This morning, I received an e-mail from a reader named Jeanne who wondered if I have any ideas for flavoring a pot of white beans without using ham hocks, bacon, or other fattening products.
I admit that while I’m a big fan of the smoky flavor of pork in just about any legume (blame Grandma and those Southern roots), it can be hard to justify if you’re watching your health.
According to Saveur, the founder of heirloom bean company Rancho Gordo, Steve Sando, says “Beans shouldn’t need to be cooked with a ham hock to taste good.”
True, but they need to be cooked with something, don’t they? Who wants to eat a plain old salted bean?
Here are a couple of suggestions for Jeanne:

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Number one: Head out to the New River Valley Progressive Men’s Club’s Fish Fry on Saturday. It lasts from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at St. John’s #35 Masonic Lodge, 235 Depot Street, Christiansburg. Fish sandwiches are going for $4, but the plate lunch ($6) sounds better. It comes with fried fish, coleslaw, baked or pinto beans, cornbread, cake and a drink. Yummer. Delivery is available (call 540-392-9897 or 540-320-2565) and all proceeds benefit the club’s scholarship fund.

Number two: Check out the new Sunday fare at Michele’s on Main in Salem. According to frequent blog reader Dennis, the restaurant will serve a family-style lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu will be homestyle food and by “family style,” I mean they’re letting you pick a meat and veggies and bringing bowls out to the table for folks to share, kind of like they do at The Homeplace. If you check it out, let me know.

Number three: Watch this hilarious stand-up routine by comedian Jim Gaffigan about one of my favorite foods, bacon. It’ll get your weekend started with a smile…and a craving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVKJpkq-wNo