As the days of March come and go, most of us are eagerly awaiting Spring. There are a few signs of spring, with the birds, the daffodils, the green grass and the buds on the trees. I think that we will still have some cold weather to endure.

 

When we think of cold weather our minds think of what will be on the menu tonight for supper. There is still time for us to enjoy a hot bowl of soup. One of the most delicious soups to make on cold days is minestra. Minestra is made with boiled potatoes and your favorite fresh greens, You can use fresh spinach, fresh kale, or fresh Swiss chard. You can even mix one or two of these together. Some families make minestra using green beans.

 

Directions for making minestra is as follows. Peel six or eight medium size potatoes and cut in medium size pieces. Place is sauce pan and cover with water. Boil slowly until potatoes become soft. Wash spinach and place in pan with potatoes. Cover and sauté until spinach becomes tender. Add two cups of water that has four chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in it. Add two cans of cannoli beans and cover mixture and let simmer slowly for twenty minutes.

 

While soup is simmering, fry two pounds of Italian sausage. You can add the sausage to the soup mixture or serve separate. Another meat that can be used is fried bacon, crumbled and tossed in soup.

 

When serving soup, sprinkle grated cheese on top. Your meal can be complimented with a tomato salad and fresh Italian bread. Remember you can use whole canned tomatoes and add basil fresh chopped onions and olive oil.

 

This certainly has been an exciting sports season for West Virginia fans. Although most of our family are Marshall alumni, we will still be cheering on the WVU Mountaineers.

 

My sincere condolences to the Ovies family on the passing of their mother.

 

Take care and until next week "Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.