The Instant Bean

Everyone from kids to nutritionists loves beans--but they've always been slowpokes in the kitchen.  Now the Stones have figured out not only how to speed the process along, they've come up with over 150 imaginative dishes--many of them vegetarian--simple enough to serve for weekday dinners, and elegant enough for company.  Using flavors from all over the globe--Asia, Mexico, India, the Middle East--in addition to American favorites like chili and succotash, the Stones have created a recipe collection busy cooks will turn to again and again.



In addition to speedy one-dish meals, spectacular salads and skillet suppers, there are delectable bean spreads for rustic breads that can turn magically into no-cook sauces for pasta or pita pizza.  For hot summer days, ice-box soups never see the top of the stove and are ready in moments.  Hearty winter bean soups taste like they've been simmering on the back of the stove for hours but they're on the table in less than thirty minutes.  



There are recipes for every season and every course of a meal--even dessert: consider black bean chocolate mousse pie or macaroons made with adzuki beans, and bean ice cream.



This companion to The Brilliant Bean is even more user-friendly, a bean bible for busy cooks.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs