I have not lived. Dinner was ridiculously simple and delicious: Slow Cooked Boston Baked Beans; Homemade Skillet Cornbread; Kale Sauteed in Olive Oil, Garlic and Lemon topped with Cherry Tomatoes and Grated Parmesan Cheese; and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Photos first, then words. This knocked my socks off. Er…well flip flops. Sandal season is still upon us 
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I remember when those beans were white. 10 hours later…BAM! They’re brown!
Scotty Skillet was MADE for cornbread.
Drizzled in Farmer’s Market Honey. Pardon me Lord…SWEET JESUS. How have I never made cornbread from scratch??!?!?!?!
I’ll never buy Bush’s Baked Beans again. These were so hearty and flavorful. Defiantly worth the 9-hour soak and 10-hour slow cook.
I wanted something to compliment my succulent creations. Kale was a great choice. This green is hearty. I sauteed it in a good olive oil with garlic and lemon and finished with cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It was comforting yet refreshing. A nice compliment to my decadent sides.
Initially, I thought a Pinot Noir would be suiting for this meal. Unfortunately, I finished the last of my Pinot yesterday. I had a bottle of J. Lohr 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon on stand by and thought it would work. I was glad that I chose this. The molasses in the beans needed a more stable wine. The garlic and lemon in the kale saute nicely played with the blackberry and cherry flavors. Did I mention that I love food and wine?
I think I’ll end my Labor Day on a relaxing note. Yesterday, I discovered that my blondies are beautiful when warmed for 30 seconds in the microwave and topped with vanilla ice cream. YES PLEASE! I’ll have one!
And I think I’ll probably snuggle with this:
I know the way to Truffle’s heart: TUNA. She approved of my lunch today:
Tuna, Mixed Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Cranberries, Celery, Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber on top of Spinach with Olive Oil and Balsamic.
For my yogurt fix: 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt, Cinnamon, Blackberry Jam and Nature’s Path Vanilla Almond Flax Granola.
For the first time in my life I can’t wait for leftovers. That is the beauty of cooking a dish that serves 8 for one person! I’ll have cornbread, baked beans and chicken and andouille etouffee any time!
Sweet Satisfaction,
Nora
How do you feel about leftovers?
The cornbread looks so incredible good. Wow. I’m also inspired to try cooking with kale . . . I’ve never done it before, but your pictures make it look very good.
In terms of leftovers, I have a love hate relationship with them. There’s something about cold food that’s kind of gross–but as soon as I bite the bullet and pop ‘em in the microwave, my feelings completely change.
Hey Jenna!! Thank you so much
I hope you try out kale and let me know how it goes! I can relate to your love hate relationship with leftovers. Somethings get better with time and some—not so much. Take Care, Nora
Mmm your homemade cornbread looks good! I’ve never tried making my own, but I love my mom’s!
I usually hate leftovers because I don’t like when things get mushy and I usually don’t like eating the same thing two days in a row. I do like leftover soups and chili though!
I love leftovers!! Sometimes I re-invent them and sometimes we eat them the same way. I think some foods taste even better leftover. I’m betting that may be the case with your baked beans.
Hey Mo!! I know what you mean. For some reason stews, beans, soups etc get better when all of the spices have had time to absorb
. Yum I love it! (I tried a spoonful when deciding dinner tonight and time was GOOD to those babies!!)
Yum!! I love good baked beans. From a can? No thanks. Homemade? YES!! Except…I confess the closest I’ve come is “cheater” baked beans, which use canned beans :X But still so good…and I’m sure still have nothing on real homemade baked beans
I’m also a big cornbread fan, yet don’t make it near enough.
I’m sort of picky about my leftovers. I don’t like having the same exact thing more than twice if possible – but something like beans, veg burgers, veggies, grain salads – are okay because they can be eaten differently each time. Say – over a salad one day, as a sandwich the next, etc. And sometimes they’re just plain lifesavers! haha