Dude . . . what is going on with the weather?

I hate to be cliche’ and talk about the insane weather but I can’t help it. What is going on?

Seriously?

Is it summer?

Is it winter?

Make up your mind already?!

For those of you who have been tucked away in a temperature controlled office/house/apartment and have missed the insanity, we have had temperatures ranging from 45’C (114’F) one day to 11’C (51’F) and pouring rain just a few days later.

In all honesty though I gotta tell you I much prefer the cooler weather. I mean its so much easier to get yourself warm than it is to get yourself cool right? I mean there are only so many layers you can take off . . . ugh and the humidity . . . nightmare!

Anyways, “get to the point Em” . . . this week our test it out tuesday recipe is one from non other than the brilliant and beautiful Jenna who blogs over at Eat, Live, Run. Girlfriend is seriously talented. Having been through culinary school to educate herself to become a food writer she is talented not only as a writer but also in the kitchen and on both side of the camera.

With all the crazy rain we have been having I needed me some serious comfort food and thanks to Jenna’s wonderful book – White Jacket Required , I knew exactly what to make. A big ol’ plate of killer home made baked beans!

These beans . . . you guys . . . these beans!!!!!

Ah-mazing!

They really are something else. I mean, there’s a reason they are one of the most popular recipes on Jenna’s blog. The are hearty, comforting, sweet, smoky and tangy all at the same time.

They go with anything and everything, chicken, fish, steak or sausage for dinner or even just some good bread (think toasted sourdough) for breakfast or lunch. Anyway you choose to eat them you can not go wrong.

So simple, so satisfying, so, so delicious.

Like a big, warm, delicious hug . . . you know you want it

Homemade Baked Beans
This recipe very slightly adapted and re-written in my own words from White Jacket Required
Serves 4 as a generous side

Ingredients –

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 cup tomato passata

2 Tablespoons maple syrup (the real stuff people, your totally worth it)

1 Tablespoon ketchup (tomato sauce)

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon of tabasco sauce (more or less to taste)

1/2 teaspoon salt flakes

1 x 420g can of cannelloni beans

1 bay leaf

Method –

1 – Preheat oven to 175’C (350″F)

2 – In a small saucepan over medium heat sauté onion until soft and translucent.

3 – In a small bowl combine, tomato passata, maple syrup, ketchup (tomato sauce), mustard powder, tabasco and salt and allow to simmer for 5 mins.

4 – Add cannellini beans and bay leaf and stir to combine.

5 – Pour into an oven proof dish and either cover with a lid or foil and bake for 45 mins. Stirring your beans 1/2 way through baking time.

6 – Allow the beans to cool for 10 mins before serving.

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PS – If you need a good distraction from this cah-razy weather we have been having I highly recommend you get yourself a copy of Jenna’s book – White Jacket required – a great read, with a wonderful storyline and some insanely delicious recipes. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll cook up a storm. Winning!

What is your all time favourite comfort food?