Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

You know you live with a second grade boy when that Batman rendition of Jingle Bells has been stuck in your head for weeks. I miss the days when the boys liked actual carols, but I guess I should count myself lucky that they still believe in the whole Santa thing. Even though it is the holidays, I’ve not caught the cooking spirit. In fact, my urge to bake seems to have a direct negative correlation with traditional holiday baking. For weeks I’ve meant to bake up a storm, but somehow there is always something else to do first. Finally I made some sugar cookies today, not gluten free, just regular ones that my boys were going to decorate for their cousins who visited today, but something just wasn’t right. Maybe I’ve lost the touch with wheat since my baking is usually dedicated to gluten free goodies…? But my cousin-in-law said she made a bad batch of doughnuts this morning, so maybe it is something in the air~ humidity? Rain? Holiday pressure? Whatever it is it did not effect the gf minestrone I made yesterday which is delicious. It is the same basic recipe as before, but here it is again: in olive oil saute a good size yellow onion (chopped) then add (all chopped into small pieces) a big leek or two smaller ones, about 3 celery sticks, 3-4 carrots (pealed), and broccoli. Add 3-4 garlic heads pressed through a garlic press, a bit of balsamic vinegar, ground pepper to taste, seasoning salt and herbs (at least basil and oregano and whatever else sounds good. I like thyme.) Then add 4 cups of broth (I use a vegan bouillon with sea salt and herbs) and a can of tomato sauce. You can also use a can of diced tomatoes. Add 2 cans of cannellini beans (rinsed) and then pasta (I like either brown rice spirals or quinoa/corn pasta) that has been pre-made. We like a chunky soup here in this house. If you like one with more liquid in it, then halve the ingredients because this is a very full to the brim chunky soup. Delicious though, especially with a bit of parm on top. I think both Santa and Batman would approve, smelly or not.