Quick Black Bean Soup

(top with grated cheese)

2 T. olive oil
1 1/4 c. onion, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp. thyme
2 16-oz. cans black beans or bean medley (keep liquid)
600 ml. chicken broth
32-oz. tomatoes, diced in juice
1 14-oz. can corn
2 carrots, thinly sliced
1 small orange pepper, chopped
1 small red pepper, chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. red pepper powder
1 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce (opt.)
1 tsp. lime juice
salt to taste

Heat oil in large pot. Add onion, garlic, and thyme: saute until onion is translucent. Add beans with juice, broth, tomatoes with juice, peppers, cumin, red pepper powder, carrot, corn, lime juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce to med-low heat and simmer until soup thickens slightly. (20 min)

Serves 6

Options:
1. Add Hot Pepper Sauce
2. Add chipolte peppers in adobe sauce
3. Use balsamic vinegar instead of lime juice
4. Can puree soup in blender for a smooth taste
5. Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro
6. Add tuscan steak rub for a more smokey flavor


NOTES:
This is a very easy and full flavored soup, one of the best soup recipes I have had recently. It has a nice balance of beans and vegetables. Absolutely delicious. It also freezes well.

Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies with White Chocolate Chunks

Ingredients:
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. flour
1 1/2 c. quick-cooking oats.
3/4 c. dried cranberries
2 squares white chocolate chuncks


Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 F
2. In large bowl beat sugar and butter until creamy.
3. Add in egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Add cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and flour and mix well.
5. Fold in oatmeal, dried cranberries and white chocolate chuncks until all ingredients are uniformly distributed.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, 3 inches apart on greased cooking sheet. Bake at 375F for 9-12 min, just until the edges are golden brown..
7. Remove from oven and let cool 2-3 min. before transferring to cooling rack.


Adapted from Recipezaar.com