Nine Years Ago Today

My husband and I drove to Cambria get hitched. It was Friday the 13th. He thought it would be great to tell people we got married on what people consider an unlucky day. He contacted the local minister to marry us and we exchanged vows on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was a simple ceremony, just me, him, the minister and a camcorder set up on a tripod!

I don't think he's aware it's our anniversary today. He's preparing dinner and it just so happens he's making Feijoada. It is a stew of black beans with chunks of pork and beef, considered the national dish of Brasil. He had made it easier (and faster) by using a pressure cooker. If you don't have one, just use a large pot and boil longer until beans are tender.

I have never made this myself but I've watched him make it all the time. Here's his recipe:

Ingredients:

2 TB olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 lbs. pork picnic, cut into 2-in cubes
2 ham hocks, smoked
1 bag (16 oz.) black beans

Directions:

In a large pressure cooker pot, heat olive oil until hot over high flame. Add onion and saute until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until soft and fragrant.

Add the bay leaves along with the the pork picnic and stir. Season with kosher salt and freshly-ground pepper.

Put the ham hocks and black beans along with about 8 cups of water (or at least 1 inch over the beans). Cover with pressure cooker lid and let it boil for about 30 minutes.

Turn off heat and let pressure cooker cool a little bit. Open carefully and taste for doneness. You might want to put lid back on to boil, depending on the tenderness of beans or just let it simmer on low heat until beans are tender and sauce has thickened.

Serve with rice. This serves a small army, about 20 people.