Warm Winter Lunch with a Friend

I love going out for lunch with a friend, don't you? Sometimes time doesn't permit the luxury of going somewhere to eat and visit, though. Last week I really had to see one of my best friends...it had just been too long. Do you ever get to where you realize you just miss your friend? But don't really have the time to visit for long? Then maybe having a little lunch at home is just right for the two of you.

Since she was coming over in her lunch hour, I decided to keep lunch fairly simple. A great soup with condiments, and a pan grilled quesadilla, with fruit for dessert. Simple and delicious, as well as good for us. {at this time of year we are all trying to behave and overcome the French chocolates of the holidays, non?}

I set my kitchen table with my favorite antique French plates, some cream cafe au lait bowls, glasses, and cream linen napkins. {note that the flatware is set "closed" with the backs up, like the French do!}

The Black Bean Soup was simmering on the stove, so I quickly made the quesadillas in a non stick pan. This time I used shredded cheese and a little bit of broccoli slaw mix that is readily available at the market, you can also shred your own cheese and grate in some carrots, green cabbage or whatever else you like. I started making quesadillas like this when my kids went through a phase where quesadillas were all they would eat...I was desperate to sneak in some vegetables, somewhere! Since then, it's been our family's favorite way to add something special to this easy to make staple.

I wanted to show you all my new favorite spoon, above. How cute is that?? It's a wooden spoon in the shape of a heart, I bought it at my friend's Cynthia's shop, Heavenly Hostess in Old Town Orange. Cynthia designs the most gorgeous aprons, she also has a retail shop in old town Orange, Ca. which, if you are ever in the area, is a don't miss. Filled with as much fun as Cynthia herself, she offers a fabulous range of gifts for the home, aprons that are to. die. for., as well as wonderful gifts for everyone on your list!

Here is the Black Bean Soup Recipe:

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 small Onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed

3 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup mild roasted tomato salsa {I use Newman's Own}

Kosher salt & pepper to taste

1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream

Shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, slliced green onions, salsa for serving.

1. Heat the oil in a stockpot and saute the onion and garlic until slightly browned. Add 1 of the cans of beans, stock, salsa and season with salt and pepper.

2. Bring to a boil, simmer 10 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.

3. Puree the soup using an immersion blender or in a blender til smooth and creamy. {be careful ~ soup is hot!}

4. At this point, add another can of beans, drained, to the soup, stir in.

5. Reheat soup just before serving, and whisk in sour cream. Check seasonings, ladle into bowls and serve with garnishes. You can add hot sauce at the table if you like it hot!

Simple. And so delicious. It's even better the next day, so sometimes I make it a day ahead. But you don't have to....it's quick, easy and great for lunch, or dinner filled out with the quesadillas and a salad, maybe some corn chips. Hope you love it. And, I hope you invite a friend to lunch soon to share. xoxo