A Little of This and That

To say that this is going to be a short, sweet and to the point column this week is an understatement. I have a few things I want to talk about: To soak or not to soak your beans before boiling them, checking out the fun lettuce that is out there, and the question of the week—“Is it okay to take things like napkins, paper towels and condiments from other vendors’ tables when you at a festival?” 
 
So let’s start with the bean question. I have never soaked my beans before cooking them. I tried very hard to remember if my mother did, and for the life of me I cannot. It is really irritating that I don’t know this. As one grows up learning how to cook you would think you’d remember something like that. 

When Betty “no C ” Sholl was my catering partner, she ALWAYS soaked her beans. I thought it really didn’t matter. She swore by it. The reason I am even talking about this is because last week I made a LARGE amount of Humus. I just put the garbanzo beans in the pot, filled it with water and KNEW that it was going to be a day’s event. 

I left the house and went to visit my mother-in-law. During my visit the light went off in my head that I’d been there about an hour. “Hmmm,” I thought. “Did I put enough water in that pot? Or I should save those pots, as I left two on the stove?” I mumbled this out loud. At which point my mother-in-law said, “Oh you should go, they are probably done.” Well, I said the worry was more that the water may be out, but I know for sure that the beans are still hard as a ROCK!  “Hmmm,” she said. “Why would they be? Didn’t you soak them?” 

I had to smile because I just think it really does not matter especially with these types of beans. But for the sake of conversation, “How long would you soak them for? An hour? Overnight? 20 min?” I know you are saying, “It depends on the bean.” Okay, but who started this idea anyway?  As you can see I just think it is crazy.  Of course I talk to my food while I am cooking it so I really should keep some judgements to myself.  So, I would really like to know your opinion this. Email me. Come on, let’s get a conversation going.
Okay, now as I have said many times, I am all about the lettuce. Last weekend I was in Minneapolis to vend at the SoundSet Hip Hop Festival, and I went shopping with my sister-in-law. I needed to purchase large amounts of raw cole slaw (I only tell you this part to justify shopping at Sam’s Club, which I actually shop at a lot and am okay with that).

My sister n law and brother had been invited to dinner at D and Sue’s house and, lucky Mike and me, we were also invited (LOVE THAT WHEN IT HAPPENS!).  Anyway, I wanted to bring a fun salad.  To my surprise, I found some of the best lettuce combo I have purchased in a while. It was actually called “Tanimura & Antle Artisan Lettuce.” The container read, “Lettuce is salad made simple.”  I am all about that! 

Also on the box it stated that there are “distinct lettuce varieties, carefully selected for unique color texture and flavor in each package.” The container had both red and green lettuce. Petite Oak was described as a tender mellow variety that is easy on the palate. Petite Tango is a curly leaf lettuce, similar to mild arugula or endive. The green Tango is slightly sweet while the red is slightly bitter. Lastly, Petite Gem is firm and crunchy with a mild sweet.

So there were three types, all with two different shapes per color. I loved it. I placed them on a clear plate with large thick rings of tomato. On top of the firm red tomato I placed a diagonal-shaped fresh mozzarella cheese cut medium thickness. Then I sprinkled a small amount of fresh-cut basil, and lastly, added Matt and Erin’s fresh Olive oil Balsamic vinagrette dressing. It was FABULOUS if I have to say so myself, and beautiful to look at too. It was also a no-stress salad to make. I highly recommend that!
So, I have a simply question to ask of you HPR readers. Is it cool to not purchase items from a vendor, but use their product if you’re in need of, let’s say, paper towels, napkins or a condiment to spice up the purchases you have in your hand from another booth? Or do you think it is cool to do that as long as one at least leaves some sort of tip in the LARGE tip jar on the table?  Hmmm, I bet you know what my answer is.
Until next week, stay safe, eat well and always remember to smile. Oh yes, and send your comments to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  See I told you short and, well, sweet to me.