Adzuki Bean Porridge (Zensai)

Cooked beans can easily be placed into pre-portioned freezer bags for easy storage. Be sure to date the plastic bags with a permanent marker and consume within six months.

Remove your frozen bags from the freezer and place directly in a saucepan with warm water. You can also run the bag under warm water in the sink. Toss some of the frozen beans into soups and stews, as they will immediately defrost due to the dish's high temperatures.

Dried beans come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes, though their storage methods stay consistent across the board. Beans should be transferred to a food-safe container with a sealing lid. If beans are left in their original packaging, they'll dry out faster. Place the container in a cool, dry place that is away from any sunlight. You'll want to cook them within a year for ultimate freshness, though some beans have known to last for years.

New Year's Eve is on Dec. 31. This year, New Year's Eve falls on a Sunday.

New Year's Eve is the last day of the year on the Gregorian calendar.

New Year's Eve is typically celebrated with a party that culminates in a countdown. Many people drink champagne, dance, enjoy music, and light fireworks. Various "good luck foods" like black-eyed peas and grapes are also served to ring in the new year. In the U.S., the old Scottish song "Auld Lang Syne" is sung as partygoers exchange hugs and kisses at midnight.

Anyone can celebrate New Year's Eve if they follow the Gregorian calendar.

Dec. 31 is the last day of the Gregorian calendar. It precedes Jan. 1, the first day of a new year (New Year's Day).