Beans & Cornbread

Last night was our last night to have Janet and Gary before they head back to Dallas. It has been a fun-filled week, with lots of touring and lots of new restaurants and constant going. One night as we were sitting around talking about our favorite foods, Gary and Randy both said that one of their favorite dinners was a pot of pinto beans, with cornbread and fried potatoes and onions. So that was what they requested on for dinner last night. This past week, we have eaten on the coast in Newport Beach, Italian on Rodeo Dr, In & Out burgers, Chinese food in Montrose, homemade roast and potatoes here the first night, but all of us agreed, last night’s beans and cornbread was our favorite meal. It just felt good. It was like coming home after being gone for an extended time. It was such a comfort food. We sat around the table for an hour afterword, sharing stories about our trip to Greece and the funny memories we share there. But when we got up to clean the table, we all thought about what a wonderful evening we had just spent. The dinner probably didn’t cost $10 to fix, was easy clean up and quick to cook, except the beans which had been cooking all day. We retired to the den, full and happy, and ready for a slice of homemade carrot cake. The pot of beans and fried potatoes just hit the spot. Filled us up and the scent make the house smell so “southern”. This menu will now become part of our “tradition” as to what we cook for company. It was just one of those meals that makes you feel like you are all family. So forget Olive Garden, go to the store and grab yourself a bag of pinto beans….you will be glad you did.