Black Bean Soup

There is nothing quite like the smell of new born babe...the best smell next to that would have to be bacon, onions and garlic frying.

You can use regular chicken broth or you can use this extra tasty stuff.

Black bean soup garnished with grated cheese and sour cream.

Hello my 32 faithful followers!  I am back. There is a chill in the air.  Cold enough to stay under the down comforter all night.  Cold enough to wear socks in the morning.  Cold enough to eat soup, chili and stew any night of the week.  I will definitely double this recipe next time.  My oldest was not feeling well and she did not eat any and there was only 1 bowlful left.  I like to have enough left for the next day...at least for the 2nd born who despises the sandwich.  Even the 3rd born, the pickiest of pickies gobbled this down.  This says a lot.  If it is not Mexican or pizza or hamburgers...he would rather starve than eat.  He comes by this honestly.  I think Rowdy only ate peanut butter and jelly for the first 12 years of his life.  Since his momma wanted him to eat something hot, she started serving up grilled peanut butter and jelly.  I will have to do a post on the unusual art of the grilled peanut butter and jelly soon.

Black Bean Soup

• 1 lb. dry black beans
• 7 slices of bacon
• 1/2 an onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 1 t. chili powder
• 1 t. cumin
• 4 c. chicken broth or water mixed with Better than Bouillon

The night before, pick through beans and remove any rocks, etc. and soak in a large bowl of water or in your crock pot.  The next day, drain and rinse beans thoroughly. Put beans in crock pot with chili powder, cumin and chicken broth. Chop bacon (I cut it up with kitchen scissors) into small pieces and throw in a medium sized frying pan.  Begin to cook over medium heat until some fat renders.  Add onion and garlic.  Cook until bacon is almost crisp and onion is clear.  This will smell heavenly.  Throw the bacon mixture into the crock pot and cook for 8 hours on low or 4-1/2 hours on high (I cooked my on high).  Just before serving remove half of the beans to a blender and blend until smooth.  Return to crock pot and mix thoroughly.  Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.