Cold and Cloudy Calls for Soup

We've had many cloudy days of late which means cooler weather, too.

40's at night and 60's during the day.

Funny how people complain about the heat all year and then winter comes and they complain about the cold.

The only thing I can't get used to is the fact that it is still dark when we get up in the morning.

Although I make soup year-round, a big bowl of hot, hearty soup is especially enjoyable when it is cold and cloudy. I made Herb Lentil Soup last night from a recipe I tore out of a 1996 Country Home magazine.

Rinse and set aside one cup of brown lentils. Heat 1 TBS of olive oil in a large pot and saute one cup chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic til tender but not brown. Stir in lentils, one can of chopped tomatoes, 4 cups of beef broth, 1 TBS of worcertershire, 1 tsp fresh chopped thyme, 1 tsp of fresh chopped parsley, 1/8 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp of black pepper and 1 bay leaf. Bring to boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of chopped carrots and 1/2 cup of chopped celery and simmer an additional 15-20 minutes. Discard bay leaf before serving.

I never follow any recipe to a tee. I only use vegetable broth. Didn't have fresh herbs so used Italian seasoning. Didn't have celery so used green pepper. And always add more spices than what is called for. I like to jazz things up to suit my taste. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes never hurts either.

I'm headed this evening to a Textile Group meeting where crochet is on the agenda. Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday.