Now We're Really Cooking!

One of the (many) issues of being only partly moved into a house that is more of a project than a home is trying to feed ourselves. We'd gotten into the bad habit of not eating during the day, then walking to the Radio Room for dinner in the evening when we were to exhausted to think of even microwaving anything to fill our bellies with. Though quite tasty, this was good for neither our health nor our bank accounts. Over the weekend we got a fridge and stove/ oven, and yesterday we finally picked up our food from the old house and hit the grocery store like proper people. We still lack cupboards and counters, though, and are in over our heads when it comes to necessary projects that need to be done around the place. We're using our portable bar as a makeshift pantry for food, and have a cardboard box on its side to house kitchen appliances. 

I lack the time, energy and space to fix our typical dinners, so simplicity in meals is a must, and things that can be at least prepped in advance are a big help. High volume recipes that yield plenty of tasty leftovers are an enormous bonus. Today I decided that a Crockpot minestrone soup would fit the bill perfectly. Realizing I only have my small (4 quart) slow cooker over here, I threw together a stove-top version instead.

I'm sure you all have your own favorite recipes for minestrone, but I decided to post this one just to remind everyone how simple and versatile a meal this soup can be. Typically I like to throw in zucchini and summer squash, but to do so in winter is just silly. Last night I picked up a couple sweet potatoes, though, so I decided to throw one of them in. If you're like me, you keep the hardened nub rinds/ends of Parmesan cheese blocks for recipes like this. If not, skip it.I personally think the flavor is better when celery is added to the mix, but Mr. Squatter hates the stuff so I leave it out. Have some leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge? Toss the carcass in for a yummy broth, and add the chopped up meat with the pasta. Have some veggie "meat" balls in the freezer? Throw 'em in! Have a sad-looking bunch of spinach in the crisper? I think you get the idea. Alternately, you could leave the extras out of the initial batch and use them to doctor up the leftovers.

This is not a recipe so much as a guideline. See what's hanging out in your pantry and fridge. Chances are they'll combine to make something wonderful.

SUPER LAZY SWEET POTATO MINESTRONE SOUP

Turn these:

Into this:

Transfer to a baking sheet,

 drizzle with olive oil,

 

and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roast at 400˚F

for 30 minutes.

Transfer to a large stockpot with these:

Bring to a boil,

then lower heat and simmer until it's done.

In the meantime, cook up some "sea shell" macaroni.

Season to taste, then combine.

Serve with crusty bread and butter, a drizzle of high quality balsamic vinegar, and a glass of red wine.

Bask in the glory of your yummy, simple, amazing homemade dinner, and look forward to lunch tomorrow. Or your midnight seconds. It's okay, it's good for you.

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