Spilling the Beans
Beans are the backbone of cuisine in many countries around the world: They’re an inexpensive source of protein, nutrient-dense and versatile. A Dozen Cousins, a mission-based brand founded by CEO Ibraheem Basir, features “soulfully seasoned beans” inspired by traditional Caribbean and Latinx family recipes. Basir, who spent years at General Mills developing natural brands, bases his beans on the ones he grew up on and enjoys with his family. He wants “to inspire families of all backgrounds to eat better food and live longer, more vibrant lives.”The result? A range of delicious, healthy, simple dishes—like Mexican Cowboy Beans, Cuban Black Beans, Trini Chickpea Curry—with non-GMO, vegan ingredients, no preservatives and tons of good taste! The name was inspired by his daughter and her 11 cousins. adozencousins.com
A Sharper Edge
I’m not sure what this says about me, but I have been very interested in knives lately. When my daughter and her fiance sent a gift set of gorgeous German Wusthof knives from Williams-Sonoma, I was beside myself with excitement—and still am, whenever I use them. Perhaps it has to do with spending a bit more time at home, cooking, but when I had the opportunity recently to sample the three-piece Fruit & Vegetable Knife Set from Hurom, well, it truly brought me joy. The Hurom set is perfect for juicing, with the seven-inch Santoku Knife, for cutting hard ingredients; the four-inch Citrus Knife, for cutting citrus staples; and a 3.5 inch Paring Knife, for extra precision. The knives are lightweight, made with German steel, in a chic matte black finish, which also helps resist corrosion, and there is a lifetime warranty. hurom.com
Bonafides
There are few foods on earth that are more satisfying than a hearty soup, especially when it’s healthy, organic and delicious. Bonafide Provisions’ bone broth-based soups are frozen fresh, in BPA- and EA-free bags. They are not overly salty like some, and they come in a range of comfort-food flavors: roasted tomato basil, butternut squash, chicken vegetable, creamy mushroom, French onion, broccoli cheddar. No preservatives, no added sugar—just lots of deliciousness! wholefoods.com