[This message was originally sent by email 3/20/2020 to select group of friends and family – prior to the creation of this site.]
So the last week was full of all kinds of stuff. I was busy with getting my workplace situated so I barely had time to keep up with what was going in, much less offer anything of value to you guys. Hopefully you’re all doing well – or as well as can be expected during this type of situation.
I know that many people rushed the stores when they found they were going to shut away for a while. Often it was found that our standard go-to items were gone and in many cases substitutions were made. I have found it interesting to note how many people bought dry beans but, based on social media accounts, seem to have no idea what to do with them. So let me offer on of my favorite, easy-to-prepare recipes in case you know someone in that situation.
This one is for a slow cooker (Crockpot), but if you use a regular pot on medium low on your stove top, you should be good as well. The key is to not cook them too fast – a high simmer to low boil is where you want to be.
Ingredients: 1 pound dried pinto beans (2 1/2 cups), rinsed and picked over to remove any rocks 7 1/2 cups of water Crushed red pepper (to taste, I use 1/2 teaspoon but 1 teaspoon will spice it up quite a bit) 1 teaspoon salt Black pepper (to taste, I use about 1/2 teaspoon)
Put everything but the salt in the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours and add the salt. Continue to cook until the beans are tender but not falling apart (7 to 9 hours total). You can add the salt initially, but that generally results on tougher beans that may take longer to cook. Turn off the slow cooker or remove from heat about an hour before serving, which will allow the beans to soak up more water and become more tender.
I like to add meat as well, because I’m a carnivore. Not only that, but it releases some fats into the beans, which releases some of the fat-soluble flavors to be released. I like something smoked like ham or turkey for the extra flavor. If you add turkey (a leg or wing), add about a tablespoon of butter for the extra fat. Throw it in at the beginning and it will be tender by the time the beans are done.
If you add beans to rice, it gives all the amino acids necessary to be considered a complete protein.
If someone you know bought some flour – hopefully they have yeast as well. If so, here is an easy bread recipe:
I call it Lazy-Man’s Bread 4 cups All-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon dry yeast 1 tablespoon salt 2 cups warm water
Add yeast to water and stir to blend. Add salt to flour and stir to blend. Add yeast water to flour mixture. Stir to blend (30-60 seconds) Put in a bowl and cover until dough doubles in size (8-12 hours) Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes (or until done – such as when a toothpick can be poked in and comes out clean) Let cool before slicing.
Remember to stay as active as possible. Most places still allow you to walk / hike / or bike as long as you maintain social distance.