Butter Beans
I realize now that I never mentioned my experience as a chef in a hospital's oncology department. I spent two long months in that kitchen, perplexed by the abundance of canned foods over fresh ingredients. It baffled me why everything was highly processed and why the hospital served chicken broth made from bouillon to sick patients. Where was the nourishing food like bone broth and butter beans? Serving such meals felt wrong to me, and I knew I had to leave!**
It wasn't until my grandfather passed away that I recognized how fortunate I was to have him in my life. Bobby Chase was truly a remarkable man. After nights at the teen club, I would be dropped off at the gas station where he worked security, a job he took on after retiring for the second time. He would leave his truck running overnight while I slept, ensuring I stayed warm. He was so meticulous, waking up early to don a freshly ironed uniform each night. While he didn’t need to work, I think he simply enjoyed it.
Some of my fondest moments with my grandpa involved picking pecans, listening to The Foundations and spending time with him in the kitchen. He wasn’t much of a talker, but he had a deep love for biscuits, rice, and beans! Granddaddy was a true Southern Texas man with a palate to match. When he was too tired, I would prepare his favorite dishes, following his instructions from the living room: “Grab that silver pot and fill it with water until it covers the meat. Place it on the back burner.Turn it on high. Once it boils, put the lid on, turn it down to medium heat, and keep the meat covered with liquid. I’ll let you know when it’s done.”
I later discovered that he had eaten plenty of beans during his time in the military, having joined at a young age. It was a staple with his meals. Kept him strong. They are packed with nutrients, a fact I learned while trying out vegetarian and pescatarian diets. Beans bring me immense comfort. I've been fortunate enough to cook for those who either refused to eat or couldn’t hold down food. I always return to the basics. Boil the meat until it falls off the bone, those butter beans never!
Pictured: Charlee & Uncle Ronald. Uncle Ronald was born before my Grandmother & Grandfather married but he reminds me most of my grandfather.
