Accidental Recipes

Or prosciuotto, or bacon, or what you have on hand. Soak 2-3 cups of cannelini or other white beans overnight. Drain, rinse, and cover with cold water. Add 1-2 bay leaves, salt, and gently bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer, cover, and cook the beans until tender. Do not drain! Tried it with raisins and the honey. Perfect. Put 1-2 tbl olive oil in a dutch oven or other heavy pan. Add the beans and 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Add the following: - 3-4 tbl honey - 1/2 tsp fennel seeds - 2-3 slices ham of your choice - 2-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped - 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped - salt and pepper Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer with the cover on for an hour or more. Serve with a side of spinach with ham, or pasta, or both. You may want to try baking this instead of cooking the beans on top of the stove. Just make sure the pan is tightly covered, else they will dry out. May try raisins instead of the honey next time. Also am thinking about a few fresh tomatoes.