The Last Saturday Market

I attended the last Saturday Market of the season in Salem, Oregon on Halloween. It was so festive and fun, with lot's of kids dressed up in costume. One lady had in tow 5 kids who were dressed up perfectly as the entourage from The Wizard of Oz. They were so darned cute and I was just kicking myself for not having my camera with me, as many folks were stopping them and asking them to pose.

I did purchase some colorful potatoes in red, brown and purple as well as some beautiful kale. I just had to make some soup with the kale. It is a great green for soup as it stands up so well when reheated. With no recipe in mind, I went through the cupboards/freezer and took stock looking for other ingredients to make a nice Fall soup.I came up with a white bean, sausage and kale concoction that turned out just as I'd hoped. Hearty, warm and perfect with a slice of the no knead bread and a glass of sturdy red wine. I always say I hate the Fall but I may have to change my mind on that one. It's the perfect weather for soup making!White Bean, Sausage and Kale Soup

3 medium size sausages, cut in slices

1/2 diced yellow onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1 carrot peeled and diced

1 celery stick, diced

1 1/2 cups white beans (I used Northern white beans), soaked overnight

6-8 leaves of kale, washed well and cut into bite sized pieces

1 quart chicken stock

3 cups water

1/2 tsp thyme

1 bay leaf

salt and pepper to taste

Saute sausage pieces until just brown. Remove from pot. Add onions and saute until slightly browned. Add garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaf, chicken stock and water. Mix together. Add soaked beans and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, put on lid and cook until beans are softned. Add kale and sausage and simmer for another 20 minutes or so until kale is soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste.