It Takes All Kinds of Kinds

It Takes All Kinds of Kinds

As I prepared my wintertime minestrone soup, I am reminded of how diverse the world is.  As a former Army spouse (once a military spouse, always a military spouse), I learned very quickly that it takes all kinds of kinds to execute and support the mission.  I was fortunate to live in many different places, and to experience different cultures and people.  What a blessing!  I guess that is why I feel comfortable traveling and trying new foods.  My children also love to have new adventures, and aren't afraid of new menu items.  

With my husband now retired from the military, I find myself missing the Army life - even with all its unpredictability!  I watch so many people get stuck in their comfort zones, which can stunt their life experiences.  Complacency sets in, and they don't challenge themselves anymore.  Phrases like:  "Oh, I am too old for that now", or "I am set in my ways" come to mind. Tell that to Betty White, Margaret Thatcher or Ronald Reagan!  Always remember the impact you can make.  Never be afraid to get in there and embrace change and diversity. You never know whose life you will inspire, or how you will be blessed! 

"Don't try to be young. Just open your mind. Stay interested in stuff. There are so many things I won't live long enough to find out about, but I'm still curious about them. You know people who are already saying, 'I'm going to be 30 - oh, what am I going to do?' Well, use that decade! Use them all!"

Betty White

Winter Minestrone Soup

4 oz. bacon or pancetta, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can crushed italian style tomatoes (I like San Marzano)

2 t dried basil 

2 T tomato paste

4 C chicken broth

1/2 C orzo or ditalini pasta

16 oz. bag of mixed vegetables (you can use any combination you like - I like an italian blend).  **You can substitute fresh veggies of any kind (just steam and chop them a bit first)

1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (other beans can be substituted)

Salt and Pepper

Grated Parmesan 

In a 4-qt. saucepan, cook bacon or pancetta over medium heat until crisp.  Add the next 4 ingredients and cook until vegetables are tender.  Stir in tomatoes and paste, and cook for two minutes.  Add broth and bring to a boil.  Reduce head and simmer for 15 minutes.  Add orzo or pasta and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Stir in vegetables and beans and simmer another 5 minutes.  Season and serve with grated Parmesan.  Serves 4-6.

 

All Warmed Up!

All Warmed Up!

Every morning my son comes down from his room and says:  hot chocolate please!  This morning, school was called off due to icy road conditions.  Cocoa was on everyone's request list.  This time-honored beverage has many variations, and you can buy it in one-serve packets or by the canister.  It is available in large supermarkets or the latest corner gourmet shop touting unique varieties.     

What makes hot chocolate so special?  I doubt it is the basic ingredients that inspire us.  Cocoa is nostalgic and brings us back to a simpler time and place. Does it remind you of sledding on a snowy winter day?  How about Christmas morning opening up presents?  For me it represents the warmth of family and the joy of non-complication.  Make of cup of hot chocolate, or consider giving a jar of it as a gift.  Either way, it will thaw what the world so often chills.

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles M. Schulz

Italian Hot Chocolate - (adapted from food.com)

5 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
6 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped (at least 70% cacao)
2 cups milk
*You can top with whipped cream, cinnamon, espresso powder or all three!

In a small saucepan over low heat, add the cocoa powder, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the milk,
Heat until the sugar melts and no lumps remain, stirring well.  Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly; add the remaining milk.  Turn off the heat, add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth.  Top as desired and enjoy!