Winter is the soup season! With so many kinds out there to taste, what will you choose? I am always looking for new recipes to make. My favorite has always been good old-fashioned tomato soup. However, my aunt sent me this recipe and I am so excited to make it. Want to try with me? Here we go!        

       To make it a complete late night supper, I’ve added an Apple and Cranberry Romaine Salad and a slice of crusty bread.   Add a glass of your favorite white wine and you have a master piece! Creamy

White Bean and Sage Soup

Ingredients

• 4 ounces bacon, finely diced
• 2 cups finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon prepared roasted garlic
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 sprigs fresh parsley
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 sage leaves
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon black truffle oil
• Garnish: additional black truffle oil and ground black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.
2. Add the onion and roasted garlic to the bacon drippings in the pot, and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the broth, and bring to a boil. Add the beans, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves; cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool slightly.
3. Remove the parsley, thyme, and bay leaves from the soup. Using a blender, puree the mixture in batches until smooth.
4. Return soup to the pot, and add cream, butter, lemon juice, white pepper, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat until hot. Stir in truffle oil. Ladle soup into individual serving dishes, and drizzle each serving with additional truffle oil and a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.

Apples and Cranberries with Yogurt Dressing 

 Ingredients:

• 5 cups torn baby spinach leaves
• 1 medium unpeeled apple, diced 
• 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped black walnuts 
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1/3 cup Yogurt poppy seed dressing 

Instructions:

1.  In large serving bowl, place spinach, apple, cranberries and green onions. Add walnuts and feta cheese and toss.
2. Pour the Yogurt dressing over salad, and toss to coat.