Baked Beans

Tis the season for baked beans. This can be made as a main meal or it can be a side. They'd be great to bring to a potluck.

Ingredients:
1 tube prepared polenta, cubed (optional) 
1 onion, diced 
2-3 minced garlic cloves 
1 cup dry white beans 
1 cup dry kidney beans
1/4 cup water 
2 Tbsp ketchup 
1/4 cup molasses (not blackstrap) 
2 Tbsp soy sauce 
2-4 Tbsp pure maple syrup 

Directions:
Optional if using polenta: 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking  sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Bake cubed polenta for 10 mins. No need to flip. 

To make beans:

1. Cook beans using Instant Pot. Drain and rinse.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. 
3. Add beans, water ketchup, molasses, soy sauce, and maple syrup. 
4. Bring to a boil. 
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until liquid reduces, about 20 minutes. 
6. Once beans are done, divide equally among 4 bowls. 
7. Optional: Top with polenta cubes or gently mix in.

Notes:

• Serves 4 (if as entree)
• You can sub  1 can each white beans and kidney beans.
• Pictured with a side of green beans.

Summer Pasta Salad

This is a super easy to make, great to bring to potlucks or for serving large groups of people pasta salad. The only catch is that you need to remember to make it a few hours before you want to serve it so it can chill in your fridge for a bit. I have no idea the origin of this recipe. I've been making it since the kids were babies to bring to summer potluck events and when we'd host gatherings at our house during the summer.

Ingredients:
1 lb. tri-colored rotini, cooked and rinsed
1-2 tomatoes, chopped (I almost always use Roma because they hold their shape better.)
1 cucumber, chopped
small amount of onion, chopped, if desired
8 oz. Italian dressing

Directions:
Mix well and chill for several hours before serving.

Notes: