I don't think you have to retrain your tastebuds, nor do I think you don't like beans, just certain beans. Here are some of my favorite soups. When I left my parents house and went from Campbells soups to my own soups I thought I was in heaven. It just takes learning which soups you like. Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder (From Woodie) 1 -1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts 1/2 Cup chopped onion 1 to 2 garlic cloves minced 3 Tbl butter 1 Cup Good Chicken Broth 1 Tsp ground cumin 2 Cup half-and-half cream 2 Cup (8 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese 1 Can (16 oz.) cream-style corn 1 Can (16 oz.) regular corn 1 Can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies undrained 1 Tsp hot pepper sauce (I use more) 2 medium tomatoes chopped Fresh cilantro or parsley optional Cut chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. In a Dutch oven, brown chicken, onion and garlic in butter until chicken is no longer pink.Add to pan along with cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.Add next 5 ingredients. Cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted. Stir in tomato.Serve immediately; garnish with cilantro if desired.~ NOTE: original recipe called for 2 bouillon cubes disolved in 1 cup hot water ----------------------------------------------------------- Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana ½ lb. Hot Italian lean turkey sausage (2 lg links) 3 cups fat-free chicken broth 3 cups fat-free chicken broth 3 cups fat-free milk 2 Tbsp minced onion 1 Tbsp Hormel Real Bacon Pieces ¼ tsp. Salt dash of crushed red pepper flakes 1 medium russet potato 2 cups chopped kale Parmesan Cheese, shredded Saute the sausage until cooked. Combine the chicken broth, milk, onion, bacon pieces, salt, and pepper flakes and pour over the cooked sausage, over medium high heat. Quarter the potato lengthwise, then cut into ¼ inch slices. Add to the saucepan. When mixture begins to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add Kale to the soup and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Add parmesan cheese to soup when serving. Serves 3 Posted by Marie26 ----------------------------------------------------------- In the soup below I omit the garbonzo's and kidney beans because I don't like them and also do not use the cream. In place of the omitted beans I add navy beans. Best Darn Minestrone Around Allrecipes 8 tablespoons butter 1 1/2 cups chopped onions 4 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth 4 (15 ounce) cans mixed vegetables, with liquid 2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, with liquid 2 (14.5 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach 2 tablespoons tomato paste 4 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder 4 teaspoons dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained 4 cups heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping Directions 1.In a large stock pot over medium heat, stir and cook onions in butter until soft. Add broth, mixed vegetables, kidney beans, tomatoes, spinach, and tomato paste; simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours. 2.Using a slotted spoon, remove about half of the vegetables to a blender or food processor, reserving liquid in stock pot. Puree the vegetables until smooth and return them to stock pot. 3.Stir in garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, basil, macaroni, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, garbanzo beans, and heavy cream; cook for 1/2 hour, stirring frequently. Pour into bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 558 : Total Fat: 38.7g : Cholesterol: 132mg ------------------------------------------------------- Ginger Won-ton Soup 4 oz lean ground pork ½ cup reduced fat ricotta cheese ½ tablespoon minced fresh cilantro ½ teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder 20 Wonton wrappers 1 teaspoon oil 2/3 cup chopped red bell pepper 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger 4 cans fat free chicken broth (or homemade is best) 4 teaspoons soy sauce 4 oz fresh sugar snap peas (optional) 1 or 2 cans baby corn (rinsed and drained) (optional) 4 green onions sliced Cook pork over medium high heat until no longer pink, cool slightly; stir in ricotta, cilantro, black pepper and 5 spice powder. Place 1 teaspoon in the center of each wonton wrapper. Fold and seal edges with water. Drop into slightly simmering water and cook until they come to the top; about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and keep warm. Heat oil in large saucepan. Add bell pepper and ginger, cook 1 minute. Add chicken broth and soy sauce. Bring to a boil and add peas and corn. Simmer 4 or 5 minutes and add warm wontons. Pour into soup bowls and sprinkle with onions. Serves 4 -------------------------------------------------------- Malaysian Noodle Soup with Chicken 4 oz uncooked wide rice stick noodles 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut in ¼ inch strips 2 tablespoons grated peeled fresh ginger 1 teaspoon ground cumin ¾ teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 star anise1-1/2 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps 1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce 2 14 oz cans fat free, low sodium chicken broth ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper ¼ cup chopped green onions 1. Cook noodles according to package directions omitting salt and fat. Do not overcook because they will become mushy. 