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Project Pantry Purpose

Honey-Harissa Beans, Quick Pickles, Inspire Us

By April 23, 2020127 Comments

Like most of you, we are trying to go as long as possible without going food shopping, and part of that is getting a regular delivery from Baldor every 10 days or so. Once we get to Days 9 and 10, which is where we are right now, it becomes all about stretching out what we have and cooking down the pantry. I had started our trusty No-Knead bread (using all white whole wheat flour) on Tuesday night, so going into Wednesdayโ€™s dinner, I knew that would be on the table. But what elseโ€ฆ?

Pantry: Victoriaโ€™s Harissa-Honey Beans

โ€ฆWell, thereโ€™s a lot to be said about the scourge of social media, but sometimes the stars align, and you come across something like these beans that offer at least a little redemption. They were on Victoria Granofโ€™s instagram feed (Iโ€™m sure youโ€™re tired of hearing me call her a genius after writing about her for 10 years), and this was her caption: โ€œOh beans, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: 2)ย @rancho_gordo Corona beans, half a jar ofย @minaย harissa (says spicy on the label but itโ€™s not), a swig of olive oil, a dribble of honey, and some dillโ€ฆโ€ I happened to have everything she called for โ€” even a bag of Rancho Gordo beans (though they were lima) which I promptly added to the instant pot. If you donโ€™t have dried beans (or enough time to soak and simmer dried beans), canned white will work just fine. This is how I interpreted her shorthand.

Victoriaโ€™s Honey-Harissa Beans

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, minced
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons harissa (or tomato paste plus a pinch of cayenne if you donโ€™t have harissa)
squeeze honey (about 2 teaspoons)
1/2 cup (ish?) chicken or vegetable broth
3 cups (2 14-ounce cans) cooked white beans (such as lima, cannellini, navy)
fresh dill

Add oil to a large skillet set over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and carrot and cook until vegetables have softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, harissa, and cook until harissa deepens in color and gets toasty, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in honey. Stir in beans and enough broth to make it saucy (not soupy). Heat until warmed through. Serve with a good crusty bread and garnish with dill.

Project: Quick Pickling

Not all quarantine projects are the kinds of things best served warm with ice cream. Part of clearing out the refrigerator for the next round of groceries is not wasting the odds and ends of whatโ€™s left over. Enter: Quick pickling. I mean, you could do real pickling, of course, but thatโ€™s a legit project that requires actual technique and gear. You can decide you want to quick pickle something at 11:30 am and have cabbages (or wax beans or carrots or onions or radishes or peppers) steeping in their pickling liquid by 11:45, which accurately tells the story of my Thursday morning. (Note: For legit pickles, book owners can see page 137 of How to Celebrate Everything.)

Hereโ€™s how to do it: Slice and chop your vegetables then stuff into a jar. In a small pot, simmer 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup red or white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt until the sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes. Let cool slightly, then pour the pickling liquid over your vegetables. Let cool, then refrigerate for 24 hours for best results. You can also add herbs (dill, thyme) and peppercorns to the liquid and switch up the vinegars. Note: I tripled the recipe for the batch you see above since it was an extra large jar.

Purpose: Tell Me Something Good

I need some good news. What has brought you joy lately? What has brought you comfort? What has inspired you? Comment below and Iโ€™ll send out a free book (any of mine) to the comment that gets the most likes by the end of the week. Yes! You can like comments, did you know that? (Just please, honor code, donโ€™t like your own more than once ๐Ÿ™‚ Inspire us!

Stay safe, stay home.

The goal of theย Project, Pantry, Purpose seriesย to keep us sane, distracted, and connected. Please continue to comment below with suggestions for recipes, projects (for kids and adults), good deeds, donation ideas, stories, movies, games, puzzles. Or just tell me how youโ€™re doing, whatย yourย daily routine is, andย especially how DALS can help you or people in your community. You can also email me directly at jenny@dinneralovestory.com.

127 Comments

  • Avatar Karen Benson says:

    My 6th grade sonโ€™s teacher asked them to send letters of gratitude to health care workers. His letter was so heartfelt (from a normally reserved kid) and, along with many other kids, apparently made some local docs and nurses smile. Here is a shortened version of his letter:

    Dear Healthcare Workers,

    In this time of a crisis, we have all stepped up to help by keeping social distancing, washing our hands, and being aware of what we do and touch. Even though it is us following the 5 rules to staying safe, it is you, who help those who need it. Giving the right treatment to those who are sick has helped us all be more aware that you are the true heroes in this fight. And without you, the world wouldโ€™ve fallen apart by now.

    We thank you all for what you are doing today, what you are risking. And most importantly, helping us win this fight, like you did years ago, every time. Right now, you are the real Avengers. The real Jedi. The real Justice League. Now, you keep being heroes. The ones that we need right now. Even though many things have been canceled, hope hasnโ€™t. And that is all thanks to you. Keep on being heroes, and we will win this.

