One of the joys of cooking regional cuisine is learning the history and traditions behind time-tested recipes. I thought you'd enjoy knowing why Monday was traditionally Red Beans and Rice Day in New Orleans.

Monday was, traditionally, clothes washing day in New Orleans (as well as in many other areas). Clothes washing was done in tubs, outside, by hand, with water you heated yourself. The housewise was, understandably, tired out from this effort, yet she still had to provide dinner for her family.

Red Beans and Rice was the answer...it required some attention, but not a lot. It could be cooked in stages (cook and soak the beans right after breakfast, start simmering in the early afternoon) and it could be reheated and still taste delicious. And, as an extra added bonus, they used the bone from the ham that was a traditional part of Sunday dinner...nothing ever went to waste!

Restaurants in the New Orleans area continue that tradition by offering Red Beans and Rice on their menu every Monday.

Today's busy homemakers can adopt this tradition, too, by cooking and soaking the beans on Sunday night, and by finishing the rest of this recipe in their crock pot.

we have a different tradition. i cook beans and stews on sunday. it's also my laundry and cleaning day. sunday is the day that we are home.

Thanks for sharing your tradition!

R and I have a Sunday brunch tradition, which rotates from week to week, in this order: popovers with poached eggs, have brunch at a restaurant, eggs sardou, and omlettes (R cooks them!).

My father is Italian, and growing up, we had pasta every Sunday. Saturday was "cleaning and laundry day" and we usually had a soup or stew.

Anyone else have any food traditions?

XLady, what kinds of beans and stews do you make?

Red Beans: I usually don't add meat so my beans are an excellent frugal meal. From time to time I will add sausage when I find it on sale.

White beans: I really prefer these with a bit of salt meat but such a thing can not be found in Mississippi so we go without.

As for stews: beef and chicken.