Fresh Green Beans

I was visiting the local Sprout's Farmer's Market this weekend and they had some of the best looking fresh green beans I've seen in a while.   I couldn't resist and bought a huge bag of beans.    Today I'm cooking them up and I'm here to tell you that I am already looking forward to having a good size portion for supper!

I shouldn't tell, but I did have a sample as part of the taste test, to determine seasoning adjustment and they were yummy!

This recipe is far from exotic or complicated.  I have often not posted very simple recipes but a friend of mine kindly reminded me that not everyone knows how to cook.  So with that in mind, here's how I cook fresh green beans.

Ham and Beans

Steaming Hot Ham and Beans

As the heat of the summer turned into cool fall days this past weekend, my thoughts turned to warm comfort food.  Immediately, ham and beans came to mind.  I just couldn't shake the thoughts.  A quick check of the pantry and I had nearly all the ingredients.  The only thing missing was the ham....now that is kinda important, so a trip to the store for groceries and I was all set.

There are a couple of methods for soaking beans, you can do a quick soak method or just put them in water overnight.  I wasn't in a hurry so I opted for the overnight method.  Of course, if you are in a huge hurry, you can buy canned navy beans and speed up the process even faster!

I tend to make Ham 'n' Beans without a recipe.  I'll share what I did, but I did measure just so I could include the measurements in the event you aren't comfortable "winging it".

Mom's Baked Beans

Long before baked beans came in a can, you made your own.  I remember when mom would make these, and serve them hot and bubbly from the oven.


I've served my share of baked beans from a can, and some are even pretty good.  However, this Memorial Day, I decided to dig back into my recipe archives; the card file with the recipes written in "little girl" handwriting and make mom's baked beans to enjoy  later this Memorial Day with traditional grilled burgers and dogs and homemade potato salad!


This recipe is very easy and most nearly all ingredients are ones you would have in your pantry or fridge.  The exception maybe the molasses.  I had just enough molasses for this batch of beans and my shopping list has been updated to buy a new bottle on my next trip to the grocery.

Cannellini Bean Salad

I recently returned from a fabulous vacation in Italy where I fixed this salad as one of our contributions to the Pici Night Dinner at Cretaiole.  Pici is a hand rolled pasta that is specific to the Val d'Orcia area of Italy where I was staying.  More on that some other time.

This is an easy recipe with simple ingredients that is very good and healthy.  I hope you enjoy it.