This blog was created so I could share my recipes for curries and also to record in one place recipes others suggest.
Microwave Baked Beans, is that what its come to?
Posted 28-01-08 at 09:40 by go_slow
What's all that about? I saw an advert yesterday for microwave baked beans. Have we, as a country, become so lazy that we cannot even open a tin of beans, throw the contents into a saucepan and stir for a few minutes.
I know some will argue convenience, no need to do washing up, you can be doing something else whilst your beans warm up but come on, seriously, what exactly are you going to do for that 1 minute? Is it really really important you have your beans in 1 minute?
If nothing else, how difficult it to empty a can of beans into a bowl and throw that in the microwave - or are we back to the "but that means having to wash up" argument?
The recycling argument goes out of the window as far as I can tell - the little pots are plastic, how recyclable is that compared to the tins?
I enjoy baked beans as much as the next man but I do spice them up - perhaps fry some red onion, add the beans, throw in a little mustard, perhaps some ground black pepper. It makes for a nice taste on the toast.
And the other thing - £1.49 for 4 small pots Heinz are laughing all the way to the bank.
That said I'm guessing that a company like Heinz doesn’t just bring out a product because mike in marketing had an idea, there is probably research done. And that’s where it gets worrying - people actually think this is a good idea. People that are allowed to vote.
Comments, bouquets and brick bats appreciated as ever.
I know some will argue convenience, no need to do washing up, you can be doing something else whilst your beans warm up but come on, seriously, what exactly are you going to do for that 1 minute? Is it really really important you have your beans in 1 minute?
If nothing else, how difficult it to empty a can of beans into a bowl and throw that in the microwave - or are we back to the "but that means having to wash up" argument?
The recycling argument goes out of the window as far as I can tell - the little pots are plastic, how recyclable is that compared to the tins?
I enjoy baked beans as much as the next man but I do spice them up - perhaps fry some red onion, add the beans, throw in a little mustard, perhaps some ground black pepper. It makes for a nice taste on the toast.
And the other thing - £1.49 for 4 small pots Heinz are laughing all the way to the bank.
That said I'm guessing that a company like Heinz doesn’t just bring out a product because mike in marketing had an idea, there is probably research done. And that’s where it gets worrying - people actually think this is a good idea. People that are allowed to vote.
Comments, bouquets and brick bats appreciated as ever.
Total Comments 3
Comments
 |  Making your own baked beans is good. This isn't my own recipe, it's Hugh Fernley-Wossnames, but unsurprisingly I added some chilis. It is *gorgeous* 400g/14oz piece pork belly 500g/1lb 2oz white haricot beans, dried 50g/2oz soft brown sugar 45g/3 tbsp black treacle 1 tbsp English mustard (made from powder) 4 cloves 8-10 pickling onions (or 2-3 small onions) fresh ground black pepper salt 1. Soak the beans overnight in plenty of fresh cold water. 2. Drain and rinse, then put in a heavy, ovenproof pan or casserole, with fresh water to cover the beans by about 5cm/2in. Bring to the boil and boil hard for at least 10 minutes. Lower the heat to get a gentle simmer, cover with the pan lid, and simmer for about one hour until the beans are tender but not completely soft. Remove from the heat. 3. Cut the pork belly in large 5cm/2in cubes, leaving the rind on and add to the beans. Stir in the brown sugar, black treacle and mustard. 4. Press each clove into an onion and add, with the extra onions, to the pot. Season with pepper, but no salt at this stage. If necessary, add a little hot water so that the beans are covered. 5. Replace the lid on the casserole. Bake the beans in a preheated slow oven at 140C/275F/Gas 1 for about 3 hours. Then remove the lid and dragging some of the pork chunks to the top. Return, uncovered, to the oven, for a further hour. Season. 6. Serve on it's own, with crusty bread (or on toast), as a snack or light meal. In a sealed jar or tupperware container, these baked beans will keep in the fridge for two weeks. |
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| |  Had a pot of heinz microwave beans for my tea last night - taste good, ready in a shot and no washing up Which makes them a great snack idea - keeps you away from the ginger biscuits too. Ideal for a work lunch/snack too |
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| |  I wholeheartedly agree with you! It seems the words of that song 'In the year 2525' back in the sixties are becoming a reality at breakneck speed! |
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Recent Blog Entries by go_slow
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- Microwave Baked Beans, is that what its come to? (28-01-08)
