It's cold. We need soup.

4

Some ridiculous things happened this week. The temperature dropped to 5 degrees, all the schools and many businesses closed. There was no snow, but the metro-Atlanta area did observe a few cold days.

I still have no idea what 5 degrees feels like. I didn't participate. I too, a native Floridian, paid my respect to the Hawk by staying at home. But what I do know is that the occasion called for some soup. Good soup.

My favorite is the Zuppa Toscana from the Olive Garden restaurant chain. But as previously discussed, I was not going outside. The good news is: Google. People of the internet have figured out the recipe and shared it with the world!

Below is my version.

Soup is ON

Fall is in full effect. My air conditioner has officially gone into her off season.
There's no need for the heat just yet either.

Now is the right time to get extra cuddly, wear fluffy socks around the house and long pajamas. Those twins Fleece & Flannel have come out of hibernation, where they were resting in a bin with the scarves and sweaters in the back of the closet.

But I digress. Soup, that's what we're here for. This weather requires it. Warms you right up.

This combination of white beans, kale and a few extras hit the spot. And it's so quick and easy

Ingredients
** 1 package (4 to 5 links) Italian Sausage chopped (optional)
1 can Diced Tomatoes
2 cans Navy Beans
1 Onion
1 bunch of Kale
Mushrooms
1 cups water
2 cup broth (chicken or vegetable)
1 tbsp olive oil
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes

Cook your sausage in a separate pan if you plan to include any. Shrimp is another good protein for this soup if you don't care for sausage.

Pour olive oil in the bottom of the pot, when it's heated add our onions and chopped up kale, and saute until the onions are translucent. Add broth and water, let simmer. Rinse and drain your beans then add to the pot along with the tomatoes. Simmer and season with spices. Finally add your protein of choice, or none at all. It's great without the meat too.

Enjoy.

Duck, Duck Oooo

Isn't it amazing that chickens aren't extinct or endangered? I mean we eat a lot of chicken. A LOT. The chicken farmers are doing a great job. Think about it.

Needless to say (although I know I've said it before) I just get tired of chicken. And I'm pretty creative with the preparations but still, it's chicken. Lately, I've been on a self-imposed Chickenless Challenge.

In the farmer's market I don't even look at the chicken, I'm exploring other meats. This Spicy Duck Breast is just one result of my explorations.