The Magical Fruit

Beans, beans the musical fruit

The more you eat, 

the more you toot

The more  you toot, 

the better you feel

So eat beans for every meal

Most everyone should know this silly little tune and most everyone probably finds the subject of flatulence humorous, even if you do not laugh out loud. Growing up, this  topic usually came up during dinner and resulted in tear filled laughter.

Up until recently, I have hardly paid attention nor have I eaten legumes of any sort. However, my thoughts began to change on January 12, 2011, when I watched Stephanie O'Dea do a crock pot cooking demonstration on Good Morning America: Stephanie made Chicken Enchilada Chili that included beans.

Immediately, I set out to make the recipe. Surprisingly, I had everything on hand to prepare this dish except for the beans, or so I thought. Then I remembered that I received a gourmet gift box for Christmas from the Women's Bean Project.

Stack Attack!

Fresh Ink Card by Hallmark sent from Daryl

For all of you stackers out there, 

this one's for you!

I did not realize April marks the 17th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide that claimed over 1 million lives. Barbara Walters reminded her viewers of that fact yesterday on The View by discussing Same Sky and introducing their beautiful line of bracelets.  

That's Amore

When the moon hits your eye 

Like a big pizza pie

That's Amore

When the world seems to shine 

Like you've had too much wine 

That's Amore

First made famous by Dean Martin in 1952, That's Amore still has meaning today. I definitely find pizza and wine to be "Amore." I think that one of the most romantic things in life is to share a pizza and a nice bottle of red with the one that you love in a small, intimate restaurant; better yet, if the restaurant happens to be in Italy during truffle season. 

Unfortunately, pizza and wine are two things not on the top of the "what to eat while on a diet" list. So, what do you do when that craving for pizza and wine envelope you? Do you ignore it and hope that the yearning fades away? Do you go to your favorite pizza parlor and "pig out" on your favorite pie and promise to get back on your diet track tomorrow?