Red Beans and Rice

The girl child and I ran a couple of errands today

(do I win the fun day with mom award or what?)

We needed to stop at some drug store or superstore for a couple things for the house.

As we were leaving one place, we noticed a drug store across the way.

We knew it was there, but it's not often we would shop at that end of town as we have the same sort of stores closer to home. This day though, I would have had to pull a U-Turn to get to the one closer to home...or...just pull into this store's parking lot and get what we needed.

We both decided that would be the smarter option. Just for the 2 things we needed.

Yeah.

Have you ever walked into a store and felt dirty?

This is a chain, and they are building new ones everywhere...but apparently they decided this one was not worth renovating.

The shelves were messy, the employees looked like they hated their jobs, and even the clientele seemed a little "odd".

We grabbed what we needed and high-tailed it out of there.

Granted, we got what we needed, but I think that will be our first and last trip to that particular location. We will stick to the newer stores.

Ingredients:

2 Pkg Kielbasa

1 Pkg center cut ham (cubed)

1 Lb red beans (soaked overnight)

1 Lg yellow onion (diced)

1 Green pepper (diced)

1 Tbsp Garlic (minced)

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into a large pot

2. Cover with water, 1-2 inches above ingredients

3. Bring to a boil

4. Simmer 2 hours or more

5. Serve over rice

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Gah! Forgot the green pepper!

Come party with me HERE!

One Pot Cannellini Florentine

:::sigh::: husbands!

Mine is a picky eater...when he remembers to be. 

Sounds confusing?

How about this: He likes kidney beans. Kidney beans = great protein, so I have been using them a lot lately. Including cannellini beans which are nothing more than white kidney beans.

On the back of one of the cans of cannellini beans I have used was this recipe. Sounds delish and it is everything we already know and like.

I am in the kitchen making dinner. 

Hubby comes home "OMG what is that, it smells so freaking good!"

Fast forward to actual dinner.

I get "mmm is that spinach I see, yum!"

then it hit....

He made a face like a 5 year old, used his spoon to pick up one cannellini bean...grimaced...and said "what in the heck is this?"

Seriously?

Convincing him that he has been eating them for months is like selling ice to an Eskimo. Forget it. Not going to happen. Once he gets an idea in his head, it might as well be written in concrete.

The girl and I loved it, she even went back for seconds.

He knew better than to snack later on. 

Ever feel like this?

Whatever. Picky hubby aside, you want to make this dish. The girl and I are not-so-sad to have leftovers for the week!

Ingredients:

4 Sliced bacon, chopped

3 Cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 (14 oz) can chopped spinach, drained

1 (15.5 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 (16 oz) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (16 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

3 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth

½ Cup sun dried tomatoes, cut into thin strips

1 Tsp dried basil

Crushed red pepper flakes

Salt

Parmesan cheese

French fried onions

Directions:

1. Cook bacon over high heat in large stockpot until cooked

2. Add garlic and onion, saute until brown

3. Mix in spinach, saute 2 minutes

4. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 10 minutes

5. Season to taste

6. Top with cheese and onions

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Just out of the pot

With the french fried onions and Parmesan cheese

Come party with me HERE!

Red Beans and Rice Soup with Kielbasa

Sometimes I am at a loss for what to write here!
I am constantly torn between sharing all these great memories and stories that form my world, and trying to protect the privacy of my friends and family.

Blogging is fantastic, it's a platform for thoughts, hints, help, and support.
Sadly though, just like with any public anything, here are people who use this information to the detriment of others.

Starting this post, I had multiple ideas swimming in my brain...but there was no way to tell my tale without some serious identifiers.

If you blog, or use social media, do you worry about the same?

Especially for my girl child. I don't want the world to know more about her than she is willing to share.

I don't think I am being overly paranoid. Sadly.

On a happier note:
Since we are talking about the girl, she was my biggest cheerleader while making this soup.
I had seen it in an edition of Woman's Day and thought it would be a good fit for my family. We had it for dinner, and then again for lunch another day later on.
As we were washing the dishes from the second serving, she asked if I would make this again soon. Anything for my girl!

Ingredients:

½ Cup long grain white rice

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

6 oz Beef kielbasa, cut into ¼ inch pieces

1 Large onion, chopped

2 Stalks celery, chopped

1 Large green pepper, chopped

Kosher salt

3 Cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp Creole seasoning

3 Cups chicken broth

1 can (15 ½ oz) Kidney beans

5 Cups kale

1 Cup water

Directions:

1. Cook rice according to package directions

2. Heat oil in large pot over medium heat

3. Add kielbasa and cook until browned. Transfer to a bowl.

4. Add onion and cook until tender. Add celery, pepper, ½ the salt and cook 3 minutes

5. Add garlic and Creole seasoning. Cook for 1 minute.

6. Return kielbasa, add chicken broth and 1 cup water.

7. Simmer 5 minutes

8. Gently mash half the beans

9. Stir the beans and rice into the soup.

10. Add kale and simmer until tender.

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Escarole and Bean Soup

A friend of mine shared this recipe with me.
The same friend I discussed trying to starve here.

