Friday, October 28, 2011

Kale and Sausage Soup

This recipe came from my friend Janys, who served it to a bunch of us one dark and stormy night... it has to be the simplest soup in the world to make, and if you're not feeling well and are all stuffed up (like I am tonight), you can definitely taste it.  I don't know anyone who doesn't like this soup, so I think my blog friends should have access to it, don't you?  :)


Olive oil
1 1/2 cup coarsley chopped onion
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 tsp salt, divided
3 cups water
3 large red potatoes (about 1 1/4 lbs), peeled (or not) and cut into bite sized cubes
4 cups chicken broth
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (or to taste)
1 lb spicy Italian sausage (bulk or if in casings remove from casings to cook)
6 cups thinly sliced kale (about 1 lb)

Softly fry sausage on low heat breaking up into small chunks.  Do not brown.  Drain off fat and set aside.  Heat oil in large stock pot over medium heat.  Add onions; saute until wilted.  Add garlic and saute additional minute or two.  Add 1/4 tsp salt.  Add water and potato; bring to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until potato is tender.  Add broth, red pepper and sausage; bring to boil again.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes.  Add kale and salt as needed and simmer until kale is tender.

This makes 4-6 servings.  Enjoy!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Alan's Apple Spice Cookies


Because of a recent trip to Apple Hill with my Mom, I was thinking about ways to enjoy apples this time of year that aren't "standard".  My roommate hates pie, but he likes apple cake, and I wondered if this would work out.
They came out soft, kind of reminiscent of the tops of muffins, and honestly they're sweet enough they don't need frosting at all.  As of this posting, I haven't had any after they've cooled off, but for now they're pretty cake-like.

1 stick butter, softened
2 tablespoons Neufchatel cheese, softened
½ cup white sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tart apples, peeled/cored/grated
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
½ cup oats
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cardamom
1 tsp cinnamon
1 dash nutmeg
1 pinch ginger

Beat sugars, butter, and cheese together.  Mix eggs and vanilla in thoroughly.  Stir in grated apples.  Sift into wet mixture together flour, salt, soda and spices, then add oatmeal and stir until thoroughly incorporated. 
Drop by spoonfuls onto parchment paper lined cookie sheet, bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, until golden.