Thursdays with my Sister Chicks

Our new semester of bible study began today. I'm taking the Here and Now There and Then study by Beth Moore. Most of by Sister Chicks from the Newcomers class are there. I'm thrilled I'll still get to see them each week. We lunched at Red Oak Grill http://www.redoak-grill.com/home.htm A few of the other classmates came along as well. They have only been in Katy a yr. or 2. It's always fun meeting another newby who is planting roots in our new community.
Dinner was an old stand-by, northern beans, seasoned & cooked until they're mushy. I always make enough for leftovers. We think they taste better the 2nd day. I purchased some rustic artisan bread from a gourmet bakery. I had gotten this last June for a food styling event, & have wanted to try it for myself ever since. They did not disappoint. It was delicious.
Jim & I are setting up & serving at our church's parent conference this weekend. There are plenty of leftovers from this week's meals for lunches & dinners on the run.

Northern Beans

Rinse & sort beans in a large pot. For 2 cups beans, add 8 cups hot water. Bring to a rapid boil, boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover 7 let stand 1 hour. Drain soak water & rinse beans.
Add 6 cups of hot water to drained & rinsed beans. Add 2 strips cooked bacon; half of a medium onion, quartered, 1 teaspoon garlic. Season with salt & pepper.
Simmer gently with lid tilted until desired tenderness is reached, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.


Serve with cornbread (or the delicious artisan bread I got from the bakery)
 
I made fresh salsa for snacking this weekend. I've determined I'll only eat fresh salsa from now on. None of that cooked salsa for me!

Salsa

1 small tomato, finely chopped

3 green onions, finely chopped

1/2 to one whole fresh jalapeno, finely diced (ours were from our garden)

2 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and chill for at least 1 hour. You can combine ingredients in a blender or food processor for a smoother consistency.