As a child, my father had Friday's off from work. In the morning, he would put on a big pot of pinto beans that we would eat together for lunch. I would sit at the table and play with my toy animals and use uncooked beans as ‘feed.’ We always had fresh tortillas for scooping and my dad would shred cheese for us to put on top. This is one of my favorite memories growing up! My mom would then turn the leftover beans into refried beans for other meals over the next few days.

This is a quick and easy recipe for refried beans that my family loves. At least a couple times a month I get a request to make "Mama's Yummy Beans!"

Feijoada is one of the most popular dishes in Brazil. It is made with black beans and some smoked meat and it's served with rice, farofa, collard and sliced ​​orange. We usually eat it on fridays or on weekends. Feijoada Dumpling is a different way of preparing it. A creative version of one of the most famous Brazilian dishes. It is delicious and goes great with a really cold beer.

Here's a traditional and hearty Portuguese recipe that is a personal family classic as well!

Our family has enjoyed Grandma’s delicious pinto bean recipe for over 75 years. Even during the lean years, when money was scarce, my grandparents enjoyed a daily serving of pinto beans which provided protein, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals...and they were tasty to eat, too. We are grateful for the “ legacy of beans” in our family!

Beans Around The World: Italian? Or American?

Nonno (Grandpa) was Italian and he made these beans for my dad, who rarely left his farm (Va Via Farm) in Michigan. So I thought I'd have a little fun with the idea of whether this farm scene could be re-imagined as an Italian scene. Actually, though, dad didn't really have a silo. If he did, he certainly would not have let the roof rust!

The other question of the day is whether Nonno's Bean Blend is wine or hot sauce? You'll only know by trying some, since "No-one says 'no' to Nonno"!

Photo credit goes to Sandra Salamony, who took the photograph from which Nonno's close-up is based. Thanks, Sandra!

Here’s a recipe for traditional refried beans with the theme of Mexico with Mexican animals and a woman making tortillas to go with the refried beans.

Beans around the world contest / This recipe is one I customized from a plain baked beans recipe, because beans heart bacon! They come out rich, sweet, smokey, and yummy, the perfect combo of baked n' bacon'd beans!

Company Beans is my husband's favorite recipe when we are serving many. We have this a couple of times a summer and if it's being made, it always means there is a party to be had. I tried to represent that in this playful image of the ingredients; gathering, laughing, and having a good time!

I've bean to Brazil!

Beans Around The World.

This recipe is for cowboys all around the world! Twice I attended a concert by the Mongolian Throat Singers. Each time I was surprised to discover how familiar the songs were. Turns out they were singing about Mongolian cowboys! I guess all cowboys share a certain culture.

My inspiration for this chili came from a recipe for prairie beans that I thought originated from my great-aunt. However, I have since discovered "her" recipe (also known as pioneer beans or cowboy beans) all over the internet...for good reason, because they are very tasty. I hope you will think my chili is tasty, too.

Incredibly delicious Brazilian black beans recipe!

Global Cuisine: "Full English", "English Breakfast", "Fry Up"—whatever you decide to call it, this is a classic UK dish. People take it so seriously that it can become a controversial issue if one uses the wrong type of potato, tomato, or puts the beans in the wrong place. Keeping me warm and full all day, this is my favorite thing to indulge in when traveling in England.

This is my entry for the Global Cuisine Challenge. I love Italian cuisine and I would love to go back to Italy again someday soon to explore more of its food and places!

I personally use this recipe using our local Pan de Manila pan de sal bread and bottled pesto sauce. This is an easy recipe my kids love making it for their snack. :)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast tasting cupcake!