Souper Saturday

"Soup is to the meal, what the hostesses smile of welcome is to the party. A prelude to the goodness to come."
-Louis P. De Gouy

Hello! I have another recipe for you to add to your collection - it is a keeper! We love soup in our home and are always trying new recipes. I have "tweaked" this one a few times and am happy with the results! Enjoy!

"Soup of the evening, beautiful..."
-Lewis Carroll


White Bean & Proscuitto Soup

Servings: 9 cups

Ingredients:

* 1/4 Lb. Prosciutto, very thinly sliced, cut into strips
* 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 1/2 cups mirepoix (carrots, celery & onion), finely diced
* 3 cans cannellini beans, drained & well rinsed
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 cups vegetable stock
* 1 cup half & half
* 3 Tbsp chives, finely chopped
* Homemade croutons (see below)

Equipment Needed:

* Stockpot
* Hand-held blender

Directions:

1.) Cook the prosciutto on high, about 2 min, until lightly browned & crispy.
2.) Remove from pot & set proscuitto aside.
3.) Add 2 Tbsp of olive oil to the pot.
4.) Add garlic & mirepoix & cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, not browned.
5.) Add beans & reduce heat to medium.
6.) Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 min.
7.) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8.) Mash beans by stirring vigorously.
9.) Mix in vegetable stock until well-combined.
10.) Simmer 25 min, stirring occasionally.
11.) Puree using hand blender until almost smooth.
12.) Pour half and half into small bowl & stir in about 1 cup of hot soup.
13.) Return mixture to stockpot & stir in remaining 2 Tbsp of oil.
14.) Puree with hand-held stick blender until completely smooth.
15.) Garnish with chives and prosciutto.
16.) Serve homemade breadcrumbs on the side.


Homemade Breadcrumbs

Ingredients:

* 1 loaf day old crusty bread, cubed
* 4 Tbsp. olive oil
* 3 Tbsp. garlic powder
* Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment Needed:

* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 350°.
1.) In a large bowl toss bread with oil, garlic, salt & pepper.
2.) Place bread cubes on parchment lined baking sheet.
3.) Bake about 15 min, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
4.) Cool before serving.
5.) Store in an airtight container.


Thought of the Day:

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."
-Herm Albright

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Stunning Saturday!!

STUNNING [stúnning]
Adjective
outstandingly good: strikingly impressive or attractive in appearance

So, I have decided to keep with the green as longs as I can! Today it is paintings of grass(es) in green! Aren't they beautiful?

Enjoy!



1.) Summer Field
2.) Sea Grass
3.) Landscape
4.) Grassy Knoll
5.) Breath
6.) Blades
7.) Marshes in Nova Scotia
8.) Autumn Marsh
9.) Mystery
10.) The Clouds Above the Meadow
11.) Tupancy Dusk
12.) Windswept Field
13.) Lemon Grass


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Stunning Saturday!!

STUNNING [stúnning]
Adjective
outstandingly good: strikingly impressive or attractive in appearance


I know, I know... I am very predictable when it comes to color! I just cannot help myself - I LOVE GREEN! Today I have a mosaic of stunning, green glass pieces!! Any one of these lovelies is welcome in my home!!!

What is your favorite?





1.) Vintage green candy dish from iWunderVintage
2.) Pinch bud vase by Tanner Glass
3.) Glass Murrine Vase by Corporan Glass
4.) Avocado Green Soreno Glasses by Jens Closet
5.) Recycled Bottle Soap Dish by Shifflett Studios
6.) Glass Business Card Holder by Wood and Glass
7.) Fern Stemless Wine Glasses and Carafe by Mary Wibis
8.) Lampwork glass bead by Elysium Beads
9.) Fused Glass Coaster Set by Atlantis Designs
10.) Mount of Olives Link Bracelet by iSea
11.) Green Flower Glass Vase by Wolf Art Glass
12.) Recycled Coca Cola soda bottle glasses by Bottlehood
13.) Green and Blue Paisley Plate by Caras Decorative Dish


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Stunning Saturday!!

STUNNING [stúnning]
Adjective
outstandingly good: strikingly impressive or attractive in appearance

Hello! Since the weather has warmed up I decided to place "Souper Saturday" on hiatus and will replace it with 'Stunning Saturday" for the warmer months. I hope you enjoy all the stunning (in my opinion) items that I have to share with you!

Have a wonderful weekend and Enjoy!




1.) Hydrangea Bridal Bouquet
2.) Ketubah - Hydrangea
3.) Spring Hydrangea Flower
4.) Erratic - 5x7 Photo
5.) Green Hydrangea - 5X7 Photo
6.) Green Hydrangea Hair Clip
7.) Green Hydrangea In Vase
8.) Green Hydrangea Bloom Pillow
9.) Blooming Hydrangea Greeting Card
10.) Pale Green Hydrangea Bouquet
11.) Cottage Rose and Hydrangea Wreath
12.) Early Hydrangea Pause - 8x8 Photo
13.) Hydrangea - 8x8 Print


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Souper Saturday!

Hello and Welcome!

I have been a bit remiss about blogging the past few days, I have been ill, so computer time was not a priority. I am on the mend, but still trying to take it easy. So here is just a comforting soup recipe for you.

Enjoy!



Italian Wedding Soup

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

* 1 Large egg
* 1/2 Lb.s lean ground beef
* 1/4 cup chopped parsley
* 2 Tbsp seasoned bread crumbs
* 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
* 1 cup mirepoix (finely diced carrots, celery & onion)
* 1 carton (32 oz) chicken stock
* 2 cups fresh escarole, chopped
* 1/2 cup acini di pepe pasta
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Parmesan cheese grated

Directions:

1.) Beat egg slightly in medium bowl.
2.) Add ground beef, parsley, and bread crumbs.
3.) Mix well with clean hands.
4.) Form into small meatballs. (1 tsp ground beef mixture for each)
5.) Brown meatballs on all sides in olive oil in large soup pot on medium, about 5 min.
6.) Remove meatballs and drain off pan drippings into small bowl and set aside.
7.) Add mirepoix and reduce heat to medium-low.
8.) Cover mirepoix and cook, stirring occasionally, 6-8 min, until veggies are soft but not browned.
9.) Add meatballs and chicken stock.
10.) Bring to boil on high.
11.) Lower heat to medium and simmer for 5 min.
12.) Add escarole and return to a simmer on medium-high.
13.) Add pasta and simmer about 5 min until pasta is tender.
14.) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
15.) Ladle into bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese.


Have a great weekend and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!