Had the pleasure of playing host to some dear friends yesterday evening. I always forget how much joy I find in entertaining friends. Such a blessing to me.

I made Kale/white bean/sausage/ale soup and my favorite flourless brownies from the Whole Foods app (one of my favorites).

Update for kale soup.
1 onion sliced thin
4 cups chopped kale
14 oz sausage
1 can of beer
3 cups northern white beans cooked
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
A little paprika
Sauté onions and sausage in large pot with a little olive oil until cooked and tender. Add kale cook till just wilted. Pour in beer and let simmer for a few minutes before adding remaining ingredients. Salt pepper to taste let summer on low for 20 mins or so. That fed about 5 people.

*thats a rough idea of what I did. I used my own broth and home canned tomato sauce so I’m not totally sure on proportions but you get the idea. I also used a Guinness flavored sausage which wasn’t the healthiest option but so delicious! Mmm I’m making it again tomorrow as soon as I can get more beans cooked.

Flourless Brownies
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed
3 large eggs
1/3 c melted butter
1/4 cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 c cane sugar
1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350.

butter an 8-inch baking pan. place the black beans, eggs, melted butter, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract and sugar in the bowl of a food processor and blend until smooth. Remove the blade and gently stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Bake the brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, or until just set in the center. Cool before cutting.

Also a number of people asked about my english muffin recipe. I use the one in Old and New Traditions . It’s the first bread book that taught me and got me interested in artisan bread baking. It was my mothers and I managed to sneak it away with me when I moved out.

Also ALSO for the questions on preserving and making Jam. I’ve been using The Art of Preserving but most all the recipes you can find on the Williams Sonoma website. Example Strawberry Preserve the Lemon/Ginger Marmalade I made the other day and Mixed Berry Jam are all great recipes.

Happy Making!

Today we had the glorious experience of attending our very first maple syrup festival. Such a beautiful day / full of good (the best) friends & delicious breakfast foods. Heart and tummy full!

I received word today that my own Lady (the goat) kidded last night with twin buck babies. Shes been boarding at my parents farm this winter. Can’t wait to meet these sweet faces. Now to plan a quick trip…

*apologies for neglecting this space lately. Life has been… creative. Be here soon.

**lovely comments from a few of you. The flag wasn’t intended to reflect my political view. Simply as a piece of art that went along with the day.