Posts from — January 2011

Sundays In The Kitchen – Gram’s Green Beans

by Marisa

My Gram has been making these green beans for a long time. She and my Mom have a special knack for bringing out the deliciousness of vegetables! Me? Well, I’m really good at microwaving the bejesus out of veggies.

Which does not bring out the deliciousness. They basically die a slow and shriveled death.

So, I asked Gram a million times for the recipe for these fabulous beans. Every time the answer was the same…

<insert strong Italian accent> “ I don have a recipe, you gotta watch me.”

And one day, I finally did! Now, I’ve been able to ditch the microwave and make Gram’s Green Beans. You can, too! Here’s how…

You’ll need 1 pound of green beans. I like to use these frozen haricot vert from TJ’s, but you can use any style or fresh beans if you have them available…

You’ll also need 2 garlic cloves, a stalk of celery, 1/2 medium onion (any variety; I used red today since it’s what I had on hand) and a 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes…

In a large stockpot, add 2 tsp. olive oil and green beans (frozen or fresh)…

Next goes the sliced garlic and onion…

Thinly sliced celery…

And tomatoes…

About this much salt…

Probably a teaspoon. Don’t whip out your measuring spoon or I’m tellin’ Gram.

Feel free to add other spices – pepper, basil, thyme or oregano would all work nicely. Oregano…ooooh, Gram would FLIP OUT if she knew I wrote that. She hates oregano. Glad she doesn’t read my blog.

However, I prefer to keep mine simple because that’s how Gram does it….

Plus, I’m afraid of broken English oregano induced outbursts.

Put a lid on it…

and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until green beans are tender. This may take longer if using fresh beans.

Serve ‘em up…

These beans taste even better the next day as the flavors develop. And they are especially delicious with a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese. <——– Shhhhhhh… don’t tell Gram

Enjoy!

Have a great day, everyone!

What is your favorite recipe that has been handed down in your family?

January 31, 2011 30 Comments

Mom’s Medicine

by Marisa

I’m still snuffy

I do feel a little better today, but not well enough to do any formal exercise. Getting in and out of bed counts for something though, right?

We had a MAJOR snowstorm with over a foot of snow, so it was a good excuse to stay cozy and rest…

I also wasn’t able to get to my Weight Watchers meeting the past 2 days due to the weather! I was tempted to try out my home scale, but quickly ditched the idea. It wouldn’t be recorded for the week anyway, so I’ll wait it out until next week!

My hunger has been off all day. I’m not much in the mood for anything other than soup or sandwiches! I stared into the fridge for a good 10 minutes before deciding on a peach nonfat Chobani yogurt with a sliced banana for breakfast (3 PP)…