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Sunday, October 9, 2011

Cranberry Beans and Some News




Hi folks. This has to be super quick as I am exhausted and in need of sleep. So first thank you all for your kind words recently. Also a huge thank you for understanding why I am not commenting on blogs right now. We are beyond busy. We were left in charge of the barn this weekend and that is eating up a serious part of our days. It's also Thanksgiving weekend so I've been trying to shop, clean, prep and the whole deal. Today is dinner at hubs sister's place. Monday is dinner here. So I'm over-run with things to do. The way today is gone I shall probably not be bringing anything to contribute to today's meal. If I even make it over.

So we had to postpone going to see my aunt. She has been moved to a palliative care facility. So they thought it best to let her settle. I am going today. So not sure if I'll make dinner at the in-laws but we'll see. I want to pop in to see my cousin and give him a big hug. I know from experience ( I took care of my dad when he was terminally ill for 8 months, at home, like he wanted) he must be going through hell right now. My aunt has cancer as well as dementia. So things are rough. I had lost touch with my cousin through a silly disagreement a couple of years ago. We were the best of friends forever and suddenly we weren't. When I learned how ill my aunt was I called him immediately and we've put the past to rest and are both regretful for time lost. So tomorrow I am not only visiting my aunt but I am seeing my cousin who I adore like a brother. I cannot wait to give him a hug. Going to be a rough visit, this has been giving me lots of flashbacks of my dad and my experience with his illness. I've often thought about writing about it. But not sure people would read it.

Anyhow I must get some sleep, cleaning a barn takes some energy. I am in need of a few hours of rest. I am hoping to have some time to come visit some of you fellow bloggers tonight. Cross fingers I have time.

In the meantime this is just a quick post about those cool cranberry beans I found in St. Jacob's. Hope you enjoy.

Cranberry Beans:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds Cranberry beans
Water
Olive oil
2 shallots
Parsley to taste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Directions:

Shell your beans. Discard pods.

Place them in a large pot and cover them completely with water. Bring to a boil. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes.

Peel and dice shallots

Now transfer them to a saute pan or skillet sprayed with non-stick spray.

Drizzle olive oil over them.

Cook on medium to low for about 5 to 10 minutes with the shallots.

Remove from heat and transfer to a platter or bowl.

Sprinkle with fresh or dried parsley.

Serve with a smile.




The photos aren't stunning. I was playing with new lights I shall post another time. This was good. I am not a huge bean fan and these were a bit bland for my taste. Yet good, just missing some pizazz in my humble opinion.

Hope you all are well. I miss everyone. See and talk to you all soon.

Toodles and smoochies. xx

33 comments:

  1. Sweet dreams dear:)I am always amazed with your energy:)

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  2. I am so sorry to hear about your aunt. Cancer coupled with dementia is doubly difficult. It is amazing how crises like this can bring a family together. I hope you can get some sleep and peace in the next few days. This cranberry bean dish looks wonderful.

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  3. So sad to hear of your aunt's illness and also the circumstances that bring people back from whatever misunderstandings that caused the relationship to fall apart in the first place. Life is so short. Some things are so silly to fight about, really. I'm speaking from personal experiences, of course. I'm glad you've made up with your fav cousin. Chin up, Kim.

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  4. I so feel for you my dear. I have had the worse two months, between my kids dad dying from cancer to now my brother who has endocarditis in his aortic replaced valve. I too know how you feel, the ex and I put our differences aside and I was with him through it all. The stress for the family and you is beyond words. I know the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. My thoughts and prayers are with you today. I hope you have a wonderful visit.. hang in there, your purpose is great here to soothe those in pain, be strong my friends.. hugs to you.

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  5. I am so sorry about your aunt and I sincerely hope your visit goes well. My prayers are with you.
    I look forward to your return my friend, until then XOXO

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  6. Sorry to hear about your aunt. I lost my Mom to cancer 3 years back and know exactly what the patient and the family undergoes...its a dreadful disease. I am amazed to see your energy and how you juggle so many things! God bless...

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  7. So sorry to hear about all this Kim. Will say a prayer for you that you have the strength and patience to get through all of this and be there for your favorite cousin. (((HUGS))) 'cos you need 'em. Blessings, Jennifer.

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  8. Sorry to hear about your Aunt, Kim! My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I hope you can get some rest and that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!

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  9. So sorry to hear what is going on with your family! Hope you gets some quality time and some rest soon!

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  10. Those beans are gorgeous, Kim. I'm sorry that you're going through this again, but how lucky your aunt is to have you. And how wonderful that you and your cousin have reconciled...at least one good thing has come from these sad circumstances. I'll keep you in my thoughts, my friend~

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  11. I'm sorry about all that you must be going through right now. I have been through many things myself and have also worked as a hospice nurse and have cared for dementia and Alzheimer's patients. It is difficult to watch families struggle with end of life concerns.

    I removed my comment about the beans. When I first posted it, I had been without sleep for 24 hours and wasn't paying full attention to your post. The beans just looked so good, it was all that I could focus on. However, in light of of paying more attention to your post this afternoon, I felt silly having posted a response about the beans. Smack me.

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  12. No worries, Love! It seems all of the foodie bloggers have been quite busy, myself included! No need for apologies :)

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  13. Hi Kim - Thinking of you and wishing you peace and strength for this weekend.

