This giveaway is now closed. Random.org chose Richard (rtrblade@……). Congrats to Richard! Thanks to everyone for entering.
Sometimes I just want to pinch myself when I think about the opportunities that have been given to me simply by starting this blog four years ago. At the end of October I had the opportunity to travel to Napa Valley, CA with the most wonderful group of bloggers, chefs and Bush’s Beans folks. We stayed at the beautiful Meadowood Lodge, enjoyed meals at the delicious Farmstead Restaurant and the amazing Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant. We were wined and dined and treated wonderfully, but would you believe that the most amazing part of the experience was when we were put to work?
I’ve never been that jealous of people when they said they had the chance to cook at The Culinary Institute of America. Now I know that was because I had no idea what it really meant to cook at the CIA. Imagine a full kitchen, stocked with every possible pan, bowl, utensil you want and only the most state of the art equipment. Now, imagine that the kitchen is stocked with the freshest of ingredients right at your fingertips. Finally, picture being in this kitchen with some of the most well trained, talented chefs in America. Sounds a little like foodie heaven, doesn’t it? I can attest, it is. Cooking at the CIA was an experience of a lifetime and one that I would have never have had the chance to experience if it wasn’t for my blog and the people at Bush’s Beans.
As a part of our Culinary Experience we were given the chance to cook with and get to know some pretty cool chefs, all who had different styles and techniques but were all just as amazing.
- Chef Andy Wild – Chef Andy allowed us to cook in his kitchen at the CIA, gave us amazing instruction and tips and was beyond generous with his space and knowledge. He is a busy, busy, busy man with a family and numerous chef related jobs outside of his job at the CIA.
- Connie Guttersen – Connie is one of those warm, welcoming people who you feel you could sit down and have coffee with and chat for hours. Make sure to check out her book The Sonoma Diet, where she shares her philosophy that food can be healthy and taste great!
- Chef Jeffrey Saad – Many of you may know Jeffrey from Season 5 of The Next Food Network Star. I think the best way to describe Jeffrey is passionate. He has a passion for food and cooking that is truly inspiring. Make sure to check out Jeffrey’s newest show, The United Tastes of America, which premiers on The Cooking Channel November 16th. (Oh – and his wife Nadia is one of the sweetest and supportive wives ever!)
- Chef Michael Schulson – Michael is the executive chef and owner of the restaurants Izakaya and Sampan. Aside from being an amazing chef, I would say one of Michael’s strengths is efficiency in the kitchen. He shared several tips on ways to make life more streamlined in our own home kitchens.
- Chef Daisy Martinez – A force to be reckoned with in the kitchen, Daisy is the mom of 4 kids, has a successful television show and has a new cookbook coming out, Daisy Morning, Noon and Night! With a specialty in Latin Cooking, Daisy taught us all the importance of spice and layers of flavor when cooking.
Although I would have loved to stay in Napa longer, I couldn’t wait to get home to cook in my own kitchen. I was inspired to use the tips, tricks and techniques we learned about at the CIA in my own kitchen. It was part of that inspiration that I used to adapt this recipe for Creamy Black Bean Soup from Southern Living. This was one of the most delicious black bean soup recipes I’ve ever tasted. I hope you’ll give it a try!
And, to cook up some Bush’s Beans inspiration in your own kitchen, my friends at Bush’s Beans are offering you a great prize pack which will include:
· Bush’s Beans items: apron, coupons, bean strainer and mints, recipe bookmark
· Spices/ingredients:: Tahini paste, cumin, smoked paprika
· Culinary Institute of America/Napa items: Spoon rest, dish towel, Olive Press citrus olive oil
To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post with a link to your favorite Bean recipe! That’s it. Easy peasy. All entries must be turned in by midnight on Sunday, November 14th.
