I have been hearing about Kinnikinnik again.  Their brand name surfacing in more and more circles.  They were the favored choice, prior to the golden goodness of Udi, but I had not tried it in years.  Standing in the grocery aisle of Safeway, staring at the Kinnikinnik donuts desperately fighting the impulse to get their sweet sinful chocolate delights, I decided it was time to give them another chance.  I picked up a loaf.

My first thought was ” hmmm new packaging… and ooooo  soft!”  and I felt hope.  I brought it home and immediately put it to the Manitoba Farm Girl test.   A simple slice, un-toasted, with butter.  Holy Hell if it didn’t pass!  Fluffy, firm, non-granular, and a butter outer crust.  WOOOT!

So, thumbs up ( once I put the bread down) to Kinnikinnik for once again stepping up their game and bringing amazing goods!   Pizza Crusts, donuts and fluffy bread!  You have no idea the difference you make in my family’s lives!

I bought a standard back of white beans and one of kidney.  The kidney beans seemed more familiar to me and so they got tossed into a big tub just before supper last night and I topped it with water.  Just before bed I checked them and Croiky! I didn’t have enough water in them.  They had already absorbed all of the water and a few dried wrinkly beans protruded from the surface.  I tossed in a hefty amount more of water and left it to hope.

This morning I drained and rinsed them and measured them out.  What was 5 generous cups of dried had become 12 generous cups of hydrated. I tossed them all in a pot with an equal amount of water, 3 tablespoons of oil and a generous sprinkling of salt.  Let them boil away for 40 minutes.

That was it.  I couldn’t believe that was all there was too it! Out came the slow cooker and in went:

• 3 large cans of diced tomatoes,
• a can of tomato paste,
• can of mushrooms,
• 6 generous cups of kidney beans,
• small can of green chili peppers
• 1 pound of browned hamburger
• Spices(Cumin, dried chili peppers, coriander, onion, garlic, basil, pepper & Salt)
• several dashes of hot sause

and turned the dial to High.  Into the freezer went two bags each holding 3 cups of precooked, drained beans for future meals.

Tonight is chili night and the total cost so far for the whole meal?  WELL under $10. Round it out with a loaf of Udi whole grain bread and I think it’s a perfect supper for a -30′c day!

Spring Pea Soup with Real Cream from Knorr (Located at the $Store up on the hill.)

Toast! EnerG Brown Rice Bread (Safeway) Not as good as the Soft White Rice Loaf but good toasted and dipped!

Oh, and of course the evil Diet Coke.  JUST 1!