simmer down

Today is my 2nd attempt at cooking beans, aka frijoles de la olla. I know it should be the easiest thing in the world, put a bunch of beans in pot with water and wait for the magic to happen. The easiest things are the ones I always manage to turn into something complicated and way more time consuming than necessary. Waiting to the beans to cook will actually be the easy part, but it is embarassing to admit that it takes me nearly the same amount of time to sort a pound that I deem worthy. It is almost as neurotic as that character in clerks who is looking for the perfect dozen, only I am searching for the perfect pound.

Last time I thought I had it right, they seemed done. I probably had the flame too low so it took a bit longer but they had passed both of the "done" tests I was told about. I left them on the stove and throughout the next day until I got home. Maybe that was my huge mistake? Or maybe they were not as ready to eat as I was ready to sleep.

Luckily I am a bit worn out from the week and can only think of taking things slow, really really slow. I sorted last night, soaked today and just started simmering about 20 minutes ago. It took a while for the water to get boiling. Hopefully this time they turn out right, but if not I am giving myself enough time to go to the store and cheat with canned ones. If I do get it right, you know it is beans on tap from this day forward. I already know how to make torts so it's on!

high on life, low on cash-erole

edited to add "improved" picture, today i had leftover casserole and a tofurkey sammich, yum!



for tonight's dinner i made a recipe from one of the liberal vegan's vegan mofo posts, broccoli lentil casserole. last week's check was short six hours from when i was sick the week before. i also didn't do a proper grocery run this weekend so there was no menu plan or fresh produce. i definitely had to call on the pantry resources. luckily i had the presence of mind to at least get some onions and a few other staple goods on a quick trip sunday night. if you haven't already made this, you have to, now. it's super delicious and doesn't take too much work to get a healthy meal on the table. i did have to bake the casserole a bit longer but there's a good chance my oven doesn't run as hot as hers. extra cooking time aside, i think there was a little less than half a pan left after we had our fill. this will definitely get some repeats.

i also had a great score at marshall's yesterday. i got an 8" skillet, 10" skillet, an 8" spring form, a 5" serrated knife and a rasp for about $40.00. i didn't buy groceries this week so i guess it's like i spent the food money on things i need to make the food? i wish i only spent 40 on groceries, maybe i will if i keep working the pantry. after tonight i really need to get an oven thermometer already.

on my lunch break i picked up the complete vegan kitchen from the library . i hustled to and from in under a half hour, give me a few weeks and i can probably cut that down a bit since it's really only about a mile each way. i've fallen out of shape and also don't want to get too worked up when i'm still in my work clothes. but between lunchtime library runs and working/training with ms. penny i might just look pretty damn good in some sweaters when it is chilly enough to wear them.