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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:
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This was quite good and easy to make. Next time I would add more spices.
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.
Hi Carol! You could use saute 1/2 pound of ground chicken or turkey, instead of the bacon!
This was super easy to pull together for dinner. I loved all the bold flavors.
This was so, so good! I’m trying to make us more vegetarian / veg-forward meals, and this one my whole family loved!
Really glad you and the fam enjoyed this recipe, Elizabeth!
This looks light and delightful! Can’t wait to try! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
You and Brenda have beautiful sites! This veggie salad looks absolutely AMAZING.
aw, that is so kind of you to say Cassie! Appreciate you stopping by. xo
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!
i can assure you that this will win your man over. :) and he’ll be eating plants too! xo
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. :)
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
Cooking with friends is one of the BEST ways to spend a day. Even better when something truly delicious comes out of it!
yes, was definitely a keeper of recipe! we’ve made it several times since. and every time such good memories return.
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!
yes, that touch of bacon was meant to be! the lemon really adds brightness too. so good all around. xo
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 :)
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
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
yes! and hopefully no more snow days, just rain! ;) xo
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
Brenda, that needs to be made into a t-shirt -ASAP! xo
“…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!
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!
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
It is the best! We have to cook something when you come visit. And gab, of course. ;)
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!
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