"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world."
~ Robert Louis Stevenson
Happy Thoughts of Early Spring
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BRANDIED BEAN & SAUSAGE CHOWDER
~ Perfect Winter fare, sure to make you 'happy'
2 lbs. special bean soup mix
(e.g. '16' bean assortment --- with large lima, navy, red kidney, baby lima, great northern, speckled lima, black, pinto, cranberry, pink, and black-eyes peas, green and yellow split peas, lentils, etc. )
3 lbs bulk Italian sausage (one plain, one hot or spicy and one fennel )
3 quarts organic chicken broth
1 large chopped Spanish onion
3 large chopped garlic cloves
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large chopped green pepper
1 large chopped red pepper
1 lb. peeled and diagonally sliced carrots
1 can (28-ounce) Italian style diced tomatoes
1 jar (32-ounce) sugar-free pasta sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 cup chili powder
1 Tbsp. oregano
1 Tbsp. basil
1 tsp. marjoram
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. crushed rosemary
2 whole bay leaves
freshly ground cracked pepper to taste
Lawry's Seasoned Pepper to taste
coarse salt to taste
juice of large lemon
1 hefty cup brandy
- Wash and soak beans. Cover with cold water and soak 2 hours or overnight. Drain. In large pot, bring beans to boil in enough cold water to cover and simmer gently about 45 minutes, adding more water if necessary.
- While beans are cooking, saute sausage in large stockpot, breaking up large pieces. Cook until browned. If too lean, add a bit of olive oil. Drain off excess grease leaving a few scant Tbsp. Saute onion, garlic, and peppers. Carefully pour in chicken broth. Bring to boil.
- Add parsley, carrots, canned tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, brown sugar and seasonings. Reduce heat. Add drained beans and simmer one hour or until beans are tender. Stir in brandy before serving and adjust seasonings.
This hearty soup is great served with crusty sourdough or heavy multi-grained bread. (don't forget the sweet butter or, better yet, a dish of balsamic infused olive oil topped with crushed red pepper flakes.)
'In the Pink'
(Home & Garden)
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"Almost all words do have color and nothing is more pleasant than to utter a pink word and see someone's eyes light up and know it is a pink word for him or her too."
~ Gladys Taber
Comments
And judging by your lovely photos, you live in the 'good' part of Michigan. Despair.
But I'm certain your delicious soup—and inspiring quote— will help me get over it.
Exactly why I posted this, Whimsical. It's a grey/blah day here.
I do believe we see the same blah view outside our windows, dear Marysol. I was craving a bit of stimulating color!
Thank you, p3 ... in the midst of Winter, it will be some time before these happy thoughts will truly be part of our days.
Thank you, Carol. Yes, sustaining thoughts/tastes for this cold day!
Thanks, imac :)
Eileen
So it is with a welcome heart that I peruse your beautiful shots.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I love the quote and your beautiful pink collage.
Right, jodi, and thank you. Any variety of beans will do. Years ago, I would mix my own but now lucky to find the mixed beans on the shelf, usually with at least 7 different kinds.
How sweet, Jen. Thank you. Yes, it's pretty bleak here today with a dusting of new snow.
Go for it, IG! Stick with one bowl or forget all the other ingredients and just drink the brandy :)
Agree, Robin :)
Thanks Rosey. I'm a huge lover of soup too and must always have some on hand ... when one pot is gone, on goes another!
Wow, Tatyana ... your boys might starve at my house! Actually this chowder is quite thick ... call it a stew :) Thank you, dear Tatyana. Happy Gardening New Year!
Thank you, Jennifer. I love sporting ferns in my old chimney pot! This is one of my favorite gardens.
Thanks Rose. I love both pink/blue in the garden but, depending on the shade, not so good on me :)
As you have seen, more pink appeared, Gail. Yes, enjoy the weekend, dear friend. After the hectic past few weeks, it's nice to be back to some normalcy.