Great Food/Great Finds

Yesterday we drove to another town to pick up our co-op order. I ordered 3 lbs of American cheese, a whole box of my family's favorite suckers, and 5lbs of green lentils. Yes, 5lbs. So, I found some great green lentil recipes, and the one I posted looks absolutly delicious! So we will be having it sometime this week.

Ingredients

nocoupons

• 1 pound French green lentils (recommended: du Puy)
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for serving
• 4 cups diced yellow onions (3 large)
• 4 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts only (2 leeks)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (2 large cloves)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 cups medium diced celery (8 stalks)
• 3 cups medium diced carrots (4 to 6 carrots)
• 3 quarts Homemade Chicken Stock, recipe follows, or canned broth
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 pound kielbasa, cut in 1/2 lengthwise and sliced 1/3-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons dry red wine or red wine vinegar
• Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

Directions

In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Drain.

In a large stockpot over medium heat, heat the olive oil and saute the onions, leeks, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and cumin for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are translucent and tender. Add the celery and carrots and saute for another 10 minutes. Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and drained lentils, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, or until the lentils are cooked through and tender. Check the seasonings. Add the kielbasa and red wine and simmer until the kielbasa is hot. Serve drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan.

After getting back from co-op, we met Grandma Nicholls at our house and we drove to the Salvation Army in Battle Creek. I love the Salvation Army! Great finds, great prices. So we were on the hunt for a Halloween costume for KL, and some fall decor. One persons trash is another persons treasures! I found a great pumpkin candy dish, and a candle holder. They had a great selection of costumes, so I started going through them and KL changed her mind 100 times. Finally, the last costume I held out she fell in love with. I am not sure if I am going to make her into a princess with wand and crown, or if I will put some black tights, black shoes, bumble bee headband and make her the Bumble Bee Princess. Any suggestions?