Pork 'N Beans 'R Back

 We're all trying to cope with cloud breaker costs these days. I often, just for kicks,  use a can of P and B to make my fave chili, adding hamburger meat, onions etc to the mix.  Today I bought a case of my favorite pork, molasses and beans that were going for around three dollars each tin. Instead of using it on "kick" days, I decided to make it one of my standbys in view of affording what I glean from the shelves in this time. While many turn up their posh noses at pork and beans, it's a whole lot wiser nutritionally than those boxes of fake cheese and miniature noodles. You know the ones that kids love. Yuk. Try your kids on pork and beans with some pineapple chunks and weiners. There won't be much left on the plate. You will also pat yourself on the back that you haven't loaded them up on sheer carbs. Beans are one of the replacements in part for protein, being protein in themselves. When you make a casserole out of your new standby PNB, you can have fun adding some cooked lentils and shredded veggies that love to play hide and sneak with the yummy gravy of the beans. Your kids who hate broccoli won't notice much, the greenery. Nor will they shrink away from PNB with added fried onion and bacon playing tag. Putting in other beans such as kidney beans or corn kernels will eventually become partners. The secret is not to overload your additions and always keep the mix sweet. Who doesn't love sweet? My mom was known as a great cook. Her secret was a bit of sugar.  Use a small amount of honey if you have sugarphobia.Taking away sweet from everything isn't going to take away no-eat  frowns. If you are a no-sugar person, brush your teeth after eating. That will do a lot more for you than cutting out all sweets that you know you either worry about constantly or binge on when no one is looking. There are lots of ways to shrink down  your shopping list. Quit the prepped junk and take a bit of time to use fresh. Eat less but better food on the plate. Shuck bulk in the bowl and go for nutrition. Watch for quality over price. Learn where your buck hides best and go hunt.