    From, Henry

  • Avatar T says:

    Joy is a hard descriptor right now. Perhaps seeing my kids have time to play together and feeling so fortunate that they have each other and we have them. And knowing that theyโ€™re seeing the worldโ€“or most of the worldโ€“ at its most compassionate. They have witnessed so many generous and brave acts. I hope that when they look back on all this, that is what they will remember.

  • Avatar Cathy says:

    I donโ€™t want a book but this video has seriously
    improved my week. Just wanted to share to maybe bring some joy to others.
    https://twitter.com/mommaunfiltered/status/1251855748876898306?s=21

  • Avatar Bonnie says:

    The day my 82 year old mother began sheltering in place she snapped a photo of herself dressed up, wearing her signature red lipstick and a pretty necklace. She sent me the photo to demonstrate that she was doing just fine. It became a ritual. Everyday she wakes up, gets dressed, puts on makeup and selects a piece of jewelry (she has an eclectic collection of heirlooms and costume jewelry ) and texts me the selfie. She good naturally refers this tradition as โ€œsanity through vanityโ€ but for me her pretty face delivered by text is a daily gem.

  • Avatar Sarah says:

    Iโ€™m a pregnant nurse and I have two good things that happened to me this week! My covid test came back negative after feeling ill for two weeks and my husband felt the baby kick for the first time! A strong baby for a crazy time!

  • Avatar Sarah says:

    Iโ€™m a pregnant nurse and I have two good things that happened to me this week! My covid-19 test came back negative after feeling ill for two weeks and my husband felt the baby kick for the first time! A strong baby for a crazy time!

  • Avatar Jen says:

    New Zealand only had 3 new cases yesterday and we are hopefully on track for elimination. An overwhelming majority of the population are following the rules and staying home to protect our vulnerable populations and essential workers.
    That and our baby chickens are unbearably cute.

  • Avatar Heidi says:

    Last night we had Happy Hour in our living room. I wanted cheese before dinner and this seemed like a good way to pull it off. My 12 year old son asked what HH was and I explained that it was a time to get together with people and talk about your day over a snack and a drink. Massive eye rolls as all we do is see each other all.day.long right now. Everyone grabbed a drink of their choice and gathered in the living (12 yo son, 14 yo daughter, and husband). It turned out to be the best 30 minutes! I borrowed a play from your book and asked everyoneโ€™s top 5 favorite meals, which turned into โ€œoh yeah that was goodโ€ or โ€œremember when weโ€ฆโ€. We discussed books and what they were doing through their online schooling. It was such a bright spot during this time.

  • Avatar Karen says:

    Iโ€™ve been reading Harry Potter to my 6 and 8 year old every night. We are in the middle of book three now. Iโ€™ve read the series on my own twice and itโ€™s been so much fun seeing their reactions to all the twists and turns and to hear their predictions of what they think will happen next. We all look forward to it each evening and my husband has even started to listen in too.

  • Sarah says:

    My good news is that I got engaged this weekend! While itโ€™s obviously a weird time, itโ€™s been fun to have something to celebrate!

    Comfort: Iโ€™ve been cooking what I call โ€œa real dinnerโ€ more often than normal and loving it. That includes replenishing the stash of DALS pork ragu in our freezer โ€“ one of our favorite staples ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Avatar Christine says:

    My three year old son loves the new Dixie Chicks song Gaslighter. He sings Along with his own version of it. Belts it right out!!

  • Avatar Kirsten says:

    You may know that Seattle area is famous for growing as many tulips as Holland. Obviously with the markets closed, the growers are really struggling โ€“ this is their livlihood. So, there are several groups organizing pick-up and deliveries by neighborhood, also connected with foodbank donations โ€“ win, win, with sunshine and flowers. ANDโ€ฆ.at the Pike Place Market Foundation, weโ€™ve raised over $250,000 dollars for the Safety Net for our farmers, crafters. The generosity and efforts of kindness I am seeing are boundless.

  • Avatar Leigh says:

    My kids actually eating a dinner we all knew wasnโ€™t great. I tried to recreate the white beans, tomato paste, cheese dish in The NY Times. Mine was terrible! But kidsโ€”10, 9, 5, 4โ€“stoically are it and waited for dessert.

  • Avatar Kirsten says:

    You probably know that Seattle area is famous for growing as many tulips as Holland. Obviously with the markets closed, the growers are really struggling โ€“ this is their livlihood. So, there are several groups organizing pick-up and deliveries by neighborhood (also connected with foodbank donations -so win, win, with sunshine and flowers). The generosity and efforts of kindness I am seeing are boundless.

