Baked Beans

baked beans
baked beans
These are Tucson baked beans!

No, not Boston baked beans, just ordinary baked beans. It’s been years since we’ve had baked beans, perhaps 20 years. Really. Now, of course, we don’t mean those “baked” beans that come from a can, we mean real baked beans, the kind you make yourself. In the oven. Now, we’re not sure why we haven’t made baked beans in so long, although we do remember that the last batch of baked beans we made was a bit undercooked, resulting in beans that were somewhat crunchy. Perhaps that’s why.

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Blackened Green Beans

blackened green beans
blackened green beans
Just like grilling, without the grill!

We all know how grilling brings out some really tasty flavors in foods. Those little charred bits are always just so tasty. But, what do you do if you want to achieve those charred flavors, but you don’t want to be bothered firing up the grill? We have the answer.

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Chana Masala

chana masala and rice

Doesn’t Chana Masala sound exotic? You know just from the name this is going to be a fun and tasty dish. We think so, too, and are a bit surprised that Madhur Jaffrey calls it Chickpeas in a Sauce in her book At Home with Madhur Jaffrey: Simple, Delectable Dishes from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Of course, many people will find the latter name more descriptive, even if it is less poetic.

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Scratched Hummus

hummus

You and I both know people who buy hummus. And while that may work for a quick little snack (it’s difficult to make just a small batch of hummus), when you’re going to need enough for a few dozen people you’ll want to scratch it up yourself. Fortunately, it’s easy. Continue reading “Scratched Hummus”

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Black Beans

While we provide this recipe for black beans, it works for any kind of dried beans. And served up with rice, these black beans will make a really great main or a nice side. Today, it seems as though most people prefer to buy canned beans, and we do buy them occasionally, but for the most part, we make them from scratch. Why? They really do taste better. They are less mushy. And it is significantly cheaper to scratch out a pot of beans. Besides, it really isn’t difficult. Sure, it takes some time, but very little of that time is yours, mostly the beans are simmering.

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