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  14. Hi folks. I am reading these. I shall respond individually tomorrow but a big thank you for the love and support. Blogging community rules big time. I am blessed to count you as my friends. Much appreciated. I did get up to see my aunt today. Was rough but glad I went.See you all soon. Lots of love. And Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canuck friends!

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  15. I'm sorry to hear about your Aunt's condition.

    I have never seen cranberry beans before. They are quite something to behold!

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  16. I am so sorry for your aunt, but very glad you and your cousin have reconnected. Thinking of you!

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  17. I am so sorry about your aunt and I hope you are doing okay!

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  18. I can see why you posted that lovely bean dish since it's packed with energy. Something that you seem to have plenty of, as well as a wonderful heart. Bon courage, as they say here. Enjoy your quality family time with dinners and catching up and good luck with the barn!

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  19. What beautiful beans. I bet these are divine. Hang in there with that busy schedule!

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  20. Oh dear, I hope things get little better and u get some time to relax! (((Hugs)))

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  21. I am sorry to hear about your aunt dear.
    I hope your visit goes well, my prayers are with you and your family.
    Like you I am too close to my cousins, we laugh and we fight but in hard times everything take back seat and we stand next to each other.
    Life is all about being for each other, I hope you will find strength and support from each other.

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  22. I am so sorry to hear about your Aunt! I know from person experience how difficult it can be to deal with that, so my heart goes out to you and your family.
    I've been having trouble commenting on your blog, as my internet connection has been timing out, but I just wanted to say that I've really enjoyed your last few posts. I'm still dreaming about that blackberry ice cream! If only blackberries weren't so darn expensive here, I would have made it ten times over already! :)

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  23. Just popped over to see what Kim Bee was cooking up! I am intrigued because I've never heard of or seen cranberry beans before! But you know...when you have so much going on....and you are so tired...don't worry about having to post a recipe...we're just happy to see you say hi! Get some rest kiddo!

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  24. I'm sorry to hear about your aunt, Kim. But so happy to hear that you and your cousin made amends. Blessings come in so many different ways.

    Get some rest. We'll all be here when you can be back full force. <3

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  25. I hope things get better! And it's great that you and your cousin are reconciled, despite the bad circumstances that have brought you together. Hang in there! I'm sending up prayers for you.

    P.S. You should totally write about your experience with your dad's illness. I find that writing through something really helps me get a better perspective--and it can help others work through similar situations.

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  26. Thank you all so much. Shall respond individually tonight but just wanted to let you know I am reading them. You guys rock.xx

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  27. @Dzoli- Thanks doll.

    @Katherine- Thanks so much! I appreciate the support.

    @Ping- Thank you so much. I agree, so glad things are in the past.

    @Claudia- Thank you so much my dear. I know you've been through so much lately. I appreciate your kind words. Life sure is short, we have to make the most of it.

    @Tina- Thank you so much my dear. I truly appreciate it.

    @easyfoodsmith- Thanks so much. So sorry about your loss. I lost my Mom to heart disease when I was 15, so I know that pain. Lost my Dad to cancer 4 years ago. I think I just function okay with little sleep. The upside to insomnia if you can call it an upside.

    @Jennifer- Thank you so much. You are so sweet.

    @Stephanie- Thank you! I am doing okay, more worried about my cousin. He's taken on alot of the work himself.

    @Erin- Thanks so much my dear.

    @Lizzy- Thank you so very much. I am so thankful me and my cousin are okay. Not sure if my Aunt knows who I am sometimes but I'll just keep going. I like visiting regardless.

    @Terri- Oh my, you didn't need to remove it. I think all us foodies focus on the food. Thank you so much for your kind words. Kudos to you for working in that field. It's a tough job.

    @Dee- Thanks doll. It sure is a busy time for everyone.

    @Ann- Thanks sweetie!

    @Juanita- Thanks so much my dear. The beans really are stunning. Wish they stayed like that once cooked.

    @Carolyn- Thanks so much. xx

    @Elyse- Thank you so much!

    @Jill- Aw, thanks so much dear. I am happy you stopped by. And touched.

    @Grubarazzi- Thank you so much!

    @Kankana- Thanks my dear! xx

    @Reem- Thank you so much for your kind words and sweet thoughts. I appreciate it.

    @momdecuisine- Thanks so much my dear. Sorry you are having problems commenting. Love hearing from you. And thanks for the compliment on the ice cream. Greatly appreciated!

    @Anne- Thanks so much. You are very sweet.

    @Janet- Thanks doll. You are so sweet and so right.

    @Jenna- Thank you so much. You are very kind. I may consider writing about it at some point. My experience with my Dad through his cancer was life changing.

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  28. I am sorry to hear that sweetie..hang in there and I do hope that your visit goes well, sending you big virtual hugs!!!

    Beans look delish!!!!

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  29. Dear Kim Bee, I just found your blog and am following both of your blogs. I wish you the best with your aunt. I am very happy for your renewed relationship with your cousin. I do believe the Lord works in strange and wonderful ways that we don't always understand. I am glad you and your beloved cousin have found each other again. I am happy for that. I will keep you in my prayers. Blessings, Catherine

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  30. Hope you got the rest you needed and deserved, as well as a great Thanksgiving holiday this past week! Take care Kim =)

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  31. @Sandra- Thanks my dear.

    @Catherine- Thank you so much. Glad to have you stop by and follow. Much appreciated. I am normally WAY more active than this.

    @Peggy- Thank you. xx

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  32. I've never even heard of cranberry beans. They look awesome. I'll have to find out where I can get these.

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