Minestrone Soup

Italian food is just so amazing.  I think because they cook from "garden to kitchen" so much of the time, it just tastes fantastic.  This is one of those recipes where you can throw the seasonal garden into the pot and have a wonderful meal!

4 quarts chicken broth
A 2 inch square piece of parmesan rind
1 onion, chopped and carmelized
1 Tablespoon of chopped garlic, sauteed til fragrant
4 carrots, chopped and sauteed till just soft
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped

Bring all of the above to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or so.

Then add each of these groups and simmer for about 10 minutes after each addition:

3-4 cups of cooked kidney beans
Green beans

Zucchini, sliced
Green onions
Garlic scapes

Spinach
Fresh basil

Parmesan or Romano for sprinkling over.

I serve with focaccia or sourdough bread and a green salad.

Citrus Vinaigrette

Citrus Vinaigrette for a variety of salads with oranges in them. :-)

1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
1 T c. raw apple cider vinegar
1/8 c. orange juice
1/2 tsp. honey
1/4 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard

Mix all ingredients well in a small blender or shaker jar.

I go light on the vinegar because I have a hard time with it choking me (no joke), so if you like it more vinegary, just add more!