Hello, chefs.
Dan’s been traveling for work all week, which can only mean three things:
I’ve been eating nothing but beans
My online shopping carts have been emptied 😈
I miss him so much that I’ve been in my feelings about what an incredible year it’s been, so have been spending every night looking back at photos of trips we’ve taken like a sad, sad girl
I figure many of you are in the gift-giving spirit—whether those gifts are for yourself or for others is your own business—so the least I can do is share my favorite things I’ve spent money on in 2023, both physical and experiential. In no particular order:
The Higher Dose sauna blanket: Sitting in this thing twice a week while I tippy tap on my laptop after dinner is a nice way to sweat a few gallons and sleep like a baby.
A trip to Lenox, MA: I won’t mention that this was for a disc golf tournament (who even am I), but a trip to the Berkshires in September is 10/10.
Mother denim: Just try a pair. You’ll get it.
A weekend at Lakeview Fontana: This is a little camp at the top of a mountain overlooking Fontana lake. They have treehouse baths and and incredible massage therapist on site. I rest my case.
A Nuuly subscription: seriously! Life changing!
Comrad compression socks: I have terrible edema in my ankles and feet, so I’ve been on a journey to improve my circulation as much as possible. Beyond feet up the wall every morning, wearing these socks while I work every day has been a huge help.
A night at the Standard Highline, and be sure to have a martini in the bathtub.
A professional house clean every few weeks: is it rude to gift someone a few house cleanings? I don’t know, but I’m here to tell you that hiring a professional to make your house sparkle is the ultimate form of self-care.
If you’re in Nashville: dinner or lunch at Locust.
Ah, yes, and the beans!
Both of the recipes below are from Natalia’s TikTok, which I highly recommend giving a follow, both for the recipe ideas and the flawless sweater girl fashion inspo. Of course, Alison Roman’s Spiced Chickpea Stew also made an appearance this week, because would it really be bean week without Her Majesty?
Enjoy your beans—see you next week.
-Faith
White beans with stewed tomatoes and ricotta
This’ll make enough for about 1.5 people, so perfect if you’re cooking for yourself and want a little for lunch the next day. Otherwise, double or triple to share!
In a saucepan, saute a bit of diced onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add a pint of halved cherry tomatoes, season with salt, and cook until burst.
Add enough water to cover the top of the tomatoes and simmer until they’re broken down nicely. At this point, you can blitz the sauce with an immersion blender if you want, or leave it as is.
Add a can of drained white beans and simmer for ten minutes or so. Plate and top with a spoonful of ricotta, a drizzle of olive oil, and basil and pine nuts if you have them.
Creamy white beans with kale and lemon
Same rule as above; if more than one person is eating, double it up.
In a saucepan, saute a bit of onion, garlic, and red chili flakes in olive oil until fragrant. Add a can of drained white beans and stir.
Add enough vegetable or chicken broth to cover the beans by about an inch and simmer until thick. Add a handful of baby spinach and stir until wilted. Remove from heat.
Season with salt if needed—canned beans and boxed broth tends to be adequately salty—and top with a spoonful of ricotta, a big squeeze of lemon, and cracked pepper.