What a day…

I am so sorry I have not been posting too many projects lately.  With Christmas just "15", yes 15 days away I am in over-drive trying to get everything done.  And my regular job keeps getting in the way – LOL.
This past Saturday I had my entire family over for dinner for my Mom's Birthday!  I think there had to be at least 40 family members here.  What fun. 
Happy Birthday Mom – her birthday is actually today Dec 10th.  After dinner I will be going over there to see her.

Tonight after work I picked up my daughter – seem she and her friend were getting their nails done in town.  Her friends mom was nice enough to drive them after school.  I picked them up on my way home, dropped off her friend, came home quick so she could change and I could drop her off at work.  Then I stopped at Bed Bath & Beyond to pick up some K-cups (coffee) for our coffee pot (I don't even drink coffee – I am a Tea drinker myself).  Came home checked my email, went through the mail, and started dinner.  It has been rainy here all day so I decided to make Soup.  We love soup here.

This recipe is a favorite of ours – I found in a while back in Light and Tasty (a cooking magazine I subscribe to).  This is not a picture of the soup although it could be it looks a lot like it.  I just wanted to add a visual!

Here's the recipe: 
Minestrone Soup

1 med onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbs olive oil ( I usually use what I have – not always olive oil sometime Canola oil)
2 cans (14-1/2 oz each) reduced-sodium Chicken of Vegetable Broth
1 can (16 oz) kidney beans -rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz)garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
NOTE:  I actually use whatever beans I have on hand – Navy, Pinto – what ever.  This is up to what you like.
1 can (14-1/2 oz) stewed tomatoes cut up (I use diced tomatoes – again whatever I have on hand)
2 cups chopped fresh kale
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup uncooked small pasta – any shape you like!
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
6 tsp shredded Parmesan cheese – optional

In large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender.  Add broth, beans, tomatoes, kale, water and pasta, Italian Seasoning and pepper flakes.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender.  Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan Cheese!

Simple to make and we love it.  I have to tell you I always add more broth when I make it because I usually add more kale than it calls for so you need the extra broth.

If you love soup this is a keeper!!!!

Sorry I haven't had time to size pictures and get them posted.  I promise I will do that soon. 

Stay tune for some Homemade gifts – This weekend my Mom is coming over and we will be spending both days – Saturday and Sunday baking cookies!!!!!!!!!!! Yummmmm