A nice cold weather meal, in the hopes that the cold will be gone soon ...

Mmmm, on a nice cold day there is very little that is more filling and just really makes you feel better than a nice Southern style meal.  Having grown up in the South I have an appreciation for all things comfort food and tonight just felt like a comfort food night.

I started with grilled, pickle brined pork and greens ... but the real winner tonight was the Shiitake white beans that it was all based on.

Shiitake White Beans
1 can (14.5 oz) cannellini beans
1 cup beef stock (I used low sodium Kitchen Basics)
8 large Shiitake mushrooms (rough chopped)
1 tsp garlic pepper
1 pinch salt
1 pinch Lawry's

Put all ingredients into a 3 qt sauce pan (stir together well) over medium low heat.  Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  When the remainder of dinner is within 10-15 minutes ... raise heat to medium high, stirring frequently, until liquid is almost entirely evaporated.  Stir and enjoy!