To read about the Bush’s Beans Culinary adventure with other food blogging friends, click on over to these blogs: Aggie’s Kitchen, In Mommy’s Kitchen, She Wears Many Hats, The Reluctant Entertainer, Good Life Eats, Tidy Mom, Real Mom Kitchen
Recipe: Creamy Black Bean and Bacon Soup adapted from Southern Living Magazine
Yield: 6 cups
- 5 slices cottage style bacon
- 1 cup medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 32oz box Swanson’s chicken broth
- 4 (15-oz.) cans BUSH’S Black Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes with zesty mild green chiles, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cups sweet corn
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven until crisp. Remove bacon, cut into bite size pieces and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in bacon grease oven over medium-high heat 4 to 6 minutes or until tender. Stir in broth and next 4 ingredients, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of Dutch oven; cover and bring to a boil. Uncover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro and lime juice. Let cool 5 minutes.
- Process 1/2 of the batch of soup in a large food processor until smooth. Return to the Dutch oven, and stir in corn and bacon pieces. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occassionaly. Add the 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and heat through, approximately 5 minutes (but do not boil). Remove from heat and serve.
Disclaimer: Bush’s Beans provided food, travel, and lodging expenses for my trip to Napa as well as an overall amazing experience. They are also providing the prize pack giveaway for the readers of Dine & Dish. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.
CIA cooking photos courtesy of professional photographer, Faith Ectermeyer.
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kate says
That favorite bean recipe? That would be this one:
http://kateinthekitchen.com/2008/03/24/a-quick-chili-for-dinner/
Then again…. this one is pretty amazing too:
http://kateinthekitchen.com/2009/10/25/missing-october-with-chorizo-black-bean-soup/
Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says
Now you’ve made me jealous of all those who get to cook there! It sounds like you had a great time.
Tanya Riley says
My favorite bean recipe is for these baked beans
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Old-Settlers-Baked-Beans/Detail.aspx
Barbara Bakes says
Sounds like an amazing opportunity. This soup looks like it could be a new favorite. Here’s a southwest skillet recipe with beans that’s great. http://barbarabakes.com/2009/07/southwestern-skillet-dinner/
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says
Wow, Kristen, I am uber jealous of your Napa experience. It sounds like a wonderful time was had by all. My favorite bean recipe in the world is this one: http://www.bluebonnetsandbrownies.com/2009/10/28/arroz-con-frijoles-borracho – and it just so happens if I’m using canned beans for it, I always use Bush’s!
Merry Lu says
Oh, dear! You mean we’re supposed to have a recipe for beans? I tend to use the “whatever sounds good at the time” method. Which always works really good for me. However, I did find this one a few weeks ago when looking for a recipe to help out a friend, and I think it sounds absolutely yummy. It gets extra points for having “Cowboy” in the name. I’m hoping to try it next week. http://southernfood.about.com/od/crockpotbeans/r/bl26c2.htm
Merry Lu says
P.S. I can’t wait to try out your Black Bean and Bacon Soup recipe, too, Kristen. Bean soup is just about my most favorite food ever. ♥
Erin from Long Island says
There are so many! Here is one I love, it is chickpeas, Indian style
http://www.indianfoodrocks.com/2010/08/rest-of-world-chhole.html#chhole
Lauren B. says
Your trip looked like so much fun! What an amazing opportunity! My favorite recipe that my entire family devours is my White Chicken Chili {http://bit.ly/9RyKhl}.
Kate says
I can’t wait to try the soup. Here is my current favorite bean recipe: http://cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/2010/09/veggie-might-quick-red-posole-with.html
camille says
I’m going to have to go with my chili: http://www.brokenrecord.ca/foodblog/?p=155
It was a tough choice, though! So many good things are made with beans!
Jessica @ How Sweet says
This salsa with black beans!! http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/11/01/butternut-squash-salsa/
Caroline says
Pumpkin Chili: http://chocolateandcarrots.com/2010/11/pumpkin-beef-chili
Yummm!
Mellisa W. says
We love fried potatos with onions smothered in baked beans. Thanks!
SMITH BITES says
I want to go to Napa and cook at the CIA!!!! (in my best wailing voice!) Am so happy you guys got to have this awesome experience and now share it with us! My favorite black bean recipe is one I haven’t posted but found several years back which includes a slow cooker, black beans, pork shoulder and a bottle of beer – makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
Caroline says
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/homemade-black-bean-veggie-burgers/
Beans into burgers, there are few things better in life!
Laura G. says
The soup recipe looks phenomenal, can’t wait to make it.
Here is my favorite bean recipe:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/pasta-and-beans-pasta-e-fagioli-recipe/index.html
Nikki says
I love hummus, refried beans, black bean soup, black bean salad, chili, etc. I love cooking with beans!
Maria says
Glad you had a good time!
I love this black bean and sweet potato soup:
http://twopeasandtheirpod.com/black-bean-and-sweet-potato-soup-recipe/
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
I’m insanely jealous of your experience. FOODIE DREAM, I tell you!! Bush Beans, are you listening?? I’d like to go next time 😉
Ok, fave bean recipe is hands-down this one- Slow Cooker Tex Mex Chicken & Beans. I’m not a big crockpot recipe fan, but this one is a keeper.
http://www.recipegirl.com/2008/09/15/slow-cooker-tex-mex-chicken-and-beans/
(you can use canned beans in place of dried)
Maureen says
Hands down the favorite bean dish in my family is the Mayo Clinic Gazpacho soup recipe. I have substituted the white beans for the garbonzo beans. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-recipes/NU00390
Lori says
That looked like a great time!! http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=99601
Stacie says
Gotta go with this one from smitten kitchen! http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/01/warm-butternut-squash-and-chickpea-salad/ Would love the chance to win! I am really working to put more beans in our diet.
jenifer says
Hi! What a fun post!
This is, by far, my favorite recipe… and EVERY SINGLE TIME I take this to a party or potluck people stalk me asking for the recipe! 🙂 Miam, miam, mmmm! I make little modifications such as adding the juice of one lime and including one Tbsp of olive oil for some help binding it together. I add in some fresh made salsa on the top as a garnish, too! Also, the canned stuff makes everything so fast and easy — but if you can take the time to dice fresh chile peppers, this recipe will make your tastebuds SING! 🙂
http://www.food.com/recipe/coyote-caviar-27862
Rebecca (Indecisive Baker) says
One of my favorites is http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Black-Bean-and-Salsa-Soup/Detail.aspx simple and tasty!
tobias cooks! says
Looks a bit strange but I am sure the combo of tastes is delightful.
Sues says
Awww this looks awesome and like a dream come true! Isn’t it crazy how many opportunities come from blogging that you never could have dreamed about before starting?? Yay blogging!
Sues says
Oops, I forgot to link my recipe 🙂
I made this quinoa and black bean salad earlier this year and now it’s a lunchtime favorite for me! http://www.wearenotmartha.com/2010/01/quinoa-and-black-bean-salad/
Carey says
That soup look yummy. So glad (and jealous) you had a great time.
I love the following bean recipe:
http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/roasted-red-pepper-hummus-3/
I also add to my personal recipe for chicken Tortilla Soup
Alison Moore Smith says
Oh, I’m in luck! I had scheduled a fabulous, simple, inexpensive, healthy, yummy, vegan chili recipe to post tomorrow morning. So I’ll just bump it a few hours. 🙂
Your recipe looks great, too. We love black beans. Well, we love beans, period. We eat pounds and pounds of beans every week. Great on salad, in soup. I even have a luscious, vegetarian spinach bean lasagna recipe. (No, we aren’t vegetarians or vegans, but we eat that way frequently.) I’ll have to post that one day soon.
April in CT says
Pair this with some fresh from the cast iron skillet cornbread and you’ve got a fantastic meal! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/black-eyed-peas-with-bacon-and-pork-recipe/index.html
Wenderly says
O.k. it’s SO hard to pick just ONE favorite bean recipe, but one that I *crave* is http://wenderly.com/2010/09/24/indian-summer-black-bean-salsa/
Jenny says
These were delish! http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2009/02/black-bean-burgers
Nanan says
I love beans – and Bush’s white beans would work for this:
http://lacasadenanan.blogspot.com/2010/11/cajun-shrimp-boulettes-and-white-beans.html
Holly says
Who needs a recipe?! I heat and eat! Especially with the Grilling Beans, all the work is already done! 🙂
Heather S. says
There are so many that I like and to narrow it down to just one? Since I haven’t blogged about my mom’s baked bean recipe, this is the next best one:
http://joinuspullupachair.blogspot.com/2010/04/black-bean-quesadillas.html
Scorpio Woman says
This is my favorite way to eat beans : http://www.food.com/recipe/maple-baked-beans-245702
Megan says
First of all, that black bean soup looks absolutely amazing. I’m going to have to try that ASAP!
