A pot of soup on a cold day

Over the weekend, the frigid outdoor weather kept Gary indoors making a big pot of bean soup. We had a meaty ham bone in the fridge with just enough meat left on it to make soup so he got out the cookbook I received for a Christmas gift and found the most tasty recipe for bean soup. We really enjoyed it with crackers and a glass of cold milk.

Bean and Ham Soup

1 pound dry navy or white beans

3 quarts water

1 pound lean ham, cubed, or a meaty ham bone

2 carrots, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

Sort beans for impurities. Wash and drain. Soak overnight in enough water to cover by 2 inches. Drain beans and place in soup pot. Add 3 quarts water and ham or ham bone. Simmer 1-1/2 hours or until beans are nearly tender. Remove ham from bone, dice and return to soup. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for one hour.

Cauliflower-Olive Salad

6 cups cauliflower flowerets

1 cup green pepper, chopped

1 cup stuffed olives, sliced

1 cup ripe olives, sliced

1/2 cup red pepper, chopped

1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped

Dressing:

3 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, green and red pepper, olives and onion. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, vinegar, sugar and salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil. Pour over vegetables and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Chewy Brownie Cookies

2/3 cup shortening

1-1/2 cups brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

1-1/2 cups flour

1/3 cup baking cocoa

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

12 ounces chocolate chips

1/2 cups chopped walnuts, optional

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar, water and vanilla. Beat in the eggs. Combine flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and beat just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 374 degrees for 7-9 minutes; do not overbake. Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire racks. Yield: 3 dozen.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The worst thing about procrastination is that it gives you more time to worry about the consequences.

GARY'S TIP: Brown bag any extra ice cubes you make for a large gathering. They won't stick together when you put them in the freezer like they do in plastic bags.