Saturday, I proudly carried what I was sure was the winning entry in the Baked Bean Taste Off into the Wytheville Library and plunked it down on the counter. I had soaked two cups of dried navy beans overnight in cold water. I simmered them for 3 hours or so until they were tender. I carefully drained the beans and reserved the liquid. I then layered the beans in a two quart casserole. Layer of beans, layer of pepper cured bacon, layer of diced onions and green peppers, layer of beans, bacon, veggies, beans, bacon, veggies, ending with a layer of beans. I made a sauce of ketsup, molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, picante sauce, garlic sauce, bourbon, a little salt, and the reserved bean liquid. I poured the sauce over the layered beans and tightly sealed the casserole. I placed the casserole in a 300 degree oven and baked it for 8 hours.

Yessir….it was the winning entry. Except for one thing. When I arrived at the library just before 2pm Saturday I was a little late. The Taste Off was Friday.

Clogging at the Market

The Southwest Virginia Cloggers from Rural Retreat entertained the patrons of the Wytheville Farmers Market Saturday with a demonstration of clogging and flatfoot dancing. The performers covered a wide range of ages and skill levels, but shared an infectious enthusiasm for the traditional dances.

Definition of Adorable