Second, here’s my favorite bean recipe:
Curried Kidney Bean Burritos from Cooking Light
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000226394
They’re so easy and delicious!
Stephanie says
My favorite bean recipe is black bean soup, pretty much any variation of it!
Sara M says
My fave:
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/three-bean-chili-spring-pesto-10000001720177/index.html
This is a great one! My husband loves it, too!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
Yes, I completely believe that the most amazing part of your experience was when you were put to work! What a blast that must have been!
It’s so hard to choose just one recipe, but I’ve really been craving these Macho Nachos with black beans lately: http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2010/09/24/macho-nachos-macho-nachoz/
Katie @ Healthnut Foodie says
This black bean and corn enchilada pie is my hands-down favorite bean recipe! It can be assembled up to a day ahead, freezes beautifully, and is relatively inexpensive. http://healthnutfoodie.blogspot.com/2010/01/fast-food.html . I’m with Lori…Bush’s beans people, I love beans. Please include me on your next Napa culinary adventure!!!
Carla Pullum says
Love pasta!!!
http://vegetablewithmore.allrecipes.com/Recipe/Recipe.aspx?nprid=11664
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
dani says
i love to use beans as a meat replacement in pasta dishes 🙂
the urban baker says
wow, Kristen, that weekend looks simply perfect. I love Napa, it is one of my favorite places and do plan on retiring there one day! I am so glad you had this experience. My littlest, loves black beans! You’ve inspired me!
Becky says
Cookies with beans! (and you’d never know there were beans in there!)
leslie says
Looks like you had an amazing time! You lucky duck!
My favorite bean recipe??? Hmmmm. My seasoned black beans that I serve with my roast pork!
Dee says
I love bean soup.
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says
Look like you had a lot of fun. I love, love, love beans! I just made a southwest roast with beans that was delicious!
Here is one of my favorite recipes, it is super quick and easy. Great go-to meals!
http://debbidoesdinnerhealthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/chipotle-bean-burritos.html
Amykr says
I like this recipe or I will make hummus
http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=512624
Jersey Girl Cooks says
Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity! Two of my favs are smoky black bean soup and roasted garlic hummus…here’s the link… http://www.jerseygirlcooks.com/2009/01/beans-beans.html
Pat Wogan says
My new favorite bean recipe is exceptionally simple and simply delicious. Open a can or two of Bush’s Grillin’ Beans Santa Fe style, depending on the size of the crowd you are feeding. We had smoked a pork shoulder, and after the meat was done, and before the smoker cooled down, we put the beans in a shallow pan and set them in the smoker….DELICIOUS!
Leslie @ The Tale of Going Natural says
My husband and I are just now recently getting onto the bean train. Last fall I made a split pea soup. The first night it turned out great! The second night it looked like green mashed potatoes. I am working on it though. Our favorite however is this beauty righ there
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/basic-ham-and-bean-soup/Detail.aspx
Harriet Harrison says
Sorry I don’t have a recipe, I just throw sauteed celery, onion, garlic and carrots in with a couple of cans of Bush’s navy beans and simmer. But I am definitely trying this tonight even though I always feel guilter using cream!
https://www.dineanddish.net/2010/11/a-culinary-experience-and-bushs-beans-giveaway-recipe-creamy-black-bean-bacon-soup/
Thank you, Harriet
Whitney Schmale says
I’m like Harriet, don’t have a recipe. Dave calls my chili 7 bean chili. I adore kidney beans but also use pinto, chili beans, navy beans, black beans, and any other kind of bean I see that looks good!
Ana de Paula says
Typical Brazilian stew with black beans and pork, called feijoada. The only thing is, because I don’t eat the ears, tongue and feet, I don’t add them to my pot when I cook:
http://www.copacabana.info/feijoada.html
Pam says
I can’t wait to try this black bean soup with bacon. 🙂
Daniel Keller says
I live in the same county as Bush’s corporate HQ. I can smell them cooking when I am on that side of the lake. Love their products. Use the baked beans a lot.
