Iron-Style Beans

Here is the first of what I hope becomes many "Iron-Style" recipes posted here on the Polymouth.  "Iron-Style" meaning I basically just made something up, and it ended up good enough that I would like to make it again.  I usually eyeball ingredients when I'm in the kitchen, so be sure to taste often to make sure nothing is too out of whack, but I will try to estimate as close as possible.

A week or so ago the weather was nice enough to get the BBQ going.  So we got some sausages, grilled some corn on the cob and potatoes, and I came up with a twist on baked beans.  They are creamy, sweet, and with just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting.

Ingredients:
2, 15 oz. cans of Beans (I used Cannellini but Pinto, or Black Beans will work too)
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp Vinegar (Apple Cider Preferred)
2 oz. Packet of Ranch Seasoning Mix
1-2 Tbsp Hot Horseradish
1/4 tsp Ground Cumin
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Warm brown sugar and vinegar in a pot over medium high heat.  Once the sugar and vinegar are blended and smooth add both cans of beans.
2. After about 5 minutes add the ranch packet, horseradish (1 or 2 Tbsps depending on how much kick you want), and cumin and stir in evenly.
3. As soon as the mixture begins to boil it is ready, add salt and pepper if needed.

I plan on making this again for our next BBQ, I'm thinking of adding Bacon or Pancetta, and Garlic, and maybe some Italian Parsley for garnish.  This one is a work in progress, and any feedback is much appreciated.  Give it a shot and let me know how it goes....

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Caramelized Onions

This is one of my favorite recipes.  It is a total go-to when you are looking for a tasty side dish.  It works on its own, in salads, on top of sandwiches and hamburgers (Yum!), or as the base for french onion soup.  There is nothing quite like the unctuous, sweet, richness of Caramelized Onions.  All that being said, they are pretty easy to make.  They do take some time however, so don't plan on them being ready on the fly.  (the recipe is per person, multiply accordingly)

1 Large Onion (thinly sliced)
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/3 tsp Salt & Pepper (S&P)

1) warm olive oil in wide skillet over medium-high heat
2) stir in onions and S&P, stir occasionally to keep the bottom from sticking
3) add any additional flavor components (recommendations below) you like
4) let reduce for about a half hour to an hour, you are done once the onions are soft and brown

You can serve warm as a side dish or save them and use them as a spread on anything from pita bread to a turkey sandwich.

I do recommend that you build on the flavor of the Onions with other components.  Your options are almost limitless, here are a few I like: Vinegar (Balsamic is best, but apple cider vinegar is real nice too), garlic (always good with onions), wine (red or white both work), beef broth (adds real depth), parsley, bay leaves (be sure to pick them out before you serve), chives (a real nice compliment, add them at the and right before serving), sherry (see beef broth), mascarpone or cream cheese (its almost like you're getting away with something, how good that is.  Also mix these in late just so they melt, you don't want them in the pan too long)...  Yadda, yadda, yadda you get the idea.  And as always season with S&P to taste.

Try it out and let me know how it goes for you...

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The Whine List

Well I have to start somewhere and this mix goes back quite a few years (I think i made it in late 2004), but it is still one of may favorites I've made over the years.  It is The Whine List, named for the whiny tenor of most of the tracks.  Some of these tunes (like Arcade Fire's "Neighborhood #4", and Modest Mouse's "One Chance") have become quite popular since then, and others have yet to make it to the big time, but nonetheless I think its a real cool collection of tunes.  Let me know what you think....

(song- band- album)

1. Front Page- The Redwalls- De Nova
2. I'll Believe in Anything- Wolf Parade- Apologies to the Queen Mary
3. The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
4. Two-Headed Boy- Neutral Milk Hotel- In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
5. Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)- The Arcade Fire- Funeral
6. I'm Here- Climber- Climber EP
7. Lull- Radiohead- Desk Top
8. Falling Away With You- Muse- Absolution
9. If You Could Save Yourself (You'd Save Us All)- Ween- Quebec
10. One Chance- Modest Mouse- Good News for People Who Love Bad News
11. Southern Anthem- Iron & Wine- The Creek Drank the Cradle
12. Bad Days- The Flaming Lips- Clouds Taste Metallic
13. What a Wonderful Man- My Morning Jacket- Z
14. The Same Boy You've Always Known- The White Stripes- White Blood Cells
15. Oh Comely- Neutral Milk Hotel- In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

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