Summer's Ending

Karl and I celebrated summer's ending this past weekend by taking advantage of the last of the warm weekends and exploring the Mountain Loop Highway here in western Washington. This time of year you can sometimes catch sight of mountain goats on White Chuck as they forage their morning meal. We apparently overslept, because we missed them! We did not, however, miss a single bit of scenery along this byway full of rivers, creeks, and hiking trails! We even had a visit with an owl who answered to “YO!”  We took lots of great photos and made plans to visit the area again, and perhaps stay longer! I just may get my husband to go camping with me yet!

As the foliage takes on fiery autumn hues and the weather cools, our quest for comfort shifts focus from crispy, fresh and cool to velvety soft and warm. When the rain pounds outside and we stock up on kindling and firewood, pull out our cozy sweaters and spread fluffy duvets on our beds, nothing beats a big, steaming pot full of hot, homemade soup and a warm loaf of fresh, fragrant, crusty bread!  Irish Soul will feature quite a few soup recipes, all of them wonderful…but by far, the sexiest soup I’ve ever made for Karl, the one that gets him declaring undying love and devotion to me, is the one I’ll share with you all today;

Irish Soul Bean ‘N’ Bacon Soup
1/2  lb thick cut peppercrusted bacon, chopped
1 30-oz can fat free refried beans
2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, skin-on, chopped
3 large carrots, skin-on, chopped
3 large stalks celery, chopped
3  large scallions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh flatleaf parsely, chopped
4 cups chicken stock
2 tbs Mrs Dash Original seasoning blend
sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Brown bacon with scallions and potatoes. Look for fond to develop on bottom of pot. Add carrots, celery, parsely, and stock. Add refried beans, stirring to incorporate into liquid. Bring to boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. Stir in fresh cracked pepper before serving with grilled cheese sandwiches and a nice green salad!