first time in my 22 years that I had such a variety of ethnic foods (you must understand- my mom hailed from North Dakota, where pretty much meat and potatoes reign. Taco Bell was as far as I had strayed from that!). We stayed in Sandals, Negril and ate everything from the buffet. I fell in LOVE with the black bean soup. Probably had 2 bowls… and you can imagine how that night was- “HI HONEY! GETTING TO KNOW THE REAL ME, REAL FAST!”
Despite this unfortunate episode, my love for beans only grew tenfold. I can attest to eating them daily and not having any digestive trouble because of them. I eat them in public even. Beans want to be your friend. They’re cute little guys. Go on… try this recipe!
Ingredients:
15 oz can – Cannelli Beans, rinsed 15 oz can - Kidney Beans, rinsed 15 oz can - Garbanzo Beans, rinsed 15 oz can - Butter Beans, rinsed 1.5 cups fresh green beans, steamed and cut 1 half red onion, finely chopped half cup chopped Italian parsley 1 Tbsp chopped herbs- you can use whatever you have handy- thyme, rosemary 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1/3 Cup Sugar 1/4 Cup Olive Oil Salt & Pepper to taste Combine all the beans in a large bowl. Set aside. In a small saucepan, heat vinegar, sugar, oil and salt & pepper until warm and sugar fully dissolves. Add chopped onions and herbs into saucepan and wisk. Let cool to room temperature, then pour over bean mixture. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. 
Dressing in the saucepan….
My cute hubby toiling over the stove… all he needs is an apron…
YUMMMMMMMMM!!!!
* i am not a doctor or dietician. please consult your doctor about beans if you have any concerns regarding adding beans into your diet. *
