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Top 10 Pantry Items
by Patty Liston
We are convinced that the words, "What's for dinner?" can bring even the strongest woman to her knees. Try as we do to plan ahead with weekly menu's, sometimes life gets away from us. With the hunger pangs of our family being heard from another room, we find ourselves staring into a cupboard or refrigerator and drawing a blank.
May we suggest the Top 10 List, a la David Letterman, of food items that will help you whip up almost anything on a moment's notice.
- Canned tomatoes
- Chicken, beef or vegetable broth
- Dried pasta
- Canned beans (black beans, navy, pinto, kidney, garbanzo)
- Canned tuna fish
- Dried fruits
- Olives
- Good quality bread crumbs
- Tomato sauce/tomato paste
- Rice
Now, using Item #1, try the following recipe!
Tomato Soup with Pancetta
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 ounces pancetta, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3 (3/4 inch thick) slices rustic rye bread, cubed
6 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
1/4 cup coarsely choppped fresh basic leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and ground pepper
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1. Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the pancetta and saute until crisp and golden. 5 minutes
3. Add the onion and saute until tender. 3 minutes
4. Add the bread and toss to coat with the pan drippings
5. Saute until the bread is crisp and golden. 5 minutes
6. Add the broth, tomatoes, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper
7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low.
8. Cover and simmer until the flavors blend. 10 minutes
9. Season with salt and pepper
10. Stir the mascarpone and sour cream in a small bowl to blend.
11. Ladle the soup into bowls.
12. Spoon a dollop of the mascarpone mixture atop the soup and serve.
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