HEINZ Baked Beanz

An Ode to Baked Beanz

Recently, I came across a poem that instantly took me back to the 1970s:

Oh, Baked Beanz, that British delight,

In cans you dwell, a comforting site

From full English breakfast to coy suppers

Your saucy embrace, a taste to flutters

With toast or bangers, you steal the show

A humble dish with a hearty glow

In pubs or couches, you’re always there

A taste of home, beyond compare

Oh, Baked Beanz, in that sauce divine

A comfort food that’s forever mine

Forever in our hearts, forever in history written

You are the taste of Britain, you are Britain.

©https://www.jims.ch

In West London, near Uxbridge, in South Ruislip, my journey through Great Britain began. My first accommodation was a simple room with a family on Long Lane. The daily commotion, caused by unruly children and the chaos that the landlady seemed unable to control, overshadowed the stay. But then came breakfast – my first British meal. Lukewarm pasta in tomato sauce, carelessly spread over two slices of white toast. A sight that the British might call "practical," as the saying goes: "A good pig eats whatever falls into the trough." So, I ate, because you never know what the day will bring.

On the second morning, things improved: white beans in tomato sauce on toast, simple yet hearty. However, this meal didn’t satisfy me for long, and so I moved on to Iver Heath, Bucks, idyllically located near the Pinewood Film Studios. Here, I often found myself at the "Stag and Hounds," a cozy pub where, over a pint of Fullers Beer, I discovered my love for Baked Beans with Bangers and Mash (mashed potatoes). This typical British cuisine opened the doors to unexpected acquaintances.

At the "Stag and Hounds," Welsh workers who were employed at the nearby film studios gathered in the evenings. Their powerful voices filled the room as they sang heartfelt songs from their homeland. They persuaded me to share my own singing talents. To my surprise, my contribution was met with cheers and applause, often earning me a free beer – as most knew that my salary at EMI barely covered my expenses.

The years passed, but my love for baked beans remained. In Texas and Calgary, I learned to enjoy them cooked over an open fire in a cast-iron pot, served with juicy steak or roast beef. While the H.J. Heinz Company is undoubtedly the market leader, there are many other brands that offer quality products as well:

·      Amy’s Kitchen

·      Bush’s Best

·      Serious Bean Co

·      Walnut Acres

·      Campbell’s

·      365 Everyday Value Organic Baked Beans

A wide variety of recipes from around the world are based on beans, which are a staple food for millions of people.

Some highlights include:

·      Cassoulet

·      Chili con carne

·      Fasolia

·      Feijoada

·      Serbian Bean Soup

·      Fagioli all’uccelletto

Did you know that Boston is known as the "Bean City of the World"? It’s no surprise, then, that Baked Beans are a popular side dish in many of the golf club restaurants around the city.

Beans are not only a culinary delight but also beneficial for your health. They regulate the immune system and promote gut health.

So, here's to beans – every bean makes a sound! Pardon me, ladies.