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When a Minnesotan schedules something in winter, they know it comes with the risk of snow impeding plans. I had been looking forward to spending a day cooking and gabbing (a Midwest term for a mix of talking and laughing) with my sweet friend Brenda of A Farmgirl’s Dabble.
Our largest snowfall came down boldly the night before, but having lived in these parts all my life, I wasn’t too worried about “skating” out to the cozy little town of Lake Elmo, where she and her family live. In fact, I was super excited to see the countryside in all its fluffy, white glory and spend a snow day with my best friend, similar to the joy I had felt about situations like this when I was younger.Brenda is a gem. True and kind, always supportive, and even though we have differences, I’ve always felt close to her since meeting 5 years ago…. Connection, shared sensibilities, honest opinions and a love for wholesome food that has heart.
We had talked a little about what we were going to make beforehand, our main ingredients being roasted broccoli and great northern beans, fresh lemon and herbs. It sounded comforting and flavorful, yet fresh and bright – a perfect match for an easy winter meal. Upon arriving, Brenda’s big smile greeted me and as we walked into the kitchen she said, “I think I have one more ingredient that we should add”.
She reached for a brown parchment paper covered slab, and opened it to reveal thick, double smoked bacon from the local butcher that she knew was my favorite – my weakness actually.
It didn’t take us long to fire up the oven, pour a cup of coffee, and pretend like what we were doing was work. We tasted and tweaked, stood on ledges to shoot pictures, and fell in love with this “off the cuff” great northern beans recipe we had developed.
From the charred broccoli, to the soft and silky white beans, to the garlic and shallots that get sautéed in the salty bacon drippings….. At the end, a splash of lemon, crack of black pepper, and fresh parsley brightening every element.
It’s a dish you’ll be able to make from memory, and can be on the table in less than 45 minutes.
Serve it hot or room temperature, as a side dish or a main, change it up with roasted cauliflower, or basil instead of parsley.
Just be sure you don’t skip the bacon, and a girlfriend to share it with. They feed our souls in a way that other relationships can’t. Enjoy this recipe, and also a little glimpse into Brenda’s kitchen. xo
SCALE:
tag @heartbeetkitchen on instagram and hashtag it #heartbeetkitchen
AF
October 8, 2023
A most delicious dish. Great for a side or a meal. Immediate requests to make it again. I did roast tomatoes along side the broccoli. Scrumptious!!
Amanda Paa
October 8, 2023
So glad you enjoyed it!
Kathy
August 27, 2022
This was quite good and easy to make. Next time I would add more spices.
Carol
April 21, 2022
Do you have any suggestions for replacements for bacon? I know that sounds sacrilegious, and I wish it were otherwise, but hubby is trying very hard to keep his red meat and salt to a minimum. Thanks in advance looks positively scrumptious.
Amanda Paa
April 22, 2022
Hi Carol! You could use saute 1/2 pound of ground chicken or turkey, instead of the bacon!
Stacey
January 31, 2022
This was super easy to pull together for dinner. I loved all the bold flavors.
Elizabeth
May 19, 2020
This was so, so good! I’m trying to make us more vegetarian / veg-forward meals, and this one my whole family loved!
Amanda Paa
May 20, 2020
Really glad you and the fam enjoyed this recipe, Elizabeth!
Janette
June 22, 2017
This looks light and delightful! Can’t wait to try! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Cassie
March 15, 2016
You and Brenda have beautiful sites! This veggie salad looks absolutely AMAZING.
amandapaa
March 15, 2016
aw, that is so kind of you to say Cassie! Appreciate you stopping by. xo
laurasmess
March 13, 2016
Another perfectly nourishing salad for dinners. Cannot wait to try it (my husband loves bacon, as I guess most of them do haha). Lovely recipe!
amandapaa
March 14, 2016
i can assure you that this will win your man over. :) and he’ll be eating plants too! xo
Emily
March 8, 2016
Gorgeous Amanda! Definitely a recipe I think my whole family would enjoy. So many great textures, colors, flavors- the perfect all-in-one bowl meal. I always hesitate to buy the good bacon because of the price, but when I do, it’s always worth it. :)
amandapaa
March 8, 2016
the thickness of the bacon, and knowing your butcher makes such a difference! worth it. :) and yes, totally a family meal! thanks for stopping by, girl! xo
Lane Patten @ With Two Spoons
March 6, 2016
Cooking with friends is one of the BEST ways to spend a day. Even better when something truly delicious comes out of it!
amandapaa
March 6, 2016
yes, was definitely a keeper of recipe! we’ve made it several times since. and every time such good memories return.
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits
March 6, 2016
Cooking with friends…I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon! This salad looks absolutely delicious, Amanda, and I love the touch of bacon in here! Hopping on over to check out Brenda’s blog now!
amandapaa
March 6, 2016
yes, that touch of bacon was meant to be! the lemon really adds brightness too. so good all around. xo
Amanda Gibson
June 17, 2016
Although it’s not March anymore, this recipe speaks to me! I’m not sure if it’s the bacon, beans, or broccoli (love the alliteration there, BTW). Cooking with girlfriends is truly the best. I’ll bookmark this one, for sure.
Best,
Another Amanda :)
amandapaa
June 17, 2016
It really is! I wish time allowed for it to happen more often. And I will say that although this recipe is more winter focused, it’s amazing served at room temperature and would great right now too! xo
Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
March 4, 2016
I was completely smitten by this salad when I saw it over on Instagram…what a lovely pairing of flavors! And that day sounds like so much fun; I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon! xoxo
amandapaa
March 6, 2016
yes! and hopefully no more snow days, just rain! ;) xo
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
March 4, 2016
Such a memorable (and yummy!) day with you! And all that snow added an extra element of sparkle. Bacon and bubbles forever and ever, amen. xo
amandapaa
March 4, 2016
Brenda, that needs to be made into a t-shirt -ASAP! xo
Sherrie
March 3, 2016
“…pretend like what we were doing was work” – that was my favorite part. Work aside {it is work after all!} how lucky we are to do the things we love for a living! I loved this post I could visually the entire day, and I love the photo Brenda posted of you on a table with your little sock-feet, #bloggerlife. These photographs are stunning and I love the bits of lemon zest peaking through.
All my love always, xx!
Linda | The Baker Who Kerns
March 3, 2016
Oo I love cooking with friends! I have noticed that my guy friends are super good cooks and I get so surprised! They can dice an onion like they are on IronChef! But speaking of this roasted broccoli! I have never seen white beans look so appealing! Such a great dish to start the coming spring season!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
March 3, 2016
Cooking with girlfriends is the BEST, isn’t it? I love these pictures and love that you also use the work gabbing, Midwest ladies unite :) xo
amandapaa
March 3, 2016
It is the best! We have to cook something when you come visit. And gab, of course. ;)
Tessa | Salted Plains
March 3, 2016
So delicious! Charred broccoli will always win with me. And bacon. Time with girlfriends really is important. The older I get the more and more I’m aware of the need for the special connection. Beautiful collaboration!
amandapaa
March 3, 2016
Those friendships that you can count on are irreplaceable. Even with you not living here, I feel like our bond is so strong too. Nothing I wouldn’t do to help support you! xo