How to: Soak, Cook, Measure and Store Dry Beans - Adventures in Frugalness

Beans, beans, the magical fruit......  Ha...just kidding.

We've all heard of the "rice and beans" diet.  You know...what you eat when money is "tight".  Why?  Because it's cheap  frugal.  And...when combined, rice and beans make a complete protein...which is very important, nutritionally, if you are cutting back and/or out on animal proteins.  Plus...beans have lots of fiber.  Good for the body too.

Up 'til now I have been buying canned beans (which you can get for pretty cheap if you watch for good sales)...but, have discovered that cooking them myself is a whole lot cheaper (something about labor costs...he he).

It's really not as hard or time consuming as I imagined it to be...in fact, it's SUPER easy and not an inconvenience on my time at all.

So, I thought I would share what knowledge I have on the subject.  All in the name of $$ SAVING.

ALL ABOUT BEANS

Quick tips:
-Most beans will rehydrate to triple their dry size so be sure to start with a pot large enough to accommodate.

-Rinse and sort, removing any rocks, dirt, or discolored beans.

-Before cooking, soak dry-packaged beans to help soften and return moisture to the beans and reduce cooking time.

SOAKING METHODS:

Preferred HOT SOAK and QUICK SOAK methods - For each pound dry beans (2 cups), add 10 cups hot water; heat to boiling and let boil for 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat, cover and set aside for at least one hour (quick soak) or up to 4 hours (hot soak).  One useful hint about hot soaking, is that it helps dissolve some of the gas-causing substances, making the beans easier to digest.

CROCKPOT METHOD-   Soaking not necessary; see instruction on how to cook below.

TRADITIONAL OVERNIGHT SOAK- For each pound dry beans (2 cups), add 10 cups cold water and let soak overnight, or at least 8 hours.

COOKING DRY BEANS

STOVE TOP- Drain soaking water and rinse beans; cook in fresh water (8-10 cups).  In general, beans take 30 minutes to 2 hours to cook depending on the variety.  Check bean packaging for specific cooking times and instructions.  To test if beans are done, bite-taste a few.  They should be tender, but not overcooked.

CROCK POT - Place rinsed (soaking not necessary) beans in the crock pot.  For every cup of dry beans place 4 cups water in the crock pot (1 lb, or two cups, will require 8-10 cups water), making sure the beans are completely covered.  Cook on high until tender (3-4 hours), or cook on HIGH for one hour, then turn to LOW and continue cooking overnight (6-8 hours).  To test if beans are done, bite-taste a few.  They should be tender, but not overcooked.

ADDING FLAVOR while cooking-  Spice up beans while they cook.  Seasonings such as garlic, onion, oregano, parsley or thyme can be added to the pot while beans are cooking.  Add acidic  ingredients, such as tomatoes, vinegar, citrus juices, only at the end of cooking, when the beans are already tender.

Add salt only after beans are cooked to tender.  If added before, salt may cause bean skins to  become impermeable, halting the tenderizing process.

COOLING - While cooling, keep beans in cooking liquid to prevent them from drying out.

CANNED BEANS
Canned beans are a great convenience since they are already presoaked and precooked.  Always drain and thoroughly rinse canned beans before adding them to a recipe (a MUST in our house...does wonders for cutting down on flatulence).

STORING BEANS:
Uncooked beans can be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry area.  If kept for more than 12 months, beans will lose moisture and may require longer cooking times.  However, their nutrient value is NOT lost with age.

Canned beans may be stored up to 12 months in their original sealed cans.
Cooked bean may be refrigerated in a covered container for up to five days and may be frozen for up to six months.

MEASURING BEANS
One 15 oz can of beans = one and one-half cups cooked beans, drained
One pound dry beans = two cups dry beans
One pound dry beans = six cups cooked beans, drained
One cup dry beans = three cups cooked beans, drained

Most of this information was provided to me by my mother...who got it from the American Dry Bean Board (www.americanbean.org).  I got help with the crockpot instructions from ehow.com.

Coming soon...recipe for Super Tasty (homemade and low-fat) Refried Beans
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Crayola, Beauty supplies, and more -- Christmas Gift Ideas

This week Amazon.com has some pretty sweet deals for "that" person on your Christmas list!

 

Get up to 50% off select Crayola products. 

up to 38% off Melissa and Doug toys

and find big discounts on ALLURE's  Beauty Award Winners

up to 35% off Ambi, up to 52% off Aveeno, up to 28% off Clean & Clear, up to 52% off Neutrogena, and up to 52% on RoC

I told you they were sweet deals.  

Merry Shopping.


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Anti-Static Dryer Ball - Adventures In Frugalness

While searching around for laundry soap recipes, I came across an anti-static idea for the dryer that saves your pocket book and the environment.  Plus...it's really good for children (and adults) with sensitive skin who are counseled not to use fabric softeners and/or dryer sheets in their laundry (that would be my children).

It couldn't have been better timing.  I was down to one dryer sheet and didn't want to go to the store to buy more.  So I thought I'd give it a try.

What is it you ask?  Aluminum Foil.  That's it.  Super simple....and Super cheap.