2. Heat oil in a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Add chicken and stirring constantly cook eight minutes or until browned. Remove ginger from the pan. Add ginger, cumin, fennel, cinnamon, garlic and star anise; cook 30 seconds stirring constantly. Stir in chicken, mushrooms, fish sauce, and broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer 12 minutes. Discard star anise. Stir in pepper. Place ¾ cup noodles into each of 4 bowls. Ladle 1 cup of soup into each bowl. Sprinkle each bowl with 1 tablespoon onions. Yield: 4 servings Cooking Light Magazine Poblano Chicken Chowder 12 servings 1/4 cup olive oil 1 large carrot, finely minced 2 large onions, finely minced 1/2 cup chopped celery 6 cloves minced garlic 3 small poblano peppers, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice salt to taste 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 2 teaspoons ground cumin 3/4 teaspoon fresh thyme 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules 3 quarts chicken broth 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro leaves, minced 3 cups diced shredded or chopped chicken 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup heavy cream Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the carrots, onions, celery, garlic, poblano peppers, salt, white pepper, cumin, and thyme. Saute and sweat until the vegetables soften. Stir in the chicken bouillon. Add the chicken broth and cook for 1 or 2 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. Stir in the chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until the chowder is thick and the chicken is heated through. Shortly before the chowder is done, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes to cook the flour. Do not allow the mixture to brown! Ladle 1 cup of the hot liquid from the stockpot into the skillet, whisking constantly. When the first cup of liquid is incorporated, add another 2 cups of liquid, 1 at a time. Pour the mixture in the skillet into the stockpot, whisking to blend. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes longer, or until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cream, then the cilantro and serve.

Hi Stacy, A day late, but here are some quick and tasty recipes. I hope you like them. 30 Minute Lentil Soup 1-2 T olive oil 1 onion, chopped 3 carrots, chopped 1 potato or sweet potato, chopped 1 T tomato paste 1 T Patak's curry paste (I use mild) 2 1/2 c. each veggie stock and water 1 1/2 c. red lentils, rinsed and drained 2 c. freshly chopped spinach or swiss chard Saute veggies for about 5 minutes in pan. Add tomato paste and curry paste and let simmer for a few minutes. Then add veggie stock, water and lentils, bring to a boil, then simmer about 25-30 minutes or until done. Add spinach at end. If using swiss chard add about 5 minutes before the end. Salt and pepper to taste. (I know, it's a bit more than 30 minutes, but not too much more! Also I leave the spinach out so my kids will eat this soup). Lentil & Potato soup with spiced oil (Madhur Jaffrey) 6 c. water 1 1/2 c. lentils 1 red pepper, chopped 2 med potatoes, cubed 2 carrots, 1/3" rounds 1 large onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1/4 c. soy sauce 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper 1 bay leaf Spiced Oil 2 T. olive oil 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp tumeric 1 tsp ground cumin Combine all ingredients except Spice Oil stuff in pan. Cover and bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the oil in a small pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and add spices. Stir and set aside. When soup is cooked, add the spiced oil. Season with salt and pepper, remove bay leaf and serve! Here's one that is ready in the time it takes to boil water for pasta. Adele's chickpea tomato garlic soup 1/3 c. olive oil 8 cloves minced garlic 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 19 oz can tomato sauce 1/2 c. chopped parsley 8 cups water 1 T salt 1 1/2 c. medium seashell pasta Put water in soup pot and cover and bring to a boil. At the near boiling point add the salt. Meanwhile, in another pan, gently heat oil and add garlic until fragant. Then add 1 can chickpeas and the tomato sauce. Simmer. Add chopped parsley. When water has boiled, add seashell pasta and cook until tender, about 9 minutes. Do not drain. At this time add the tomato mixture to the pasta pan. Stir to combine. Serve in bowls with grated parmesan cheese. This is quickly whipped up and sometimes a great Friday night supper with either cheese and baguettes or veggies and dip. Quick pasta sauce (Adapted from Bonnie Stern, Heart Smart Cooking) Put a pan of pasta water on and prepare the sauce. In a small pan put some olive oil (a few tablespoons). Cut an onion in half and smash up about 3 cloves of garlic. Let oil heat in pan and onion simmer a bit. Puree a can of tomatoes, add a bit of basil, oregano, and marjoram, and let simmer while you wait for the pasta to cook. If you have some parlsey in the house, it's a nice addition near the end. When done, add sauce to pasta. Nice served with a salad. I have faith in you! You'll be out of this slump in no time and back posting beautiful photos on the what's for dinner thread! Chin up sista! Catherine

* Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Tue, Jan 19, 10 at 10:22 Another spinach lover here. We most often cook it the way Althetrainer mentioned, sauteed with garlic. I often buy the spinach pies at our Middle Eastern bakery but have never made them at home. Since I rarely buy tomatoes out of season, we eat a lot of spinach salads during the winter. I’ve posted this one before. It’s on the lighter side and a good complement to heavy dishes like lasagne. LEMON SPINACH SALAD 1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms 1 lb. young spinach leaves, washed and stemmed 6 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. lemon juice 1/4 tsp. salt 1 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese 1 clove garlic, slivered Finely grated rind of 1/2 lemon 1 hard cooked egg Freshly ground black pepper Wash mushrooms and combine with spinach. Chill. Mix oil, lemon juice, salt, cheese and garlic. Chop up egg and sprinkle over salad. Add lemon rind to salad and grind pepper on top. Pour dressing over salad right before serving and toss. Note: Best if dressing is made about an hour ahead of time and garlic pieces removed before pouring on salad. Crumbled bacon pieces can be added if desired. ------------ Vegetable timbales have always been one of our family favorites for meatless meals. It’s common to find recipes for them in early 20th century cookbooks. Photobucket SPINACH TIMBALES 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach 4 eggs 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice Cheese or hollandaise sauce, if desired Cook spinach according to package directions; drain thoroughly. In small mixer bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Stir in cooked spinach and remaining ingredients except sauce. Divide mixture between 5 greased 6 oz. custard cups. Place cups on a rack in a 10" pot or deep skillet. Fill skillet with hot (not boiling) water to 1/2". Put a loose piece of foil over the cups, shaped so that the steam drips back into the pot instead of on the custard cups. Cover with lid and cook over medium heat for 18 to 22 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Loosen edges with knife; unmold. If desired, serve with sauce. Makes 5 (1/2 cup) servings. o RE: Cookalong #19-------SPINACH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Tue, Jan 19, 10 at 11:33 Elery and I even made AND ate spinach this weekend, we did individual spinach and swiss cheese quiches for the "appetizer tasting". They were fast and easy and we did them without crust in mini muffin pans. Annie o RE: Cookalong #19-------SPINACH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by bob_cville (My Page) on Tue, Jan 19, 10 at 14:46 beanthere_dunthat, The mint chutney that I usually use is a dark green runny paste. If you have a Coconut-mint chutney that you like then I'd substitute that for both the mango chutney and the mint chutney. A more authentic version of this recipe I came across started with making your own cheese. Yeah I'll get right on that. I found a mexican farmer's cheese at one local grocery store that was more like the "paneer" that is typically used, but to me the Feta cheese is pretty similar in in texture and "bite" in the dish, and although the Feta is much more strongly flavored than then usual "paneer", there are enough other strong flavors in the dish that you really don't notice it, and it is much easier to find feta than "paneer" or mexican farmers cheese. o RE: Cookalong #19-------SPINACH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by denise8101214 (My Page) on Sat, Jan 23, 10 at 15:49 I got this from a friend who got it from epicurious. I have made it MANY times and everyone loves it. It is nice to make for a big family breakfast as a savory casserole in addition to the french toast type ones. Spinach and Cheese Strata, epicurious * 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed (fresh works great too) * 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion (1 large) * 3 tablespoons unsalted butter * 1 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper * 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg * 8 cups cubed (1 inch) French or Italian bread (1/2 lb) * 6 oz coarsely grated Gruyère (2 cups) * 2 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 cup) * 2 3/4 cups milk * 9 large eggs * 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Squeeze handfuls of spinach to remove as much liquid as possible, then finely chop. Cook onion in butter in a large heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in spinach, then remove from heat. Spread one third of bread cubes in a buttered 3-quart gratin dish or other shallow ceramic baking dish and top evenly with one third of spinach mixture. Sprinkle with one third of each cheese. Repeat layering twice (ending with cheeses). Whisk together milk, eggs, mustard, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl and pour evenly over strata. Chill strata, covered with plastic wrap, at least 8 hours (for bread to absorb custard). Preheat oven to 350°F. Let strata stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Bake strata, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed, golden brown, and cooked through, 45 to 55 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Strata can be chilled up to 1 day. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking. Here is a link that might be useful: Spinach and Cheese Strata o RE: Cookalong #19-------SPINACH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Jan 24, 10 at 19:45 There's some pretty tasty recipes here! I don't do spinach, so I couldn't help much. Maybe I'll give it a try again....in the next 7 years. Then again.... I just drew a name for the next Cookalong... Caliloo (Alexa) hope you can pick something fast, so I can get it started, I have to leave town for a few days tomorrow. