During the 1980s, a lot of my friends would spend their vacations in New York. They loved the big city life, especially after San Francisco, which although romantic and sophisticated is also pretty small, which means you run into the same people wherever you go. I thought it sounded like...

This recipe comes from our neighbors here in Napa, Stevie and Josiah of Bay Grape Wine, a specialty wine shop that makes wine fun without being inane or insulting your intelligence. They are proud Bean Club members and we appreciate them sharing this recipe with us. 1 pound uncooked Marcella beans (can also...

This recipe from Southern Italy is prepared with a combination of dried porcini and fresh oyster or cremini mushrooms. Its earthy aroma and wonderful rich taste captures the essence of wild mushrooms just collected from the forest.  Recipe from Fagioli: The Bean Cuisine of Italy by Judith Barrett.  1 ounce dried...

From the book Snacks for Dinner by Lukas Volger. Copyright © 2022 by Lukas Volger. Published by Harper Wave, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Reprinted by permission. From Lukas' notes: These warm, creamy beans cloaked in smoky, savory olive oil are a quick centerpiece “dip” for a snacky meal. They...

It’s not a bean soup or a sauerkraut soup. It’s its own thing and I can’t wait to make this again. There are many versions of this and if you aren’t using good heirloom beans, like our Royal Coronas, I would add some sausages or a ham hock. I’m not trying to be funny, but the flavor just won’t be there unless you use good heirloom beans. Similarly, if you don’t have homemade sauerkraut on hand, use a trusted brand.

½ of a white onion, minced2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, roughly chopped, with seeds and sauce1 cup chopped tomatoes2 garlic cloves, minced1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil6 cups vegetable broth (preferably homemade)1 cup cooked Rancho Gordo Garbanzo beans, drained1 cup peeled, sliced carrots2 small zucchini, slicedAvocado cubes for garnishLime wedges...

1 pound uncooked Rancho Gordo Midnight or Santanero Negro Delgado black beans, picked over and rinsed8 cups water½ bunch of green onions, white and tender green parts, rinsed1 small garlic head, rinsed but unpeeled, or 4 to 5 large garlic cloves, unpeeled1 tablespoon olive oilSalt1 large yellow onion, finely chopped½...

  1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling1 garlic clove, minced1 large carrot, peeled and chopped1 small bunch Tuscan kale, leaves stripped from the stems and sliced into thin ribbons1½ cups cooked Rancho Gordo Yellow Eye beans in their broth1 sprig fresh rosemary4–6 cups vegetable brothGrated lemon zestRed pepper...

  We've been following Illyanna Maisonet for years. She's an excellent food writer with a natural curiosity. Her articles for the San Francisco Chronicle were legendary. She's an odd and appealing mix of honesty, integrity, vulnerability, and maybe a touch of confidence now and then. She knows her subject, but...

Allison Robicelli is a very provocative food writer and when she's not making me laugh on Twitter, she's offering solid advice for things like cabbage. This is her technique for cabbage wedges; I think they're an ideal buddy for a bowl of perfectly cooked heirloom beans.  1 pound whole white...

Runner beans make a welcome component in a salad because they are thick-skinned and firm, but with a creamy interior. You can prepare all the components of this salad in advance, but wait until just before serving to combine everything, so all the ingredients stay crisp and fresh. ½ bunch fresh cilantro...

A big bowl of sauteed greens and heirloom beans always makes me happy. One lazy Sunday l used Italian green chard and King City Pinks, and something possessed me to add a handful of dust from the bottom of a bowl of mixed nuts. It was terrific. Who knew? —Steve 1 bunch chard ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil...