Slow Cooker Ham and White Beans (Support for Sandy)

Once again, proof that the food blogging community is awesome.

Barbara from Creative Culinary and Jenn from Jenn's Cuisine have teamed up for a great cause.  Their idea to have bloggers participate by cooking something comforting to bring to those in need is a brilliant one, not to mention, heartwarming.   As someone who was right in Sandy's path and has seen the devastation that she's caused firsthand, it's even more special.

(and by the way, we're currently in the middle of a Nor'easter, but I digress...)

During the hurricane I baked a ham and brought much of it to family/friends.  Naturally, I kept the ham bone, and searched for something different (and easy) to do with it.  This recipe was exactly what I was looking for.  Ironically, I read about this initiative while the meal was cooking away in my crockpot...perfect timing!

It really is pure comfort in a bowl.  Plus, you can reheat it on a gas stove when your power is out...which, as many of us in this area now know, is imperative when you're in the dark for over a week.





Looking to contribute to those in need?  Here are a few options:

American Red Cross:  providing food, shelter, and other forms of support to hurricane victims. You can donate directly to the Red Cross or  you can also text the word “Redcross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Salvation Army:  focused on providing food, shelter, and support to victims, and takes donations for storm relief.

Feeding America: providing food, water and supplies to those who need it as part of their disaster relief program.

Participating bloggers will be tweeting using the hashtag #FBS4Sandy...please join in the conversation!  And please visit Barbara and Jenn's blogs to check out the link party that includes all of the warm, comforting dishes.  

Hope all of my neighbors are staying safe...Jersey Strong!


Slow Cooker Ham and White Beans
barely adapted from Plain Chicken

1 pound bag dried Northern beans
1 ham bone (or leftover ham, shanks, etc)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
6 cups water
salt and pepper

Rinse beans and sort through to pick out pebbles.  Add beans, garlic powder, ham, salt and pepper to crockpot.  Add water.  Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours (crockpots will vary, remember!), until beans are tender.

Remove bones and pull off meat.  Add meat to crockpot and mix.  

Serves around 6-8.