Thank you all so much :hug:

With all these chili ideas I just might become a vegetarian ;)

This was posted on one of my mommy-forums and we LOVE it. I never use the bay leaves though, and it's also pretty good with meat too! It makes quite a bit, if you double it you can put the left overs in a big ziplock bag and freeze for later. My husband usually takes the left overs for lunch over the week though. I also throw everything into the pan at once I do NOT do the garlic and oil seperately, and it works just fine.

Pasta Fagoili

1/2 box ditalini
1 can kidney beans rinsed
2 cups water
1/2 jar sauce
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbs canola oil
1 tsp garlic powder

Combine all ingredients except last 2 in a pan. Bring to a boil then turn down to low and simmer anout 1/2hour or until pasta is cooked. Meanwhile in a sm pan combine oil and garlic over med hig heat and cook 1 min. Add to other pan.

Thank you MeganBeth...it is going on the list!

I spent some time with my sister today ladies...she is very appreciative of your thoughts and wishes...of course ME TOO!

That should be 1/2 jar spaghetti sauce :D

Here are a couple more. DH prefers the Black bean stew with shredded chicken, but i love it as it is!

Black Bean Stew
1 bag of dried black beans with cooking liquid (soaked/rinsed/cooked) or 2 cans (if I use canned, I drain/rinse & add more water)
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped & seeds removed
Leftover cooked basmati rice (about 1/2-3/4 cup)
1-2 cans organic fire-roasted tomatoes (depending on your taste)
Lots & lots of chopped garlic (3 or more cloves, I garlic, so I put tons)
2 tsp coriander
1 tsp oregano
2-3 tsp cumin
Salt & pepper to taste

Throw it all in a big pot, cover & cook until all the flavors meld together. Serve hot w/cheese on top & dollap of sour cream (and in my case lots of hot sauce!). It's great the first time, but even better the next day!

Broccoli-Leek Soup
INGREDIENTS
1 large bunch broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
1 medium baking potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
3/4 tsp. salt
Pinch freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup half-and-half (optional)
1/4 cup snipped chives

Separate broccoli stems from florets. Using a vegetable peeler, peel stems to remove tough outer layer, then slice into 1/4-inch-thick "coins." Break or cut the florets into small pieces. Reserve stems and florets separately.

In a medium saucepan, heat oil and butter over medium heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring often, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add broccoli stems, potato, and garlic, and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3 cups water, broth, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover partially and simmer until broccoli and potato are tender, about 12 minutes.

Add florets; bring to a boil and then simmer 5 minutes. Transfer soup in batches to a blender or food processor, and puree until smooth. Return soup to saucepan; add half-and-half (if using) and chives, and reheat briefly.

Thanks MEGANBETH ~ The stew is perfect too for us in case Angie wants it all veggie and I want to throw in some "meat" chicken...

you gals are the best!