More snow & some soup

Hi there, was I excited to not have to fight through the traffic today? Of course having my sweet friend Angie come over with coffee this morning didn't hurt either...... We continue to have many friends come & visit! It really takes something like this to remind you how many wonderful friend and family you have! We couldn't ask for anything more!


The snow is still falling in MN (about 3-4 inches over the last 24 hours).... and not that this is anything new, but I'm also seeing that many other parts of the US are getting a dusting also. The way I see it? Its winter, its cold, there will be snow... so bring it on! :)



Which brings me to a recipe that sounds great on a cold winters day: Minestrone Soup
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup great northern beans, soaked or out of the can
1 bay leaf
Sprig of thyme
4 cups beef broth
Rind of a piece of Parmesan cheese-optional
2 cups Italian canned tomatoes and their juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups diced potatoes
2 cups zucchini, diced
2 cups shredded savoy cabbage
1 cup small pasta shells
Directions
In a casserole heat olive oil. Add onions and cook until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then add celery and carrots and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add beans, bay leaf, thyme and toss for 1 minute. Then add the Parmesan rind (if using), plum tomatoes and their juice, and salt and pepper to taste. (careful, with the amount of salt since Parmesan rind will add a salty flavor) Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Add potatoes, zucchini, savoy cabbage and cook for 20 minutes more or until the vegetables are tender. Finally, add your pasta and cook, covered for about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, ladle into bowls and serve with some flaky french bread.
(from Foodnetwork.com)


*PS- wanted to give a shout out to another friend Angie N, it was her Birthday Monday! Happy belated Birthday Ang!! xoxo
Keep on Cooking!