The idea:

Make a tightly wadded ball of aluminum foil.  (Mine started out about the size of a softball and after tumbling around in the dryer a million times (I do a LOT of laundry) it is now about the size of a tennis ball).

Not only will this substantially reduce the amount of static cling in your clothing but will eliminate the issues associated with dryer sheets (residue build up on your lint filter and other dryer parts, on fabrics, causing them to be less breathable, towels to be less absorbent, and skin to be more itchy).

For large loads you can use 2-3 balls (haven't tried this yet).

Monetary benefits...you can use the same ball(s) forever.  They don't need to be thrown out or changed. 

I have been using this method for a few weeks now. 

I'm not going to lie...it is a BIT louder than before and my husband was worried that it might be denting the inside of the dryer.  But...after finding melted crayon on my clothing and being forced to scrub out the drum of the dryer, I assured him, after close inspection, that there was not a dent to be found.  So I just close the door to the laundry room (cutting down some of the noise).

I have been completely satisfied with the static cling free (mostly) results.  Not that we haven't experienced any static...just not any more than with the dryer sheets (except the one load where the ball got stuck in the foot of my little ones "footie" pajamas and was not free to tumble around...there was a little more static then).

I believe we will be using this method for a long time to come...if not forever.

Thanks for the tips Judy @ What I Live For and Lifehacker.

Ah....you hear that?  It's the sound of Savings...my favorite.

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Will comply, for shoes...

There's two things to know about Mr. Golden Locks.

He just learned to say the word "No!"....at 19 months.  Surprising.  (I mean, it's not like that word has been used sparingly around here.) 

Also...this boy LOVES shoes.

My other boys loved shoes....but Mr. Golden Locks LIVES for shoes.  He has someone's shoes on (if not his) ALL. OF. THE. TIME!

Sometimes this can be quite bothersome to me (especially when he is squealing because he can't get them on)....but sometimes I use it to my advantage.

For instance...yesterday morning.

Me:  "Hey [Mr. Golden Locks], let's go get dressed."

MGL:  "NO!"  (loud, sharp, and to the point)

Frustration...and then....*BING*...lightbulb!

Me:  "[Mr. Golden Locks], let's go get dressed and then we can put your shoes on."

You should have seen his face explode in excitement.  He booked it to his room faster than I have ever seen him move before (which is sayin' a lot).

BINGO!

Every once in a while the "lights of mothering genius" do shine down on this mama. (here's another such instance...in case you're new here or missed it before.)

Just found this goodie....he's so darn cute (note the shoe).


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HELP...I need you: Crayon vs. Dryer

I know I told you I would post more laundry ideas soon....and I planned on it.  Just not this soon...and certainly not this one.  No...this was a new discovery...as of this morning.

The morning was going well.  Very well.  I didn't have any specific plans for the day....no appointments, no pressing errands, no immediate needs....just a day to catch up and clean up and I REALLY wanted to get a workout in.

I decided, first, to fold a bit of laundry.  I mean, Roberto has become the major laundry folder in our home as of late (because he's awesome) and I usually leave it for him.  But...I wanted to be "nice" and get a head start on it.

Imagine my surprise horror when I opened up the dryer to find this...

Wanna closer look?  How about this....

and this....

and how about this one?

What the heck?  At first I was really confused.  Then after a little time and investigation on my part, I discovered the culprit.  Crayon.  BLACK CRAYON!  Someone must have had one in their pocket.  And you know what...I wish I could blame it all on "them"....but I can't....because it's my job to check the pockets before I launder the clothes, right?

Arrrrggghhhhhh!

The articles above are just a few of the casualties.

The whole entire load is COVERED and you know what....we're not a small family....and we don't have small appliances.  When we purchased our washer and dryer we purchased the LARGEST they carried.  They hold a lot of clothes at one time....and we never run a less than packed load. Yeah...lots of clothes....*sigh*

I panicked at first...then called my mom...then searched the web...then ran to the store...and now have spent the better part of my day experimenting with different methods of getting crayon out of clothing (and the dryer drum as well).

On the bright side....at least I can blog about it.

(UPDATE:  SOLUTION:  How To:  Get crayons out of clothes)

Like I said, I have been experimenting with different methods (even looked up cleaning treatments on Crayola's website).

So here's what I'm going to do.

When all is said and done....and hopefully wax stain free...I'll share my finds with you.  You know, tell you which method worked best...with the least amount of work...and at the lowest cost.  Sound like a deal?

I have met with success so far.  There is life after melted crayon......thank goodness.  I was really worried.

Although I have to admit...I have not actually tried to tackle any articles of clothing that actually matter to me (like my favorite sweater and my more than favorite skirt, oh...and several of Rob's nice work shirts).  Instead I've been using "test" subjects( like boys underwear, pants that were showing signs of serious wear anyway, and a few pairs of Rob's holey dress socks).   

Wish me luck.

I've got a long (and scary) way to go.  And you know what...I could use your help.

Got any ideas and/or experience on the subject.  Wanna share?

UPDATE:  FIND THE SOLUTION HERE.  How To: Get Crayon out of Clothes


 P.S.  Today I linked up to Family Time Tuesday blog carnival.  Go check it out.  And don't forget to vote for T.O. on the Top Mommy Blogs by clicking on the banner below.

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