New Winner Recipes

So I tried a few new yummy recipes this week that went over so well with Nick and the kiddos that I felt like this...

Okay, so maybe not quite that excited, but close enough that I thought I would share.

Sunday's Masterpiece
1 pkg. whole grain pasta
1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
2 cloves garlic
½ onion
¼ lb. polish sausage
Couple handfuls of frozen green beans
Olive oil
Salt
Cracked Pepper Medley
Cottage cheese
Lemon juice
Parmesan cheese
Instructions:Cook whole grain pasta. Meanwhile, sauteed the garlic, onion, polish sausage and frozen green beans in olive oil. Add zucchini. Tossed in the yellow squash for a few minutes. Then toss altogether with pasta, and stir in a couple spoonfuls of cottage cheese and a couple shakes of Parmesan (yes, I use the stuff out of the can). Add salt and pepper as you like.

Monday was a chilly Fall day with no plans. I decided to take the kids up to have lunch with Nick, and in my heart of hearts desperately wanted to go to Panera Bread and get their amazing Black Bean Soup. However, the little voice in the back of my head reminded me that the budget is long overdue for balancing... so I called Nick at work and had him find the recipe for me online! Super easy and delicious!

Black Bean Soup

1 onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
2 celery ribs (chopped)
1/4 large red bell pepper (I had no red bell pepper on hand, so I used a dash or red pepper spice and a pinch of sugar)
2 small chicken bullion cubes
1 to 1 1/2 c. boiling water
30 oz. black beans (two cans)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. lemon
1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Instructions: Combine first 6 ingredients and simmer for 10 min. Add salt, cumin, and 1/2 can of beans. Simmer 5 min. Puree together. Add rest of black beans, lemon. Mix cornstarch with 1 Tbsp water and then mix into soup and heat through. Serves 4.

So, do you have any soup recipes for me to try? I need some new ones to mix in with all my tried and true favorites! Come on, share!