THE WINTER BLUES

This has been a record breaking winter. 

Cold weather and snowfall we haven't seen in years. 

Customers struggling through trying to 

make the most of shortened hours. 

Spring and Summer will be here soon...just not soon enough.

In the meantime.

HEARTY MINESTRONE

1 1/4 cups dried white beans, soaked overnight and drained

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 ounces pancetta, finely diced

2 medium shallots, minced

2 large celery ribs, finely diced

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 large carrot, finely diced

1/2 fennel bulb, cored and diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons tomato paste

14 oz canned plum tomatoes, chopped, juices reserved

1 quart chicken stock

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1 cup baby arugula

1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

In a pot, cover the beans with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat until tender, about 2 hours; add water to keep the beans covered. Drain the beans and reserve the cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, in another pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the pancetta and cook over moderate heat until crisp, 4 minutes. Add the shallots, celery, onion, carrot and fennel, and cook until softened. Add the garlic, crushed pepper and bay leaves and cook, stirring, until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Add the beans and enough cooking liquid to thin out the soup. Discard the bay leaves; season with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, toss the arugula and parsley with the lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the soup in bowls; top with the salad.