Beans As Part of the Columbian Exchange
Part of the fun of being featured in The New Yorker was hearing from people all over the world and their stories about beans and/or Mexico. One of the most...
The Rancho Gordo Blog
My Favorite Green Just Might Be Dandelions (Especially With Beans)
There's not much original about loving beans and greens. They're a natural combination. The greens are fresh and healthy, and if I have my way, a little bitter. They are...
Easy Beans in a Slow Cooker
Two relatively recent books on slow cookers have inspired me to dust mine off. I go through periods where I am enchanted but often the results are a murky mess....
Bean Burgers, Bean Cakes or Bean Fritters? Call Then What You Like.
From Julia Newberry, my co-author of The Rancho Gordo Vegetarian Kitchen, we have this great burger alternative. We tried a lot of bean burgers and this was the one that...
Black Bean and Pork Love Fest: Feijoada from the Fatted Calf
As if Bossa Nova and futbol weren't enough, Brazil also gives us this inspired dish, feijoada. It's not a quick microwaved midweek meal. I think it would be great for...
Another Day, Another Great Soup.
Spring means Flageolet beans. Often it would mean lamb but these beans can stand on their own. My old stove has a pilot light and stays warm and dry between...
A New Favorite Tool in the Kitchen
I have plenty of slotted spoons but a slotted ladle is a new one for me. I got this one at our beloved local cookware store, Shackford's, here in Napa....
The Burden of Fame: I Kind of Like It!
Fame is like caviar, you know - it's good to have caviar but not when you have it at every meal. -Marilyn Monroe I'd be willing to try having caviar...
A Simple Bean Broth Enjoyed Thrice (Yes, I Used This Pretentious Word)
Sometimes you make beans and there's a lot of broth leftover. I have fallen so in love with bean broth that I make sure there's plenty when I make beans....
Salty Xoconostle Strips
Cactus plants produce fruit. Prickly pears are sweet and tropical but xoconostle are super sour. When they're dried and salted, they make a perfect pal for tequila and mezcal. We...
Deviled Eggs with a Touch of Stardust
The family was invited to a great Easter party at my friend Geraldine's and with our bounty of eggs, thanks to our flock of chickens, it seemed like a natural...
Eye of the Goat Beans with Ricotta Salata
Eating simply is my idea of heaven. Use the best ingredients and then stay out of the way. I remember reading about ricotta salata in La Cucina di Lidia by...