Thankfully she is wise and forgiving.
(Thankfully for me that is! We have been friends for so long, I can't imagine not having her a text message away!)

Anyhoo...
I finally got around to making this soup and it was DELISH! We all had it for dinner, and then the girl child and I made two more meals each out of it.

I have to admit, the escarole part sort of threw me for a loop.
Salad type product? In soup?
It made it though...it simply needed it!

I sent her a text to let her know I made it (which means she is also eagerly awaiting to see it posted here!). We talked about it for a bit...and then she drops the magic words "I think my mom got this recipe from Wegman's".
:::sigh::: Ahhh...Wegman's.
My grocery oasis.
Love me some Wegman's...as does my friend.
See, this soup was just meant for us!

Ingredients:

1.5 Lbs mild Italian sausage patty

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

8 oz chopped onion

3 Cloves garlic (minced)

14 oz escarole blend

Salt

Pepper

44 oz chicken stock

15.5 oz cannelini beans (drained)

1 Cup ditalini pasta

¼ Cup finely chopped parsley

2 Tbsp lemon juice

Directions:

1. Cut each sausage patty into 8 pieces, shape into balls

2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in large pan

3. Add sausage balls and cook, turning to brown all sides

4. Remove sausage from pan and set aside (discard drippings)

5. Return pan to heat and add remaining 2 tbsp oil

6. Add onions to pan

7. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until onions are translucent

8. Add garlic and cook until soft

9. Add escarole, stirring occasionally until wilted

10. Season to taste with salt and pepper

11. Stir in stock, beans, and browned sausage

12. Add pasta and simmer 10 minutes

13. Add parsley and lemon juice

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Bean and Bacon Soup

I got out of work a little on the early side today, the girl child had the day of school, and we had a few errands to run.
Sounds like a plan to me!

I went home and picked her up. Our first stop was for a slice of pizza for lunch.
Gah!
We forgot how HUGE the take-out slices are at this particular restaurant. It is the equivalent of 2 large slices.
Needless to say, we didn't finish. Got a box and brought them home.

Next stop was our local Marshall's. We have the fortune/misfortune (depending on if you are asking us or hubby) of having one right at the end of our street. We are there all the freaking time! On our list was birthday present(s) for a cute little cousin and a couple of things the girl child needed.
Score on both counts!

We did spy a really spiffy pair of boots.
Hmmm.
Debating running back over there tomorrow.
Should really try them on. I might hate them.
Only one way to find out.

Boring stops came next. Nothing you want to hear about.
Hubby was home when we got there...and was oh-so-very psyched to see left over pizza. Apparently lunch wasn't on his agenda for the day.

Moments like that, with my girl, even doing mundane tasks, makes my heart sing.

Ingredients:

2-3 Slices of bacon, fried and chopped

½ Onion, diced and cooked

1 Can butter beans

1 Can kidney beans

1 Can pinto beans

1 Can diced tomato (not drained)

2 Cans chicken broth

½ Tsp oregano

Salt/Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients

2. Season to taste

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Come see where else this has been shared!

White Bean Dip with Parmesan and Sage

Would you believe before I tried this recipe I had never heard of Cannellini beans, much less knew what they were?

I stood in the grocery, checking out the canned beans until I finally found them.

I found out the following trivia

• They are a member of the kidney bean family
• They are mistaken for great northern beans frequently
• They are available canned or dried all year long
• They have a fluffy, yet smooth texture when cooked

Now that I am familiar, I will be using them more often. Cannellini beans are a great source of iron and we could always use more of that in our diet!

Ingredients:

1 (15 oz) Can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

¼ Cup firmly packed finely grated parmesan cheese

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 Clove garlic (minced)

¼ Tsp kosher salt

⅛- ¼ Tsp cayenne pepper

1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh sage leaves

1 Tbsp minced chives

Directions:

1. In food processor, combine beans, cheese, oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper

2. Puree until smooth

3. Add sage and pulse to combine

4. Serve with pita bread, pretzels, or vegetables

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This recipe was shared with:
Monday: Flour me with Love, Pioneer Momma, Homemaking with Style, Mom Favorites, Kitchen Table Art, Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms, Feeding Big, A Southern Fairytale, A Pinch of Joy, The Modest Mom Blog, Huckleberry Love, I Should be Mopping the Floor, Uncommon Designs, A Mama's Story, All Things Fee, The Chicken Chick, Boogieboard Cottage, Enchanted Home Schooling Mom, Skip to my Lou, 21st Century Housewife, Sew Can Do, Mom's the Word
Tuesday: Kathe with an E , The New Mrs Adventures, Cornerstone Confessions, Inside Bru Crew Life, Pint Sized Baker, Memories by the Mile , Lou Lou Girls, Time Warp Wife, Minivan Dreams, Mandy's Recipe Box, Hope Studios, Hope in Every Season , Stone Gable Blog, Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos , Our Table for Seven     
Wednesday:  Dizzy Busy and Hungry , Buns in my Oven , Milk and Cuddles, Raising Homemakers, White Lights on Wednesday, A Peek into my Paradise, Gingersnap Crafts, Mom's Test Kitchen, Crafty Allie, Mostly Homemade Mom, The Newlywed Pilgrimage, Lemoine Family Kitchen         
Thursday:  Miz Helen's Country Cottage , What's Cooking Love, Lambert's Lately, Saving 4 Six, Sweet Haute, Katherine's Corner  , Sweet Bella Roos, Embracing Change, Nourishing Gourmet
Friday: O Taste and See , The Grits Blog , Coffee with us 3, Pure Grace Farms, Simple Nature Decor, The Better Baker, Endlessly Inspired, Love Bakes Good Cakes, Marly's This and That, Thirty Handmade Days, City of Creative Dreams, Lady Behind the Curtain, The Diary of a Real Housewife, Beauty Through Imperfection, Craft O Maniac, The Girl Creative, Morsels of Life
Saturday: Six Sister's Stuff , Simply Gloria, Raising Memories , Weary Chef, Sewlicious Home Decor
Sunday:   Three Mango Seeds, A Peek into my Paradise  

Recipe adapted from Cookin Canuck

Red Beans and Rice

I don't remember where/why/how/when but one day hubby declared "I just don't like any Cajun food".
Considering he loves spice...and has never HAD any Cajun food, I thought it was an odd thing to say.

Playing around online, I found this recipe and decided to adapt it to my own needs (read: convenience).

I had bought Cajun seasoning for another recipe a million years ago and was psyched to be able to use some more of it. Hate buying something and having to throw it away!

The only "difficulty" I found in this recipe was finding chipotle powder. Apparently it isn't a hot commodity at my closest grocery store. I found some chipotle marinade and used some of that powder. If it changed or "ruined" the flavor, I wouldn't be aware. Tasted good to us!

Hubby has now decided that he is willing and able to try more Cajun recipes...yay for breaking down barriers!



Ingredients:
2 cans (15.5 oz) kidney beans
4 Garlic cloves (chopped)
1 Tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp powdered chicken stock
1 Tsp garlic salt
1 Tsp dried chipotle powder
1 Tsp liquid smoke
2-3 Bay leaves
1 Onion (chopped)
1 bell pepper (chopped)
1 Tbsp butter
1-2 Tbsp salt (according to taste)
1-2 Tsp cajun seasoning
¼ Cup butter
1 Tsp tabasco sauce
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 Lb smoked sausage

Directions:
1. Drain beans and place in crock pot along with black pepper, chicken stock, garlic, garlic salt, bay leaves, chipotle powder, and liquid smoke.
2. Cover with water until it just covers the bean mixture.
3. Saute peppers and onions with butter
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours
5. Remove bay leaves, add ¼ cup butter and stir.
6. Add cornstarch with a small amount of water to dissolve, add to bean mixture to thicken.
7. Cook rice according to package.
8. Slice smoked sausage and cook until nicely browned.
9. Season with salt if desired.
10. Put rice in single serving bowls, add beans, top with sausage.
11. Sprinkle with additional cajun seasoning and/or tabasco if desired.

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The Weber package was my chipotle marinade

So, I made the servings way too big. This is an incredibly filling meal!

Baked Beans

I love this baked bean recipe. It's easy enough to make for weeknight dinners as it only takes a couple of hours.

Hubby always loves them, but every now and again I get "these are good, but I do really like my mother's". I called her the other day to find out how she makes hers...if he wants them, I will make them (eventually).

We compared recipes, and there is only slight differences. Once I try hers, I will post that as well.

Hubby truly feels that the difference really is in the fact that she uses a bean pot. Since I don't have one, I will have to borrow hers when I make them.

Ingredients:
40 oz can of kidney beans, drained
Onion, chopped
½ Cup brown sugar
1 Cup molasses
1 Tbsp dry mustard
6 Cups water


Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until water is reduced

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Simple ingredients, love when everything is already on hand

Sweet and delicious!

Chili Cheese Dip

This is so incredibly bad for you, and yet it feel sooooo good!
In our (skinnier) high school days, my friends and I would make a batch of this and eat off it for hours. Tortilla chips, corm chips, it all tastes good with this dip!

Cheese and Chili Dip

Ingredients:
1 (16oz) box of pasteurized prepared cheese product (cubed)
1 (15oz) can chili


Directions:

1. In microwave safe bowl combine chili and cubed cheese
2. Microwave for 3 minutes, stir
3. Repeat until all cheese is melted and chili is stirred in


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Simple ingredients

Cubed the cheese...

Add the chili...

Heat and serve with tortilla chips or corn chips. YUM!