Snow Event and Minestrone Soup

Well, it was a rude return from sunny Florida to a 'weather event' in Portland.  We don't call it a snow storm, because you never know what you're getting here. You could have snow, but more likely you'll get slush and ice.  After a week of non-stop weather hype, we finally did get a little skiff of snow. Meanwhile, the night before, I was at the store getting everything I would need to survive alone for 4 days, since 'dear husband' was out of town, and it would be me and the animals stuck on the hill!  I'm sure anyone from the East Coast laughs their heads off every time Portland goes into weather panic mode. In the end, we did get about two inches of snow, just enough to close schools and keep people off the roads.

On a cold day, nothing sounds better to me than soup, so I put together a pot of Minestrone that I adapted from a recipe.  Measurements are approximate, and you can adjust to fit your needs.  This soup freezes really well, so it's great to put some away for later.

Vickie's Minestrone Soup

Saute 1 small onion with about 4 cloves of Garlic in Olive Oil

add 6 diced slices of Canadian Bacon

add 2 cartons of Chicken Broth

1 large can of diced Tomatoes

2 sliced zucchini

1 ea. diced Green and Red Pepper

3/4 c sliced Carrots

1 Anaheim Pepper diced

1 can White Beans

1 can Black Beans

add Dill, Italian Seasoning, 1 tsp red Pepper Flakes

2 Bay Leaves

simmer for 1 hour

1/2 hour before serving, add 1/2 c. Orzo

serve with a handful of fresh Spinach

top with Parmesan cheese

Serve with Olive French Bread...Yummy!