While having a hot bowl of 15 bean soup, Mallory piped up and suggested we take 5 minutes to write down everything we LOVE about the season.  We did, and here is what she came up with.

What I Love About Fall – by Mallory

A. The color of the world…everything is in hues of yellow, brown, and orange.

B. The smell of the air…like soap, violets, clean laundry, and smoke.

C. The crunch of leaves beneath my feet.

D. The chill in the air.

E. The warm and cozy clothing, which include furry boots and soft jackets.

F. The food that sticks to your ribs…like soup, pumpkin, squash, oatmeal, and fresh harvested veggies.

G. Thanksgiving

H. Halloween decorations.

I. At the end of fall is my birthday.

J. The arrival of ice skating.

K. The first snow where everyone smiles and runs outside.

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My daughter Janice has 9 children and 1 husband and makes this hearty bean soup for her family of 11. It’s easy, yummy, a great way to warm up on a chilly autumn day.

15 Bean Soup

15 Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• (1) 1 lb bag 15 bean cajun soup mix
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 or 2 stalks of celery
• juice of 1 lemon
• smoked sausage, ham hocks, or ham for seasoning

Instructions:

1. Rinse and sort beans. Put aside.
2. Saute onion, celery, and garlic in dutch oven until tender.
3. Add beans to pot and cover with water.  I start with about 8 cups and then add more during cooking time as needed.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer approximately 2 to 3 hours or until all beans are tender.
5. Add lemon juice and seasoning packet last 30 to 40 minutes of cooking time.  Seasoning packet is included with the bean mix.  If you do not have the seasoning packet, a premixed cajun seasoning such as “Louisiana Cajun Seasoning” will work or you may simply season to taste with parsley, salt, pepper and other herbs of your choice.

Note:  The recipe on the bag calls for a 15 oz. can of chopped tomatoes.  I made it without the tomatoes and it was delicious.

Happy Fall!