Daniel Keller says
oops forgot the link. This is a very good recipe. http://www.anniesrecipes.com/Recipe/120/Calico-Baked-Beans.htm
Samantha Aulick says
I love Black Bean and Corn Salad. At my house, we add chunks of fresh avocado and red beans.
Samantha Aulick says
In my previous post, I forgot to add the link to my favorite bean recipe to enter the contest. Here’s a link to Rachel Ray’s version: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/black-bean-and-corn-salad-recipe/index.html
Taylor (greens & chocolate) says
My favorite bean chili is the bean and beef chili I just made in my crock pot last week! It’s a bowl of comfort!
Heather says
I normally don’t use a recipe for my black bean chili, but this one is awfully close to what I normally do…
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Vegetarian-Black-Bean-Chili-230632
Also, I preserve homemade salsa in the summer, so I love throwing some into and on top of the chili!
Thanks for a great contest – sounds like you had a great experience!
Rick Segers says
Here’s my favorite made with Bush’s Baked Beans
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/493/Keris-Hog-Apple-Baked-Beans108976.shtml
Brandie says
My current favorite bean recipe is this Lima Bean Soup…I’ve been craving it too!
http://www.homecookingmemories.com/2010/02/lima-bean-soup-first-time-cooking-with.html
Heather Sheire says
I am a big fan of beans. One of the original health foods, if you ask me. I have too many favorites to choose one, but this is my new favorite.
http://makinglifedelicious.com/2010/11/05/spinach-sausage-pasta-soup/
caroline says
Here is one of my favorite recipes-
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/southwestern-avocado-and-black-bean-salad-recipe/index.html
marci h says
My favorite bean recipe is BUSH’S® All-American Chili 🙂 YUM!!
Richard says
When cooking chili in competition beans cannot be used, however at home we all love beans in our chili. This recipe is the one I like best and adding any of Bush’s beans selections, especially the black beans, about 20 minutes from the end of cooking makes a great dinner. http://www.chilicookoff.com/Recipe/Recipe_Detail.asp?RecipeID=100
Jill says
There is nothing like a good black been salsa. I add corn and tomato to this recipe and dip some awesome chips into it!
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/spicy-black-beans-avocado-canapes-recipe-00000000017369/index.html
Jill says
There is nothin like a good black bean salsa. I add cumin, corn and tomatoes to this recipe – http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/spicy-black-beans-avocado-canapes-recipe-00000000017369/index.html
Michelle Pegram says
My favorite bean recipe is refried beans. http://www.food.com/recipe/refried-beans-35956
Lisa H says
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Cabbage-and-White-Bean-Soup-109446
Jamie says
One of my favorite recipes using beans is this Southwest Chicken Three Bean Chili….
http://momscookingclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/southwest-shredded-chicken-three-bean.html
P.S. You got to meet my sister-in-law Aggie at this Bush’s Bean event in Napa. She’s married to my youngest brother, Larry, and is the one who encouraged me to start my blog : )
Miss says
Chicken Tortilla Soup with black beans!
http://www.missinthekitchen.com/2010/04/08/chicken-tortilla-soup/
Lisa H says
That soup looks good! And it’s definitely getting to be soup weather now. 🙂
My favorite bean recipe is this one: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Chicken-Taco-Soup/Detail.aspx Yummy and easy, too!
Mimi Avocado says
We love to put sliced avocados on top of our bean soup! Since we are a family farm growing avocados in So California, the avocados are available all the time. Every year we make New Year’s Bean Soup and use the end of the ham we enjoyed during the holidays. Here’s a link to a similar recipe http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1848,156160-230195,00.html
Hellen says
It has strong bass response, thus delivering what you desire.
The main reason behind the delay in launching is i – OS5.
Some regions in the UK market does seem capable of supporting this network requirement.
Bree Recipe Ideas says
What an interesting place, I would also really like to have such a kitchen, it’s just a dream when all the products and ingredients are at your fingertips and you don’t need to spend half a day looking for in stores. I think the blog gave you really wonderful opportunities, and readers have many delicious recipes)