Happy Friday

Got a Nor'easter threatening? Annoyed by the way winter seems to be pushing fall to the wayside? Overwhelmed by a to-do list that must become an all-done list before Sunday morning? Hmm?

In a situation like this, I've only got one suggestion. I'm going to share it with you, just in case any of the above apply to you or to someone you, ahem, know.

The suggestion?

Soup. That's right, soup.

Soup always seems to calm frayed nerves. While it's simmering, one could tackle the neverending list. Or, if one were so inclined, simmering soup time also could be spent glowering at the blackening sky. Your choice. Either way, soup's on and no one's going to refuse a bowl of hot soup on a miserably cold afernoon.

And the silver lining? There's ususally enough leftover to freeze for another day. See? All good.

Here's the soup that'll be simmering in our house this afternoon while I tick things off my to-do list...or maybe glower at the sky. I haven't decided which one it'll be yet.

Black Bean Soup

2 12-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 onions, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon paprika

Melt butter in stockpot. Saute onions and bell pepper. Pour water into the pot, then add beans and spices and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 - 45 minutes. May be served as a soup or over white rice.