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You are here: Home / Lifestyle / Magnificent

November 21, 2010

Magnificent

My wide open day was fun!! Except for all the time I spent with my face in the drain.

Surprised smile this !

We decided NOT to get Drain-O after reading about how harsh the chemicals are and a quick visit to Consumer Reports (where my dad has a subscription!) that said to use it only as a very last resort. Instead we went with the Zip-It and some enzymes that seem to be a more gentle way to unclog (bacteria "eat" the clog scum) recommend by Consumers. Also, the plunger seems to have fixed the problem by 75%. But putting the plunger in the bathtub was GROSS.

OK, on to food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We went grocery shopping today – it’s a holiday week for sure!! Whole Foods was packed. So much so that we missed our walking date with Faith + Tate Sad smile [Sorry guys.] We got stuck in the aisles and checking out took 15 minutes.

But we came home with lots of delicious foods!

And I finally remembered to blog about these cool Bite bags I was sent. Super cute and very handy. I always feel hypocritical getting plastic bags for my produce when I feel so strongly against plastic bags at the checkout line. These solve the problem the whole way (except that I only have 2 and need more!)

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Stylin’ too!

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I had BIG plans for a BIG pot of soup tonight. I wanted a huge pile of veggies in tomato broth.

Cue Minestrone, which I have never made before!

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I did a bit of research first. The Pioneer Woman roasts her veggies first, so I took her advice with that. I also thought to add olives to make it even more Mediterranean. And instead of stirring in greens, we served the soup over greens to wilt them without getting lost. Worthy of a recipe page!

The whole recipe is on this page ==> Magnificent Minestrone

Minestrone

Proclaimed "the best vegetable soup ever"

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Served with half a big whole wheat tortilla, toasted in the oven and sprinkled with parm!

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Let it be noted that I regretted my tortilla choice when I saw Matt’s triple butter sandwich! Snagged a bite of that landmark for myself.

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Somebody wanted to continue reading HP7 through dinner, so we had a casual meal in the TV room [I slurped my soup with House Hunters x3!!]

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Listening to the Grooveshark "Popular" station and rockin’ out at my desk. I’m such a nerd when it comes to "cool" music. I don’t know any of the songs’ names or artists, but I recognize them all!

Nite!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Soups

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Comments

  1. Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:02 pm

    Sounds like a nice and chill day. I love having relaxing time like that. And sometimes dinner should just be in the TV room with books/music/movie/etc. 😀

    Reply
  2. Heather says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    That looks like an amazing minestrone soup – I would never have thought to roast the vegetables. Roasted vegetables are so much better though!

    Looks like a great way to enjoy the evening – I agree – sometimes dinner should be in front of the tv.

    Reply
  3. Estela @ Weekly Bite says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    I have to say that soup does look delicious!! I love how thick it looks!

    Reply
  4. Claire (Low Impact Fashionista) says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    Omg that soup looks so chunky and amazing! I might have to make it too!

    Reply
  5. Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:05 pm

    I always feel guilty about the plastic produce bags, too, and try to avoid using them. I need to pick up reusable bags like yours.

    Reply
  6. Christin@purplebirdblog says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:05 pm

    Minestrone is definitely one of my faves… so hearty and filling!

    Reply
  7. chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:09 pm

    That does look loike the best minestrone soup I have ever seen!!!!

    Reply
  8. Michele @ Healthy Cultivations says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:11 pm

    That soup looks really really good. It’s always fun to try new soups/stews. I like stews best… a little thicker.

    Reply
  9. Dorry says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    I love to pour soups, lentils, beans, etc on top of spinach for that wilt effect, too! Really helps to bulk up a meal and get the extra benefits from the spinach. We ate dinner in the living room as well – football & AMA’s. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Stephanie says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    Veggie soup is such a great way to use up extras in the fridge and have a great healthy meal!! Love the idea of roasting the veggies first, I bet that tasted amazing.

    Have you made ratatouille before? It’s another one of my favorite ways to use up a ton of veggies and get a dish with amazing flavor! http://cookinfanatic.wordpress.com/2010/07/13/nostalgic/

    Reply
  11. Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:17 pm

    I am such a nerd when it comes to music too. Kenny G and Barry Manilow are my friends.

    Reply
  12. Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:21 pm

    Aw, what a great day! Dinner looks delicious! Oh and no joke, the stores are crazy right now! Have a great night Kath!

    Reply
  13. Donna says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    From what I’ve seen, you and Emily are good friends and she always roasts vegetables for soups and posts wonderful recipes for them.

    Reply
  14. Lesley Lifting Life says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    That soup looks like a winner to me! 🙂

    Reply
  15. stacey-healthylife says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:24 pm

    I like all the big hearty chunks of veggies. I wanna make this soup soon.

    Reply
  16. Alaina says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    I love House Hunters! 🙂

    And my mom made a minestrone-style soup with gnocchi and chicken. It was delicious! Your soup looks so good too!

    Reply
  17. Maddie (Healthy Maddie) says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:32 pm

    I was thinking about how great it would be if someone invented reusable produce bags while I was shopping today. I will definitely need to check those out!

    Reply
  18. Camille says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:39 pm

    Those bags are so cool!
    I hate having to use the plastic ones. I may have to invest in those!

    Reply
  19. Faith @ lovelyascharged says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:41 pm

    Wow, what a delicious looking soup! I love that you served it over greens because I find that when I put spinach in it when I cook a minnestrone, they get kind of slimy :/ I always serve my lentil soup over spinach too!

    Reply
  20. Cookteen says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:44 pm

    that minestrone look unreal! I’m getting hungry just looking at it!

    with love and cupcakes,
    Chelsey (cookteen)
    cookteen.com

    Reply
  21. Krystina says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    Whole Foods was RIDICULOUS! It was like going through a maze just to walk around.

    Reply
  22. Sana says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    I always reuse the bags as trash bags for the plastic recycle 🙂

    Reply
  23. Amy at TheSceneFromMe says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:53 pm

    O, a tortilla sprinkled with finely shredded parmesan is a fantastic idea. Your virgin attempt at minestrone turned out pretty darn well it looks like! Good going Kath~

    Reply
  24. Lisa (bakebikeblog) says

    November 21, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    oh those bite bags are a wonderful idea!!

    Reply
  25. Mary @ Bites and Bliss says

    November 21, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    Is HP7 Harry Potter? I never got into them but I’ve heard they get more and more intense down the line. Must be a good one for him to want to read over dinner!

    Reply
  26. Julie @ Honey B. says

    November 21, 2010 at 10:12 pm

    Ooh I love this! That looks delicious, I love the idea of pouring the soup on top of the greens. They always wilt to quickly and this way you get a fresh bunch of greens with each new bowlful – brilliant!!!!

    Reply
  27. Hannah says

    November 21, 2010 at 10:57 pm

    Ooh, I’m going to definitely roast vegetables next time I make soup 🙂 And well done you on going the safer non-Drain-O approach!

    Reply
  28. Kristen @ Kristen, Sweetly says

    November 21, 2010 at 10:58 pm

    Ahahahaha, love the candid of Matt pouring over the book! I forced my way through it when it came out, and was not at all interested. I felt like I had to see how everything ended up. But I LOVED the movie on Thursday night. So entertaining.

    Also, I am jealous of your lovely minestrone. I haven’t done it homemade yet, either. Can’t wait.

    Reply
    • Matt says

      November 22, 2010 at 9:33 am

      WHAT!?!??!!? This is the fourth, maybe fifth time I’ve read this one… it’s the best.

      Reply
  29. Tara says

    November 21, 2010 at 11:10 pm

    Haha, I love that Matt had to read through dinner. I’m the same way when I’m really into a book.

    BTW, HP7 (the movie) is awesome. The best HP movie thus far. Even if you haven’t read the books, you’ll love it. Although… my friend who hasn’t read the books did ask me tons of questions during the movie – so maybe it’s a bit confusing for those who don’t already know the story. Hopefully Matt is cool with you asking for clarifications mid-movie!

