Pick of the week....

Last weekend we went apple picking and are still enjoying the apples.  The kids are coming up with many different recipes.  The usual apple pie and apple crisp have been made.  We tried something new as well, Apple Chips.  They are very easy to make and are perfect for a school snack or when you want something crispy.   All you need are apples, parchment paper, and a cookie sheet.  Set your oven to 225 degrees.  Line your sheet with parchment paper.  Cut the apples into thin slices and remove the seeds.  The center of the slice should have a star inside from the seeds.  Arrange the slices on the sheet and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and flip apples over and bake for another 30-45 minutes until they are crisp.   Enjoy!  (Recipe from cookbook , Clean Slate)

 This week's pick is a hearty meal that is perfect for cool days.  It is Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup.   My mom found this recipe in The New York Times years ago and has shared it with my sisters and me.  It is definitely a favorite!

Makes 4 quarts

ingredients:
1 pound ground sweet Italian sausage
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 cup celery diced
1 medium white onion diced
6 whole garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 1/4 cups red wine
2 quarts chicken broth, warmed
1 quart whole peeled plum tomatoes in juice
1 (16 ounce) canned great northern beans
1 T fresh chopped parsley
1 T fresh basil, finely sliced
Kosher salt and coarse ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

In a medium saucepan over medium to high heat, brown sausage in oil sirring constantly.  After meat browns, lower heat to medium and add celery and onion.  Stir occasionally until they are translucent.  Add garlic and crushed red pepper.  As garlic begins to turn light brown, add wine and reduce by half.  Slowly pour in warm broth while stirring, and then the plum tomatoes. Let simmer on low to medium heat 30 minutes.  Stir with a wire whisk to break apart the tomatoes just enough to make them bite-size yet hearty.  Add the beans and their juice.  After beans are incorporated finish with the basil, parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.  Serve immediately.  Garnish with freshly grated cheese.  Recipe by Carl Anderson.

Embrace the cooler weather and try this hearty meal!  Enjoy.

I'd love to hear if anyone has tried any of the recipes.  Comments?  Questions?  Always appreciated.
Thanks.

Donna