dried beans

I've been eating more healthily recently which mostly means eating less. Less bread, fewer treats, less wine and so on. I've always liked beans but wouldn't have said they were a staple in my diet. But that's changing. I've finally figured out some ways to cook them that my wife likes so we're eating beans a few times a week. You can imagine the excitement I had (or can you?) when I came across a goldmine of heirloom dried beans at the farmer's market last week.

Generally I don't go for the shabby chic display, but this odd assortment of old pots, colanders and bowls was just right. The ladies selling the beans had written wonderful descriptions of each variety and instructions for preparing them as well as recommendations for what to eat them with. Basically, it was perfect. We tried tiny pinquinitos last week and I'm soaking some sangue de toro right now for tonight's supper. Don't know how to cook beans? It's super easy.

1) Quickly sort beans to make sure there are no small stones. Start with a cup or 2 of dried beans-they really grow.

2) Cover with cold water, beans expand so it should be about 3 inches above the beans. Add 1 tsp. salt.

3) Allow to sit for about 8 hours. I put them in water right before I leave for work and cook them when I get home.

4) Pour off the fart water. You read it right.

5) Place beans and fresh cold water in a pot. Again cover with at least 3 inches of water. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer. Cooking time varies due to beans size and how long they have been dried. Generally 45 min to an hour is good.

6) I like to saute a little chopped onion and garlic, pour in a can of whole tomatoes squashed with my hands and then the cooked beans and a good amount of salt-maybe 2 tsp. Simmer for a few minutes, add a large handful of spinach and maybe some fresh herbs. If you are really going for it, some bread crumbs and grated gruyere sprinkled over the top and 10 minutes in a very hot oven will make you very happy. If not, forget I ever mentioned cheese. You will still enjoy your dinner.

cold january morning

I think it's been about 2 months since I went to the Ferry Building Farmer's Market.  That's a long break for me, so despite the cold, I met up with some friends this morning at the market. It's pretty much dark greens and citrus only at this time of year, and that's okay by me. Mostly today was about pastries and letting the little ones run around.

farmer's market

At the market this morning.




These might be the last images you see from my trusty little Power Shot A530. We've been saving (and by that I mean Cristina has been saving) for the last 6 months and bought ourselves a Canon Rebel T1i. I'm signing myself up for a proper class on how to use it because it's way beyond me. We chose this one because it also shoots HD video which pleases The Heated.

saturday

I made it to the market after a few weeks. Things have changed! Citrus has made a debut and pears are gone for the most part. I bought some lovely mushrooms and a few fuyu persimmons for salad.






A new favorite snack. Radishes sliced thinly and doused with fresh lime juice, salt and chopped cilantro if you have it.

20 pounds of apples are turned into 13 pints of apple butter

flowers

Dahlias are my absolute favorite flower, and they can't really be grown year round. During their season (late summer/early fall) I try to see and buy as many as possible. I kind of skimmed the farmer's market today, but this amazing bunch came home with me. I set up a photo shoot on the deck to take shots for Etsy, and these got taken by accident too.

cranberry beans

farmer's market

Yesterday morning I woke up to thunder and lightning, which is unusual in San Francisco. A gigantic clap around 8:15 had me thinking I's skip the market, but I ended up right by the Berkeley market later in the day. That weather inspired me to buy fall feeling food; Russian potatoes, butternut squash, the first apples and a bag of mixed beets and carrots.

For dinner, I roasted the carrots, beets, onion and a delicata squash from my mom's place and served them with orrechiette and lots of parmigiana. It was completely satisfying.

farmer's market

I took the girls down to the Ferry Building this morning for some fruit tasting and boat watching. We'd had a rough start to the day (two tantrums by 9:00) so a little fresh air seemed in order. Alli has really come to love the market and knows to ask me what's in season. The pluots were a favorite today, and all the girls are excited to try the purple pepper for dinner.

farmer's market

I haven't been for a few months, and oh, it has been missed. I decided to break from the Saturday morning pilates class and go back to my weekly visits to the market. Today was a spectacularly gorgeous trip, we're expecting it to get up to 80 degrees. I bought artichokes, crook neck squash, sugar snaps, challah and the fruit you see below. I also splurged on a bottle of Bariani Balsamic Vinegar. We've been slowly working through a bottle of nastiness that I can't convince myself to use on salads.

farmer's market

pomegranite

clementine

fuyu persimmon

ferry building

My usual farmer's market trip will be a bit hectic this week as my sister is getting married Friday, and having a picnic reception Saturday afternoon. Since I don't expect to be able to post about my loot, I thought I'd give you a little tour of the Ferry Building where the market is held. Located right on the water, and gorgeously remodeled a few years ago, the building holds about 30 retail shops. Imagine the best quality olive oil, wine, cheese, coffee, chocolate, caviar, mushrooms, pastries, organic meats and so on all it one building. It's a foodies dream come true. If you are ever in the San Francisco area, you must stop here.

quince

darling cupcakes and the sweetest little packages of cookies.

seasonal produce

flower bouquets in a wagon

potted plants for sale

Alli decides she can't walk any further, and will nap here.

farmer's market

I'm loving the contrast of these bright dahlias from the farmer's market.

farmer's market

I finally made it out of bed in time for the farmer's market. I hate going when it's crowded, so for me it's before 9 or not at all. Produce is finally coming into season! I bought apricots, cherries (bing and rainier) corn, strawberries, english peas and more. And I am inspired to cook again. Stay tuned for recipes this week.