    Reply
    • Kath says

      November 21, 2010 at 11:12 pm

      I’ve read all of the books!! 🙂

      Reply
  30. hippierunner says

    November 21, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    Those bags look awesome! I always feel guilty using plastic even when I re-use them. I think my BF and I are known as the town weirdos because we usually go bag-less and just have our veggies go from hand to counter to totebag when possible!

    Reply
  31. Amy K. @ onehealthypeanut says

    November 21, 2010 at 11:23 pm

    MMMM I am making that TOMORROW! It looks amazing!!

    Reply
  32. Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says

    November 21, 2010 at 11:43 pm

    I need to get some of those reusable produce bags!

    Reply
  33. Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle says

    November 21, 2010 at 11:49 pm

    I WILL be making that soup when I get back from Thanksgiving…looks amazing

    Reply
  34. Namaste Gurl says

    November 22, 2010 at 12:51 am

    I’d love to know where you get your soup and salad bowls? Looking for ones similar. Your minestrone looks GREAT, by the way– noted that on your recipe page 🙂

    Reply
    • Kath says

      November 22, 2010 at 9:37 am

      They are Pottery Barn!

      Reply
  35. Emily @ One Sweet Vegan says

    November 22, 2010 at 12:53 am

    I loved your transition from the gross to the tasty. I, myself, can’t seem to put down my copy of “The Pillars of the Earth”. I’m losing sleep over it because I keep staying up late and getting up early just to read some more.

    Reply
    • Kath says

      November 22, 2010 at 9:38 am

      I need to read that..

      Reply
  36. Kiran says

    November 22, 2010 at 1:31 am

    I love hearty soups and minestrone is so delicious!

    Reply
  37. J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says

    November 22, 2010 at 1:59 am

    I love minestrone soup! I made a version 2 weeks ago with leftover brussels sprouts. It was YUMMY!

    Our bathroom drains clog all the time with hair. We recently bought this little snake thing for drains at Bed, Bath, & Beyond for $7 or 8 bucks and it works perfectly!! No electricity or batteries required; it’s basically like a velvet pipe cleaner. You should see the HUGE clumps of hair it brings up. OMG, it was one of the best things we ever bought for home maintenance, lol.

    Reply
    • Kath says

      November 22, 2010 at 9:38 am

      Sounds like the Zip-it I got

      Reply
  38. Anne @ Food Loving Polar Bear says

    November 22, 2010 at 3:53 am

    I love minestrone soup but have never made it at home.. maybe I’ll try the recipe you posted 🙂

    Reply
  39. Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me says

    November 22, 2010 at 6:19 am

    I’ve used Drain-o a couple times and I really disliked using it. Were you able to buy the Zip-It right in the store?

    Reply
    • Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me says

      November 22, 2010 at 6:20 am

      Sorry I meant like a Home Depot, not a specialty store…haha. I realize you obviously bought it at a store lol

      Reply
    • Kath says

      November 22, 2010 at 9:38 am

      Yeah, right at Lowes

      Reply
  40. Alissa @ Not Just Apples says

    November 22, 2010 at 6:21 am

    Bite bags are a great idea! They need to start getting popular in the uk, as there’s so much plastic involved in buying fruit and veggies…

    Reply
  41. Cara Craves... says

    November 22, 2010 at 6:25 am

    I love the veggie bag idea.
    To be honest I have never thought of that before,
    so I am glad that you mentioned it.

    Reply
  42. Lauren says

    November 22, 2010 at 6:36 am

    Minestrone Soup looks so inviting this time of year.
    Glad you had a nice day Kath!

    Reply
  43. Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun says

    November 22, 2010 at 7:20 am

    Never made Minnestrone before either, but I do have 3 or 4 recipes for it in my recipe folder(s). I may have to check out the Pioneer Woman’s too because it looks delicious! I love hearty soups! 😀

    Reply
  44. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says

    November 22, 2010 at 7:47 am

    I always feel bad for using plastic bags for my produce too! I try to go without as much as possible, but some things just need to be bagged! Those bite bags are a great idea.

    Reply
  45. Elizabeth says

    November 22, 2010 at 8:23 am

    Hey, i was wondering what enzymes you used and where you got them? My drains slow regularly because they are narrow pipes but drain-o is not only harsh chemicals but it can also eat at your pipes too.

