I've inducted myself into the Bean Brigade!

[emilycat]

Well, that was a silly title, but I really just wanted to thank Phoebe for her excellent recommendation for the Bean Bible -- this is an amazing cookbook!

Okay, so I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but it's so chock full of awesome information, and I'm having the most wonderful time just poring over the recipes! Maybe I can be come the Bean Princess before long?? (Because I have a feeling no one's going to be able to oust Phoebe from her throne http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif )

Anyway, any of you beanie-weanie wannabes would really enjoy this book, I think.

[Grace]

Geez, Em, isn't being Queen Bee enough for you - now you wanna be Queen Bean too!?? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

(JUST KIDDING!!!!!)

[donleyk]

I like to second the thanks to Phoebe, and others, your insight and tips for cooking have been so valuable to me. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[KathyLeary]

Where do beans fit into the good carb VS. not-as-good carb issue? During this pregancy I've beening craving protein and have been cooking loads of bean recipes. I honestly feel better then I've ever felt- even being pregnant!

Thanks

Kathy

[hka]

Emilycat I was trying to find the thread that talked about the Bean Bible but I didn't come up with anything. Can you tell me a little about it as I love beans and would be interested in checking it out. Thank you in advance!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[emilycat]

Okay, now I'm wondering if I was hallucinating, and Phoebe didn't recommend that book to me! Oh, well, I love it anyway.

hka,

Basically, this book covers tons of information about beans, from hundreds of different varieties, to how to cook all of them, and includes even all these neat little anecdotes and histories about beans. So the first chapter or so is a great read, and then there are tons of wonderful-looking recipes, most of which are vegetarian, but some also include seafood and some other meats (which could be easily left out unless they were crucial to the dish). She uses a great variety of different ethnic cuisines, everything from Indian and Middle Eastern dishes to French, Italian and Mexican, and all kinds of Asian dishes as well. I'm already amazed at the variety.

Anyway, you should just go to a book store and flip through it -- if it calls out your name (you know how books do that http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ), you'll probably really enjoy it.

Emily

[Kelli Kerrigan]

Could you post the author? I have a list of cookbooks I want to buy at lunch.....I might just have to add this one!
I'd also like to second KathyLeary's question, its a good one.

[emilycat]

The author's name is Aliza Green.

As for the nutrition of beans, I tend to think of them as a primary source of protein (since I'm a pseudo-vege http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif ) rather than a carbohydrate, although they're a great source of both. Beans are an incomplete source, though, lacking 2 of the essential amino acids, so eating them in conjunction with whole grains (although not necessarily at the same time), which contain the other two essentials, makes a complete protein.

I would absolutely call them a source of 'good carbs,' though -- although I'm really eager to hear what anyone else can say about them.

[Mousie29]

I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate this info and am excited about it. This is a real example of what great things this board is doing for me.

[Sara Emily]

Now I have yet ANOTHER cookbook to buy!! Thanks for sharing!

P.S. As I write this, there is a 10 bean stew simmering away in my crockpot! You're all welcome for dinner!

[Jewel]

My two cents on the 'good carb' question: Beans are good carbs! They are right up there with the Whole Grains, since they are a legume. Packed with protein, lots of good healthy carbs, and lots of fiber. Commercials say that bananas are quite possibly the world's perfect food? According to my nutritionist, it's beans. The only 'trick' I learned in cooking them is the carrot trick. While you're cooking any pot 'o beans, float a couple of big carrots (cut into 5" lengths) in the pot. Before serving, lift out the carrots and discard. DO NOT EAT THE CARROTS! The carrots will absorb a lot of the excess gas in the beans, and you won't notice the 'Musical Family' later that evening. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

I make a Cajun Red Bean & Rice soup that is wonderful using the small red beans, a Navy Bean and Ham Soup using the small navy beans. Black Bean Wraps for lunch too! Not trying to EVER compete with Phoebe, but I try to work beans into our diet whenever possible! They are nothing but good for you, keep your energy level up because of the carbs, and keep you fuller longer! This is imperative if you're trying to lose weight.

Also, don't forget lentils. CL did a spread on them a few issues back that kind of reminded me about them! I've got a Lentil Pilaf recipe somewhere that I have to dig out...now I want beans for dinner! Gotta go restock the Beano (and carrots!!!)

[Ohioan]

Gosh, The Bean Bible may have been one of the few books I neglected to mention. I slap my wrist. (Ouch! Next time put down the mouse first!) But it's a great one, isn't it? Also try The Bean Harvest Cookbook, which has the same kind of comprehensive info plus gorgeous color photos of all kinds of beans.

And yes, beans are good sources of complex carbohydrates, and lots of fiber as well. They're also rich in yummies, a new nutrient hitherto undiscovered by science but now shown to be essential in building healthy psyches. (I just made up all that stuff in the last sentence on the spur of the moment. Pay no attention to it. The rest of the paragraph is okay.)

Speaking of beans (and when don't I?), last night I made the Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Arugula from the Aug '00 issue, and I threw in some freshly-cooked pinto beans at the end. Oh, my. Talk about being rich in yummies!... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Cheers,
Phoebe