It's Food Freak Friday, y'all.

So, I get it.  We are still in the beginning stages of our relationship.  You haven't asked any questions about my dating history, and I haven't divulged any of my deepest secrets, But, since we are on our 4th date, there are a few things you should probably know. 
1. Cupcake-print flannel pajamas are my outfit of choice when I'm in my home. If you come to my door unannounced, there is a good chance I will be wearing them. You don't have to feel awkward because "no, you didn't wake me up" and "no, I'm not sick." I just have an unnatural obsession with flannel and wild prints. I'm working on it, ok?
2. Despite what I may have told you in middle school, I do actually LOVE country music. I really wanted to jam out to some alternative music or hip-hop like all of the cool kids, but I couldn't even because "Fancy" never let me down.  I hope that's not a deal breaker. 
And most importantly,
3. If you can't get down with good food, then we will have to call it quits right here, right now.  I am not just a Foodie, I am a Food FREAK. Stirring, sautéing, braising, buttering, smelling, eating, these are the verbs that I LIVE BY, and as far as I am concerned, my Village People will too. 

If you haven't already asked the waiter for the check (because your cat called to tell you that he is stuck in the litter box), then we can continue this 4th date right here and now with the very first edition of Food Freak Friday.

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Have you ever signed up to bring someone a meal? You have great intentions of blessing that new mama or helping out that friend while her husband is deployed, but alas, it is 3 p.m., you have nothing in the works, and you're supposed to deliver the meal at 5.  RELATED: Your own children are staging a mutiny because they have already watched their TV quota for the day, and are being forced to play outside. This really helps with your mental sanity as you try to come up with SOMETHING, ANYTHING to take this sweet family that is NOT delivery pizza.  Fear not, my love.  This recipe is for you.  It is my secret weapon.  My hat trick.  You make this, the people will be cheering your name for days. Everyone will love you.  You'll wonder what life was even like before you had the knowledge of this culinary golden ticket. 

So, here goes...

White Bean & Sausage Stew

Let's not talk about the name of the recipe.  It's the only thing I know to call it, but if it does nothing for you, please don't even read it.  I promise, everything else about this recipe is a gold mine.  So first, gather these things:
(As written, this recipe feeds our 2 adults/2 kids family perfectly, but if you want a little more, just double it all! Treat yo' self.)

Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic
1- 19 oz. package of Italian Sausage (you pick the hotness)
1 Can Diced Tomatoes (Don't look at the picture because I can't read labels.  I usually just get the plain diced tomatoes, but the ones I used tonight are fancier than I prefer.  It don't matter.  You use what you've got.)
1 Can Cannellini Beans
1 Bunch of Spinach (It's WAY cheaper than buying it in bags, but if you must, it's about 5 oz. spinach)
A few sprigs of Thyme
Some rosemary
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

All the things.

Now, let's do this thing...

• Chop/Mince the garlic.  Remove the sausage from its casing.  You can see from the second picture that I just twist it like you would a balloon animal and the sausage will squeeze out of each side.  
  
• Heat 1 Tbsp. of Olive Oil on the stove over medium heat. Once glistening, throw that garlic into the pot and cook for 30 seconds until you can smell it with every part of your body. 
  

It's the smell of angels singing.

Twist that balloon until the sausage POPs right out.

• Toss in the sausage and cook for 7-10 minutes or until the sausage is mostly cooked through, breaking up the pieces of sausage as you go.

You can leave bigger chunks of sausage, just make sure you get them cooked through.

• Add the Diced Tomatoes and some salt & pepper because, TASTE.  Drain and rinse the Cannellini Beans and add them, too.  Add 1/2 can of water (that's right, just use one of the now empty cans.) Stir it all together and let it simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.

This, my friends, is where the magic starts to happen.

• Meanwhile, finely chop the herbs and coarsely chop the spinach (removing any big stems).  Now that you have thyme on your hands, you can create your favorite "herb-nimal". Or, just open a bottle of wine because it's almost 5 o'clock.  (Just remember, you do have to drive to drop off dinner, so don't get crazy).

For your viewing pleasure, I present to you, Herbie the Horse.

• Once the deliciousness in the pot has simmered and looks all stew-y, add the spinach and herbs and stir until the spinach wilts (2-3 minutes).  Then, call all your friends, because you have just created a culinary masterpiece.  The cherubs are high-fiving, the angels are singing your praises, and the recipients of this meal Can. Not. Even.

You guys...cook this.

Oh, you fancy, huh?

• If you're feeling like an overachiever, you can throw on some freshly grated parmesan cheese, or toast up some french bread with a spray of olive oil. But feel no pressure, you just do you. Deliver this meal to the family in need or eat it for yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed! And if you are, you can fill out a comment card and give it to your waiter.

Wishing you kudos in the kitchen,

McKinley