Hi L,
Get a package (usually a pound) of dried Kidney beans in the dried bean aisle of store.
Directions are on packet. soak over night cook next day for quite a few hours.
kinda a pain especially in the summer. Crock pots are excellent for this.
It is not a hard and fast rule for me with beans....I TRY to start with dried beans.
But, you know....I'm hungry ! I want to eat SOON, open a damn CAN, you goofball (me).
Chick Peas, Garbanzos for hummus (listening Aine ?) are easy and pretty quick dried beans.
Just cook 'em, no soaking needed. Lentils too.
Oh No ! Poor Bebe, allergic to Honey...oh no ! NO Honey for YOU. damn !
maple syrup ($$$$ but worth it for the treat)
molasses
brown sugar.
Reasonable amounts of sugar is fine...it is just that 'they' put it in EVERYTHING (sweet & Savory !)
Sodium is like that too ! It is all over REFINED foods.
I have sea salt but don't salt when cooking either.
For a dish needing salt I often use a good amount of Celery (minced or juiced)
but, watch out for too much Sodium in Celery too.
You are perfect with your salad dressings !
yum yum yum.
vary with different vinegars (some I make by throwing hot peppers or herbs in them) different herbs...
You are already working with this kinda food, Leanna .
I think I just preached to The Choir !!! :D
Love you, eat well.
(edited to add) When using canned beans I make sure I rinse really really really good.
and really really really good again.
even, soaking them for a very short time and changing the water until it is clear.
The sodium in this 'bean water' from the can tastes really strong, to me.