Paying It Forward

Today I had the joy of creating a meal for one of my husband's colleagues who is currently on leave, being treated for cancer. For those of you who know me, I too am on leave from my job being treating for colon cancer and for the past few months friends and colleagues have been making and delivering my family meals during the days of my treatments. I was diagnosed this past December, had surgery in January and have been having chemotherapy treatments every other week since January 30. That's why I've had so much time to bake, cook and write! If that's what your thinking you are correct! It has been a bittersweet experience, you all know how much I love to bake and cook new recipes, but the reason for being able to do it is because of a sad, life changing experience that I will never forget. I can't! I'll be going to the doctor for the rest of my life! And for those of you who know me you know I hate the doctor - the irony!
Okay, no more tears, I'm writing today to tell you about the delicious soup I had the pleasure of making. I used the recipe from Martha Stewart you can find it at http://www.marthastewart.com/868518/vegetable-bean-soup it was a simple recipe that fed 4 and that's what I wanted. The only changes I made to the recipe is instead of using dried thyme and fresh parsley I made a bouquet garni, you can see it pictued below. A bouquet garni is an easy way to add flavor to any soup or stew. You just bundle the herbs and tie them together with baking string. Because I was using a small amount of fresh parsley and fresh thyme, I used a piece of celery to strengthen the bundle. Tied all together and thrown in the pot they are left to impart their flavor and removed when the soup is ready to serve.

A bouquet garni of celery, thyme and parsley.

 

I also added green and yellow summer squash (which the recipe doesn't call for) just before the soup started it's 25 minute simmer. Can you see the squash swimming in there?

The soup turned out delicious. I also made Banana Rum Pie to send along for dessert. If you look into the bag below, you will see two 6 inch pies sitting on top of the container of soup. I also bought them a crusty loaf of sourdough, and that small red topped container is parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top of the soup.

 

It feels good to be able to do something for someone else when so many have done so much for me and my family.

By the way, the Banana Rum Pie - rich, of course saved a couple of 6 inchers for sampling! But that's for another post!