    Reply
    • Kath says

      November 22, 2010 at 9:39 am

      These guys from Lowes: http://www.lowes.com/pd_134003-331-K-67+BACT.+DRAIN+AND_0__?productId=3173405&Ntt=roebic&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s%3FNtt%3Droebic

      Reply
  46. Emily says

    November 22, 2010 at 8:45 am

    Love the idea of a roasted vegetable soup! I have been wanting to try that but have been too lazy to roast and make soup, this recipe makes it look worth for sure! And I love that Mat”s reading HP7, I started to re-read it too!

    Reply
  47. Lee @ College Foodie Finds says

    November 22, 2010 at 8:55 am

    Great idea with the Pita chips. I am going to have to try that one. Have you ever made a pita pizza?! Kind of the same idea, but with with pizza toppings (sauce, veggies, cheese, etc)!!

    Reply
    • Kath says

      November 22, 2010 at 9:39 am

      Not recently!

      Reply
  48. Katryn@rampantcuisine says

    November 22, 2010 at 8:59 am

    This soup looks amazing! Too bad my husband doesn’t like beans!! Do you think it would be just as good without?

    Reply
    • Kath says

      November 22, 2010 at 9:39 am

      It would be fine without them 🙂

      Reply
  49. Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says

    November 22, 2010 at 9:04 am

    Those bags are great. I agree that I hate using the plastic produce bags. I’m going to have to look into those!

    Reply
  50. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says

    November 22, 2010 at 9:26 am

    Ooh I love the veggie roasting idea for the soup! Minestrone is one of my favourites to make so I think I’ll have to try that next time.

    Reply
  51. hungryforbalance.wordpress.com says

    November 22, 2010 at 9:33 am

    That’s funny what you said about music. I’m the same way- I recognize songs but couldn’t tell you who the artist is. I’m so bad that I don’t even know who’s on my ipod! I’m always downloading random stuff and never pay attention to the singer or band. Oh, well all that matters is that it sounds good, right 😉

    Reply
  52. Diana @ frontyardfoodie says

    November 22, 2010 at 9:59 am

    haha that pic of your husband reading HP so intently is hilarious. He looks all sophisticated but when you know it’s just HP it brings a whole other level of funny.

    Reply
  53. Linds says

    November 22, 2010 at 10:31 am

    Hey Kath! I love the idea of a bite bags, but I work in a grocery store and when cashiers weigh produce at check out, they can add to the price a little. It may only be a penny or so, but those add up, especially around the holidays! I like to use a similar thing, but only on items that I have to get a lot of (like mini potatoes, brussels sprouts, etc.) It may or may not matter to you, just FYI. I love your commitment to staying green! =]

    Reply
    • Kath says

      November 22, 2010 at 11:15 am

      I definitely though of this!! I’m not sure what the solution is. Not bagging things seems so germy!

      Reply
  54. Amber K says

    November 22, 2010 at 12:18 pm

    I have some produce bags too, but I almost always forget them! Plus I can’t figure out where to transfer all of my veggies before I chop them up. I don’t want to keep them in the bags, because, like you, I need more!

    Reply
  55. Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks says

    November 22, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    I really like the idea of those Bite bags…I’ll have to check them out!

    Reply
  56. BB says

    November 22, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    Love those bite bags! where can I get some with the cute patterns? The styles available on their site are all pretty plain and they aren’t sold in my area….
    Open sky perhaps?

    Reply
  57. Tracey says

    November 22, 2010 at 1:53 pm

    It seemed like I watched house hunters all day yesterday. I love that show. I usually have HGTV on all day (background noise) on Sundays:)

    The Bite Bags are a great idea.

    Reply
  58. Melissa @ I Never Imagined says

    November 22, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    Hmm. I’ve never really thought about the produce plastic bag thing before. I always bring my reusable bag for the checkout! I mean, I always hate how big the plastic bags are, especially when I only have a few items in each one. Now I want to find a good (less expensive, shhh) solution!

    Reply
  59. Claire says

    November 22, 2010 at 9:47 pm

    To avoid putting the gross toilet plunger in the sink or tub, buy a second one and label each on the handle with marker.

    Reply

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