November 20, 2008

A love memento to beans

I am a fan of beans. Black, white, red and green. I love 'em all. However, when we were first married, Joe mention in passing that he did not like beans.

Because I was in the honeymoon phase of our young love, I batted my eyes and made a mental note, "OK, dearest. I wouldn't ever ever try to change you because I love you just the way you are." And I didn't make dinners with beans.

But then I realized Joe wouldn't measure my love with a bean counter. So I started making dinners with beans. And you know what? He likes them.

However, we still have our moments. Like last night when we were making dinner together.

Joe: "What's that smell?"
Katie: "What? I don't smell anything."
Joe: "Something stinks. Really really stinks." (This is a loose adaptation of the real conversation; he used some strong words.)
Katie: "I don't smell anything."
Joe sniffs the can of beans I just opened.
Joe: "That's it. Those beans smell nasty."

But because he has an open mind/open heart policy when it comes to my cooking (which, honestly, should be a required policy to eat my dinners), he ate the chili. And loved it. (see below: best. recipe. ever.)

So if you're skittish around beans, give beans a chance. You just might like them and make a closet bean fan in your life very happy.

My top three favorite bean recipes

White chicken chili - Seriously, hands down, best recipe I've tried in a long time. I made it with orange carrots instead of yellow, added cayenne and served it over rice to make it go further. Love, love, love this recipe. (FYI - only go to Kirsten's blog if you want to leave extremely hungry. She makes everything look so good.)

Black bean and chicken quesadilla - This is my staple "last-minute guests" recipe because a) we always have these items on hand, and b) everyone likes it. I've prepared it about a million times and still love it. (I may or may not have made this three times in the last two weeks for lunch with friends...)

Black bean and cheese pie
- Now, I really like this one but I'll be the first to admit: it's a true bean dish. There's a lot of beans packed in a small space but give it a shot. You might be a convert.

8 comments:

Jen said...

Does he eat lima beans yet? :)

I do love some beans. Black beans are my favorite and I have eaten a tons since moving to Texas b/c all the Mexican places have them.

Courtney said...

I have to say that I made a sweet potato and apple dish last night and Jason tried some of it! But unfortunately he has stil NOT acquired a love for sweet potatoes!

Kirsten said...

Ah, thanks for the shout-out, Katie! My blog is only like that because I want to eat ALL THE TIME. And would if I could. For reals.

And, Courtney, if you send me a little bit of info about what your husband does like, generally, and does not, I might be able to find a way to make sweet potatoes that make him happy. We recently converted a dear friend that was over for lunch. Just hit me back at kirsteneamon (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Jennifer said...

Didn't John Lennon say "Give Beans a Chance"? Oh wait, that was "peace." And he wrote that song while he was in bed, so I really doubt it was about beans. Dutch Oven anyone?

emily ann. said...

The Golbovs love beans...but our digestive systems do not! :) My momma has an AMAZING White Bean Chili recipe as well. I like it so much better than regular chili!

Lani said...

I'm really not even kidding when I tell you that yesterday as I was walking into work for my 16 hour shift [yes SIXTEEN!] I passed a man who was, I'd guess, somewhere around the age of 80. He was proudly sporting a t-shirt that had a picture of a dancing bean...under the dancing bean? "Beans, beans..the musical fruit!" Seriously. I'm sure he's a great grandpa!

Katie @ Heart Gone Walking said...

Lani - the only thing I love more than your story is that you thought of me: Farting beans = Katie

Alaina said...

Thanks for the recipes! We are big fans of beans in this household!