In our bountiful CSA bin this week was a bag of purple string beans. 

I think they’re “burgundy” beans but not positive.  If you’re ever looking for a fun vegetable to cook with kids, look no further.  Really, these are truly magical.  They are a rich purple outside and grassy green interior but when they cook they turn all green (almost olive colored).  It’s a great thing for the kids to watch as they change colors and it just might be the thing to get the pickier eaters to actually eat some!  It only takes 3 minutes to cook in already boiling water. Drain and put in ice bath when done.  Can reheat with butter, salt and pepper to taste when rest of dinner is ready.

 We actually got our eldest to eat string beans when he was a toddler (after refusing several times) by creating the “Green Bean Dance”. It is a family tradition now and has gotten a bit out of hand.  What started as bopping in seats while munching on the beans together in unison is now full on break dancing.  The funny thing is… it worked.  My toddler was resistant to eating the beans and it became fun.  Kind of like slurping up spaghetti is fun.  Now, they all the love the taste of beans and we don’t need the dance, just occasionally have one for old time’s sake.

Looking at this photo from 2 days ago reminds me that I finally got to the pile of dirt in the corner… today.

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