Big Ugly May 2023 Blog

This year the growing season has started off really well, warming up just as potatoes and seeds were
handed out, with lots of sun and not too much rain. Plants are thriving, early crops are already being
harvested, and people are hoping for a bountiful harvest this year.

Our last meeting was a heart healthy cooking workshop where everyone shared a heart healthy recipe
that they use. My favorite was from one of my gardeners who always harvests lots of beans. It’s a simple
bean salad recipe packed with flavor and texture, but low on fats, sodium, sugar. She uses honey to add
a touch of sweetness as she says it’s healthier than refined white sugar.

Summer Honey Bean Salad
2 c cooked green beans
2 c cooked yellow wax beans
1 c dark red kidney beans
¼ c onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T good apple cider vinegar
1 T honey
2 T olive oil (don’t use corn or canola)

Mix, chill, and enjoy with burgers, BBQ, fried chicken, or just about any summer meal.

If you can’t wait for your crop to come in, you can use canned green and wax beans, and it will still be
pretty good.