What's for dinner Jan 20th through Jan 31st

[ChefJeff]

KChurchill I'd love to see your recipe, I make soup all the time basically just throw some things in the pot and hope for the best usually it turns out okay

This is one version that has tomatoes which I really enjoy. A bit of chopping with the onions, celery, etc. But not hard and delicious!
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Sausage and Bean Soup

A basic easy recipe. Great flavor. This is a very flexible soup; in that sometimes, I will add a parmesan rind, which adds great flavor; or even add carrots. You can really have fun with this basic recipe. Corn and beans are also really good as well.

1 lb sausage (I like a spicy Italian sausage, but you can use a smoky pork sausage)
1 lb dried navy beans (soaked over night and rinsed)
1 1/2 cups onions, diced
1/2 cup leeks, diced
2 tablespoons garlic minced (more or less to taste)
2 celery ribs, diced (include the leaves)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can diced potatoes (not drained)
8 cups chicken broth
1 water (optional if needed)
3 sprigs thyme
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (more to taste)
pinch red pepper flakes
salt to taste
pepper to taste
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil

Beans ... Add the beans to a colander and rinse well. Then add to a bowl and fill with cold water, enough to cover the beans. Cover with a towel and let the soak over night. Once the beans have soaked at least 8-12 hours, rinse well; and, pick out any bad beans, broken beans, or skins.

Sausage ... If you are using a fresh sausage in the casing; slice the casing open and squeeze out the sausage. If using a smoked pork sauce, cut in small rounds. Either works well. I actually enjoy both, as they both offer different tastes.

Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to a large dutch oven/soup pot and bring to medium high heat. Add your sausage and cook until cook through if using fresh; or slightly golden brown if using a smoked sausage. If using fresh sausage, I try not to break it up too much as it cooks. I like the rustic look and taste of the larger pieces of pork. Once the pork is cooked, and no longer pink ... or golden brown; remove to a paper towel lined pate to drain.

Base ... Add the olive oil to the pot with the drippings and bring to medium to medium low heat. Add the celery, garlic, leeks, celery, a pinch of salt, pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, stirring often until slightly tender, about 5 minutes. NOTE: If you are using a spicy Italian sausage, you may not need the red pepper flakes or oregano. You can always add that later. It depends on the level of spice that you want.

Next, add the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, potatoes, tomatoes, chicken broth, beans, and another pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cook 3 minutes, and then reduce to medium low/low heat and simmer for approximately 1 1/2 hours until the beans are tender - you want them almost done. At this point, check for seasoning; you can add more spice, salt, or pepper if needed. Add the sausage back in and cook another 1/2 hour until the beans are soft and delicious.
Note: During this cooking time, you can a little water if you like your soup a bit thinner. Me, I like a thick soup.

Finish ... Don't forget to remove the bay leaves. Add the fresh parsley, serve, and ENJOY! Serve with crusty bread.

thanks KChurchil your recipe looks really good, have you got it posted here on this site so I can save it?

[Kchurchill5]

Crocks are good for some things aren't they? Sounds like a great dinner; and always leftovers.

[Kchurchill5]

I so totally blew off dinner. I had a bowl of soup for lunch because of no brekkie. So, by 7pm, I still wasn't hungry, but knew I should eat something.

Didn't feel like chicken, didn't want to cook; tomato and tuna didn't sound good; and not another bowl of soup.

So, I nuked a spud. Topped with butter, sour cream, grapes (not on the spud, lol) and called it dinner.

[Kchurchill5]

Not yet Jeff, I have a similar recipe; but not this one. I need to get this posted as well. It's a bit different because it has tomatoes which some don't. I've always enjoyed it.

[Kchurchill5]

Morning Gang!

Well, a little rain last night; and the cold front came through - Will be mid 60's today.

Last night, I completely blew off dinner. By the time it was to make dinner, I didn't feel like any of my choices. Nor did I feel like cooking. So, I nuked a spud, topped it with butter and sour cream, and nibbled on some grapes ... It was the perfect dinner

Working the midnight shift, so need catch up on some stuff early today.

Today's Cooking ...

Lady #3: Her request. http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/irish-beef-hand-pies. I'm making here a full recipe so she can keep them in her freezer. I cheat and buy the pie crust; but I will make my own gravy. On the side a green salad but it will have green peas, peas, asparagus, a mix of spinach, romaine, feta, cucumbers, onions; and a champagne mustard vinaigrette.

Me: Pork chop in a apple sauce gravy. New recipe. Pan browned in butter, some basic seasoning. To the drippings, add shallots, and then deglaze with white wine. Add chicken broth and apple sauce, and let it reduce for 3 minutes until heated through. It isn't a heavy gravy and just a drizzle over the top.
On the side, corn on the cob; and something once again with tomatoes. Maybe a tomato kale salad.

I also would love to make some more kale chips, but not sure if I have time.

[KitchenWitchy]

I'm making an easy recipe - just an over stuffed turkey breast sandwich and fries

[Dissie]

witchy, your supper sounds delish.

I found a recipe in "Crockpot" cookbook. (That brand name Crock-pot) Not even sure where I got this recipe book.

Zesty Chicken and Rice. It sounds pretty good. Guess we will know tonight. Pretty easy too. Boneless chicken, bell peppers, onions, diced tomatoes, rice, taco seasoning, cayenne pepper and cheese over the top.

[KitchenWitchy]

witchy, your supper sounds delish.

I found a recipe in "Crockpot" cookbook. (That brand name Crock-pot) Not even sure where I got this recipe book.

Zesty Chicken and Rice. It sounds pretty good. Guess we will know tonight. Pretty easy too. Boneless chicken, bell peppers, onions, diced tomatoes, rice, taco seasoning, cayenne pepper and cheese over the top.

thanks Dissie nothing special though, I have a panini maker so it takes boring sandwiches to another level. I've had frozen turkey in my freezer since last holidays I really need to use it up

[FoodieWife]

Skillet steak and baked potato for tonight

[Kchurchill5]

KitW, dinner sounds great. Your cookbook ... CrockPot, I have one of those book. Came with my original Rival crock pot. Not sure if it is the same; but some good recipes in that. My pot is almost 20 yrs old. I have a larger new one too, but love my old one. Keeps on working!!

I don't have a panini press, sometimes I wish I did. I have a heavy cast iron which I add my smaller cast iron pot right inside that. IT WEIGHS a ton. Panini press, OLD SCHOOL, LOL. It works in a pinch.

Hot Pot, nice to see you! Steak and Spuds. How can you go wrong. Add creamed spinach and you totally won me over,