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #19-------SPINACH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Jan 24, 10 at 22:00 Caliloo?? o RE: Cookalong #19-------SPINACH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Jan 25, 10 at 7:22 TTT o RE: Cookalong #19-------SPINACH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by caliloo (My Page) on Mon, Jan 25, 10 at 7:46 Here I am! I actually already got to pick something (corn last time) so if I can have a second shot I will choose...... BROCCOLI! However, if you want to give someone else a turn to pick, I will certainly withdraw my suggestion :-) Alexa o RE: Cookalong #19-------SPINACH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Jan 25, 10 at 9:07 Alexa, I drew your name fair and square so you are on! **********Broccoli*************** Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #20-----BROCCOLI o RE: Cookalong #19-------SPINACH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Mon, Jan 25, 10 at 10:02 Well, I almost didn't do spinach last night, because I've been eating spinach almost every day, and want to branch out into other veggies. But I decided to just try something different than what I usually do, which is spinach salad, or throwing a handful or two of spinach into whatever soup I'm heating up. So, I made spinach pesto. I used a basic basil pesto recipe as a template, but changed the ingredients quite a bit, keeping with the general idea of pesto. It turned out quite good, and even DH liked it. He says he doesn't like garlic with spinach (go figure) so I wasn't sure if he'd like this, but he loved it. I used 2 cloves of garlic, but I think one fat one would have been better - it was a bit strong. I'll write out the recipe as I made it, though. My recipe is adapted from Deborah Madison's recipe for Pesto, from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone. Spinach and Goat Cheese Pesto 1 or 2 plump garlic cloves salt 3 tablespoons (or small handfuls) of walnuts 3 big handfuls (or cups, loosely packed) of fresh spinach 1 4 oz. package goat cheese 2 tablespoons pecorino Romano (optional, to taste) 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 squeeze, aprox. 1 teaspoon lemon juice pinch cayenne pinch freshly ground nutmeg In a food processor, process the garlic, salt and walnuts until fairly finely chopped, then add the spinach and olive oil. When smooth, add the goat cheese, lemon juice, cayenne and nutmeg, and process to combine. Sally

Charred Sweet Peppers and Potato Chowder This recipe came from a book, but I can't remember which one. First you will see the recipe exactly as it appeared in the book, and then you will see my changes and tips. Recipe from the book: Nonstick cooking spray 3 cups chopped sweet red peppers 2 cups chopped yellow onions 2 cups chopped peeled russet potatoes ½ cup vegetable broth 2 cups milk 1/8 cayenne pepper (optional) 1 T butter ¼ cup snipped fresh parsley Salt and pepper ½ cup shredded white or sharp cheddar cheese ¼ cup plan Greek yogurt (optional) Crumbled crisp-cooked bacon (optional) Instructions from the book: Coat a Dutch oven with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add sweet peppers, coat again with cooking spray. Cook, uncovered, about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Add onions; cook 5-6 minutes more, or until soft and golden brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in potato and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 12 minutes, or until potatoes are very tender. Coarsely mash the pepper/potato mixture. Stir in milk and cayenne (if using). Heat. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If desired, top individual servings with cheese, yogurt, and/or bacon. My changes: Used olive oil instead of cooking spray. Used more broth than ½ cup to get the amount of soupiness vs chowderiness we wanted. I used a pinch of cayenne, but added a generous pinch of Emeril’s bayou blast (also called Emeril's Essence Creole Seasoning) which I put together at home and always keep on hand. (recipe below) Did not use any milk or butter, not because we are vegan, but because it seemed to me, as I was cooking it, that the soup would be yummier without those ingredients. Did not use the cheese, yogurt or bacon. We don't eat bacon. I offered the family the cheese and yogurt, or sour cream, and nobody used those. Tip: To mash the mixture, use a potato masher or a pastry cutter right in the Dutch oven. No need to transfer the mixture to mash it. If you don’t have either of those, use a flat bottomed wooden masher or a large wooden spoon to coarsely mash the mixture against the sides of the Dutch oven. If nothing else, use a large serving fork. Only slightly mash it so that some of the potatoes are left chunky and some are mashed. Results: It was delicious without the milk, butter and cheese. I don’t think I would have liked it so heavy. Emeril’s Essence Creole Seasoning, Bayou Blast For Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning, combine: · 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika · 2 tablespoons salt · 2 tablespoons garlic powder · 1 tablespoon black pepper · 1 tablespoon onion powder · 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper · 1 tablespoon dried oregano · 1 tablespoon dried thyme