  • Carolyn says:

    I have a dear friend who is a family care doctor. Her father is also a family care physician and they have a practice together. He became very ill with COVID-19 last month. His symptoms quickly escalated and he was admitted to the ICU. He spent over a month in the ICU and we were all incredibly worried. There were days we thought our friendโ€™s dad would pass away. I am so happy to report that he went home from the hospital this week. Weโ€™re all pinching ourselves. The hospital put a red carpet down for him to be wheeled out on and the Beatles song โ€˜I get by with a little help from my friendsโ€™ was playing. Just wonderful.

  • Avatar Sarah says:

    I love reading these posts! Thank you and to everyone who has responded, Iโ€™ve enjoyed your comments so much. It got me thinking that so many things have brought me joy in this incredibly challenging timeโ€ฆ.walks and talks with my tween, seeing my girls play together, weekly Zooms with family and friends weโ€™re often too busy to call, staying up late and snuggling with my kids because I can, making new things in the kitchen. Iโ€™ve even been writing in my journal more (bringing back my 90s, coffee shop, overall wearing, Sarah McLachlin listening self)โ€ฆ.but this week my joy came from my third grade students. We officially started remote learning and weโ€™re all learning new things together. I love their comments and seeing them in our video chats. My fav post came from a little girl begging me for books to readโ€ฆ.she doesnโ€™t have many at homeโ€ฆand has always been a reluctant striving reader. My heart! I put a call out for book donations and all of a sudden, bundles of books started showing up on my doorstep. I canโ€™t wait to deliver them to her doorstep. I think Iโ€™ll have enough to surprise her and a few others in need. I love when community comes together. Much love everyone. Be safe.

  • Avatar Mckenzie Cunningham says:

    I started on the sourdough train like many of us, and have been feeling real delight in making something nourishing with my hands, then giving it away to friends and family! If I could place โ€œwhyโ€ โ€“ Iโ€™d say itโ€™s because it connects me with people. When I canโ€™t spend time with them, I give them something I spent time on for them. I give them something that brought me joy in hopes that it brings them joy. And above all else, it pulls me from the pit of myself, and reminds me that I have and that I am a part of a community. Itโ€™s a poor substitute for breaking bread with each other, but for now, itโ€™ll do.

  • Avatar Patricia says:

    Whatโ€™s bringing me joy is watching the sibling bond start to develop between my 3 year old and my 8 month old.
    Being at home with two little kids is both the most challenging part and the brightest spot of this pandemic. Ahhhโ€ฆ the neverending paradox of parenthood.

  • Avatar Jen says:

    Watching my dad play online chess via zoom with my 13 yr old and then sitting down to eat your Stromboli with my partner and kids.

  • Avatar Ann says:

    We celebrate EVERYTHING! Our baby just turned 6 mos so we made all kinds of purees and stick foods for dinner for everyone! My 3 year old will soon be 3.5 so we will have a half-cake and some glitter pens I found in a drawer she forgot about. We have been decorating all week for the big day with paper chains and we made hats. We canโ€™t go for walks outside here in Malaysia, as itโ€™s been outlawed. At 5:00 everyday I put the baby in the chest carrier and we have a track loop we walk and sing and high five for 20 minutes.

  • Avatar Sarah says:

    Me too Georgia! I am four weeks + five days pregnant today โ€” this is my second pregnancy after a late miscarriage and a long time hoping and trying so the anxiety levels are high..! Its nice to know there is someone else out there in the DALS community going through something similar during this weird isolating time. Iโ€™m sending you lots of luck for yours.

  • Avatar Lisa DeArmit says:

    Zoom meetings with my kindergarten class are like eating tomato soup with a fork! We are marching onโ€ฆin our pajamas and daily check-ins with how many friends have wiggly teeth!

  • Avatar Jennifer Victory says:

    I teach 8th grade ELA and our school is k-8, many of my kiddos have been in school together since kindergarten. They did not have a chance to say goodbye. All year long on Fridays they write me a letter, I have been doing this since I began teaching, it is the best gift ever, it always has been but especially now. My kids can pour every thought out in a safe place of comfort. Sometimes, as a society we do not always listen to our kids and here my students know their voice matters.

  • Avatar Olivia says:

    My fiance and I made the decision yesterday to postpone our August wedding reception. Though we arenโ€™t sure what August may look like, we know that hosting a party for around 300 people probably isnโ€™t realistic. Through all the tears and sadness, it made me realize that, more than anything, Iโ€™m just excited to be his wife! We are still planning on getting married on our original August date. Stripping away all of the trappings of a big wedding and finding comfort in what really matters has brought so much comfort (and joy).

  • Avatar Stephanie W. says:

    I receive the daily emails from Modern Mrs. Darcy about the books that are on special. I usually scroll through thinking how nice it would be to read some of them. Wellโ€ฆI am! I can cruise through a good police/mystery/drama that costs 1.99 and not even feel guilty if I figured out the ending three-quarters of the way in. I enjoy reading fiction but as a teacher I have so much else to read that I rarely read what I consider a pleasure read. Iโ€™m building time for that in my day and I love it.

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