Time to fire up the stove, and use the herbs and vegitables from the garden or store to make a delicious and healthy soup.

Now that winter has arrived, here in Louisville, Colorado, rated the number 1 place to live in America for 2009, I see the street crews busy trying to finish the street repairs before the snow begins. Our high temperture today will not be more than 40 degrees, which is no problem with me. I have been looking forward to turning on the stove as opposed to grilling. The next thing is to fire up the oven. There are so many wonderful dishes that will be made over the next several months. There is nothing better than being stuck at home in 5 to 6 feet of snow with the stove or oven on.

Last week I cut up all my remaining fresh herbs, brought them in to dry, and had decided that maybe a soup would be a good dish for the weather we are having. There seems to be a long list of ingredients but this is going to one of the quickest soups to put together that you have ever made. Of course you can always go to the farmers market or grocery store to buy your herbs.

It doesn’t get any easier than this, so let’s get started. Here is what you need for this End of Season Soup:

2 qts Beef Broth, canned is fine

1/2 tsp oregano leaves

1/2 tsp marjoram leaves

1/2 tsp celery seeds, whole

1/8 tsp cumin

6 peppercorns

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

4 carrots, sliced

1 large green pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded and cut into strips 

1 cup green beans, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 zucchini, sliced

3 ears sweet corn, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

2 large tomatoes, peeled and quartered

Simmer broth with herbs and garlic about 20 minutes. Add onion, parsely, carrots, and green beans, simmer 20 minutes. Add zucchini and corn, simmer 15 minutes. Add tomotoes and roasted peppers, simmer 15 minutes.

That is easy enough. The only thing we left out was guests. That is if they can make it through the snow. Then there is always the chance they might be snowed in. Hope you like them as well as you like the soup.