[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Beans. I might be going out on a limb here. But trust me. With a couple of extra touches, this meal is delightful enough for company. Really!

The key to awe-inspired gratefulness for a bean-based meal at my house is, -don’t announce the plan. Once consumed, this meal has NEVER failed to inspire a flourish of thank-yous and compliments. Funniest thing! It continues to surprise them every time I serve it!

It very well may not be the case in every home, but around here, the mention of beans is like waving a flag stating, “We’re poor! We’re poor!!” Ridiculous, I agree, -even if we might have been here and there along the way. Sillier still is, the man actually enjoys them when served just right.

When (someone whose name I won’t mention) realized his disdainful attitude towards beans was taking ahold of the family, he began changing his tune. A mite bit too late, I’m afraid.

So, there you have full disclosure. Turned up noses turn to bright-eyed grins with this one. I call it cheap and easy, high-end comfort food. Give it an honest try. Your pocketbook AND your taste buds will be glad you did!

After serving this meal last week, I headed back to the kitchen with the stack of empty plates. My son calls out after me, “Thanks, Mom! Wow, that was really good!” Sure enough, though I’ve served this meal countless times over the last fifteen years, there it was again, -a distinctive tone of sheer delighted surprise.

Serves 2 (easily multiplied for any size family)

Prep time: 10-15 minutes, max!

Cuban Black Bean Toast Ingredients:

1 (15.5 ounces) can Trader Joe’s Cuban Black Beans or original Ranch Style (brand) Beans

2 slices Sourdough French Bread or Fresh split Cornbread

Butter for toast

2 handfuls Mexican Mix Shredded Cheese

4 Eggs

1 Avacado

Hot Sauce and Black Pepper to taste

Molasses Baked Beans on Toast Ingredients:

1 (15.5 ounces) Trader Joe’s Organic Baked Beans, or any favorite brand Molasses Baked Beans

2 large slices Sourdough French Bread, Dark Rye bread or Fresh split Cornbread

Butter for toast

2 handfuls grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

4 Eggs

1 large ripe Tomato

Pepper to taste

Gather ingredients.

Cuban Black Bean style…

or Molasses Baked Bean style.

Open canned Beans and heat contents in a saucepan to a light simmer on medium heat, or place contents in a microwave-safe bowl, cover and heat to a simmer.

Slice avocado or tomato.

Break large sourdough (or Rye bread) slices in half for four pieces. Toast and butter bread. [If using cornbread, split squares in half horizontally, butter cut edge of each half, and quickly pan grill til toasted.]

Spray small or medium fry pan with pan spray or melt 1 Tablespoon butter. Fry eggs over a gentle heat to desired doneness (over-easy, over-medium or sunny-side up, recommended).

Assemble layers of buttered toast, topped with beans, cheese, fried eggs, and toppings of avocado or tomato, hot sauce if desired and ground black pepper.

Cuban Black Beans style…

Molasses Baked Beans style…

*I’m going to say this, though it’s hardly necessary, I’m sure. If your folks can’t bear the idea of a meatless meal, go ahead, throw a couple few slices of crispy bacon there between the layers. It won’t be as inexpensive, quick or as easy to clean up, but it’s a sure trick to getting them all running towards the dinner table in nothin’ flat.

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