This bean soup is a family favorite. It’s thick, hearty, and filling. Once you add a side of cornbread and a green salad, you’ve got a fabulous meal that’s good for you and satisfying.

Hearty Bean Soup
1 (16 oz) package of dried navy beans
1/4 cup baking soda
7 cups chicken broth
1 smoked turkey wing or ham bone
1/4 cup onion, diced or 1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Prepare the beans using the following method. Place beans in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a solid boil for 10 minutes. Remove pot from the heat (do not drain) and set in the sink. Add baking soda and stir until the foam completely disappears. (Do not worry if the foam is green.) Drain the beans and rinse well with cold water to remove the flavor of the baking soda.

Place beans back in the pot. Add chicken broth, turkey wing, onion, pepper, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until beans are soft.  If soup is becoming too thick, you may thin it by adding extra chicken broth. Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.

Photo: Courtesy of Roger Smith (Flickr)

I recently discovered a fabulous meatball recipe for the Crock Pot and it’s a keeper. Like most of the meals I prepare, these meatballs are a delicious quick fix. The recipe calls for croutons but I don’t usually have them here so I use crushed Ritz crackers or Italian breadcrumbs instead. The meatballs are moist and flavorful, a perfect addition to plate of pasta or the base for one of the greatest meatball sandwiches I’ve ever tasted.

Perfect Meatballs
1 pound ground meatloaf mix
3/4 cup crushed seasoned croutons
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 egg
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, croutons, onion, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and Cajun seasoning. Using a small scoop or spoon, remove the meat and shape it into meatballs. Place the meatballs into the Crock Pot and cover with your favorite sauce. Cook on low for 4 hours.

Photo: Courtesy of stu_spivack (Flickr)