Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

White Bean Soup

This recipe is Creole New Orleans meets Tuscan white bean soup.

Ingredients

¼ cup Bacon fat
3 cup Onion, diced
3 cup Carrot, diced
3 cup Celery, diced
½ cup White wine
½ cup Ham, diced
2 tsp Poultry Seasoning
2 tsp RSJ Herb Blend
2 tsp RSJ Seasoning Blend
1 Tbl Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbl Kosher salt
2 tsp Hot sauce
1 tsp White pepper
1 15 oz. can white navy beans, drained, rinsed and pureed with 4 c. pork stock
5 15 oz. can white navy beans, drained, rinsed, kept whole
2 cup Pork stock

¼ cup Pesto
Reserved hock meat from Pork Stock recipe

RSJ Herb Blend

2 Tbl Dried oregano
2 Tbl Dried basil
2 Tbl Dried thyme
1 Tbl Dried rosemary
1 Tbl Dried marjoram

RSJ Seasoning Blend

2 Tbl Iodized salt
2 Tbl Fresh ground black pepper
2 Tbl Garlic powder
1 Tbl Onion powder
1 Tbl Lemon pepper

Pork Stock

3 Ham hocks
1 Medium onion, quartered
1 Bay leaf
1 Tbl Whole black peppercorn
2 Garlic cloves, smashed
1 Sprig fresh thyme
1 ½ gallons Cold water

Instructions

White Bean Stufato
In a stockpot, sauté onion, carrot and celery in bacon fat for 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.  Add wine and cook 3-4 more minutes.

Add ham and seasonings and cook 7-8 minutes.

Add the pureed beans, whole beans and the 2 cups of pork stock and bring to a boil.  Immediately reduce heat and add the chopped hock meat and pesto. Stir well and simmer for 30-45 minutes.

Yield: 1 gallon

Pork Stock

Combine all ingredients in a stockpot. Simmer gently for 3 hours, skimming any impurities that rise to the top. Strain, reserve meat from hocks for another use and discard the rest.

Yield: 1 gallon stock

Recent Recipes

Macaroni and Cheese

Growing up, elaborate mac & cheese wasn’t something that made its way to our dinner table. That’s not some sort of elitist statement. We grew up in a very modest way. It’s just that macaroni and cheese was something my mom never purchased at the store and therefore never served. This recipe is rich and indulgent with a blend of cheeses that create a creamy, savory masterpiece. Adding crispy fried shallots or crumbled bacon to the breadcrumb topping gives it a savory, satisfying crunch. The blend of cheeses—Velveeta for creaminess, Gruyere for nuttiness, Cheddar for sharpness, and Colby Jack for that buttery melt—makes all the difference.

Read more

Robert’s Christmas Turkey 2025

There's nothing like a well-roasted turkey to anchor a holiday table, and no one made it quite like my grandmother. She didn't wait until Thanksgiving to serve it. She'd roast a turkey once a month throughout the year, never mind the occasion. It was a staple at her table. My mother, on the other hand, always made a formal Christmas Eve dinner, complete with turkey, dressing, and gravy. As kids, the excitement of Christmas Eve was almost too much to bear. Those big dinners felt like the beginning of Christmas itself. It’s a memory that comes to mind every time I cook a turkey or make gravy. And a good gravy can make or break the meal. Making sure the roux browns just right and finishing the gravy with a touch of lemon juice or fresh herbs are tricks worth remembering. A little extra attention to the gravy goes a long way.

Read more

Bayou Bacon & Cheddar Spread

I can lay waste to a block of cream cheese with pepper jelly and crackers in a matter of minutes. It’s a weakness. No matter how hard I try to exercise self-control, I always find myself standing over the plate at a cocktail party, making it disappear without even thinking. This spread hits the same notes, but with a smoky, savory punch that’s hard to beat. It’s become a go-to for Christmas parties, and if you’re smart, you’ll double the recipe because it’ll be gone before you know it. It’s best when made a day in advance—giving all the flavors time to mingle.

Read more