In North America, beans have been an important pillar of food and agriculture for hundreds of generations. As part of "The Three Sisters," beans, squash and corn work together to create a circle of interdependence. Such a system is one based on giving and receiving, where each crop works to its fullest potential to provide for the others. The harvested result is a nutritiously complete meal with all necessary components for survival. I'm inspired by this hearty trio, and I hope you are too!

Beans Around The World.

I've been waiting for an idea that would fit into a rotated format, and this recipe fits the bill! This is a dish that I've made several times, and each time I put in too much cayenne pepper (or perhaps I substituted habanero pepper, but that's another story). Anyway, I always have to go into "remedy" mode by adding peanut butter, sugar, and then doubling (ok, usually tripling) the remaining ingredients to cut the heat. So now I think of those steps as part of the recipe! However, it leaves me with plenty of leftovers to freeze. "Gold in the freezer", says my sister about leftovers.

Beans Around The World. It’s a energy fueling meal in a bowl ! Add your own special touch with extra ingredients,(Celery? Cilantro? Onion?) make it spicy, add your favorite herbs, or switch out the dressing. It’s easy, naturally gluten free, & protein packed 👍

Pita tostadas! Great for entertaining or an easy weeknight meal.

I studied the ruins at Chichen Itza during college and so was more than thrilled to visit it in person, back in the day when people were allowed to climb the ruins. This Mayan stepped pyramid, El Castillo, features a serpent at the base of the staircase. Twice a year, the sun casts a shadow of the steps perfectly onto the staircase wall, making the serpent appear to come alive. I decided that if the serpent only "lives" on those two days, he must be hungry! Since the pyramid steps reminded me of a taco holder, I thought I'd feed the serpent tacos. The recipe is based on a pinto bean and squash stew that we ate at a traditional Yucatan dinner as part of our bus ride to the ruins. The serpent won't go hungry on my watch!

Three Sisters Soup starts in the garden. Maize (corn), beans, and squash were planted close together, like sisters, because each one helps the other grow and thrive. After harvesting, the squash is roasted, and then all ingredients cook and simmer on the stove until the flavors develop. It’s hearty, yummy, and a perfect meal for cold winter weather!

Spice, citrus and sweet all at the same time, this is a wonderful dish to eat family-style from a beautiful serving tagine pot. The vegetables can be switched around for your favourite or seasonal combination.

fall seasson vegetables

Perfect savory and sweet squash soup. Best consumed with comfy socks on a rainy day.

Different types of winter squash, time to make some soup!

This piece is inspired by may favorite season, Fall! Showcasing a variety of fall produce and spices.

I was studying Japan (Olympics in 2020!) and wabi sabi, and reading Beth Kempton's book "Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect life - and just wanted to do a recipe for nimono. And here you are!

Food Geometry.

Fall is fast approaching, which always make me think of all the fun and beautiful varieties of squash...and, of course, the woodland animals bulking up for winter.

Baautiful curvy squashes for the food geometry challenge.