Yesterday for lunch I threw together Toni’s 10 Bean Soup (if you can call soaking the beans overnight and cooking them for 4.5 hours “throwing it together”). That’s a soup mix that we purchased at a Women’s Bean Project booth at Pride in 2008 — thankfully beans last for a while!
The soup was very good and only required the addition of water, a garlic clove, a 28-oz can of diced tomatoes, salt, and the aforementioned 4.5 hours — the beans and a seasoning packet was included. Benjamin was skeptical before the inclusion of the tomatoes but agreed it turned out pretty well. I’m sure the side of Perfect Cornbread (his favorite) didn’t hurt his appreciation either.
Women’s Bean Project is a social services organization. From their FAQ:
Since 1989, the Women’s Bean Project has provided women with the opportunity to become economically independent by teaching basic job readiness skills and life skills through work in our on-site business.
Income from our business allows us to pay women a steady wage as they work in a safe, accepting environment and develop the skills and abilities needed to get and keep a job.
The program varies in length, lasting about 6 months, depending on each individual participant’s progress in reaching “job readiness.”
Back in 2008 we purchased two mixes, one was a black bean salsa mix which we took to a party the following month and it got rave reviews. Unfortunately I don’t see it available on their online store.
Next time we come across one of their booths I’ll be sure to pick up some of their other products since the last two were so successful. It’s nice to support a local business that’s helping people, and even better when you love their products! They also offer some attractive yet inexpensive gift bundles if you’re looking for Christmas gifts already.
Digital Ramblings 