A Blustery Beach and Homemade Soup

It was a cold, rainy and stormy day this past weekend when my rellies and I decided we simply had to go to the beach! We donned jackets and scarves and braved the nippy breezes, so happy to be at the seashore breathing deeply of that cold salty air.

This fellow made me grin as he walked jauntily and fearlessly down the beach. :-)

We strolled the rocky shoreline, stopping to peer into tide pools, pointing out scurrying crabs, tiny shells walking along by themselves, and rocks encrusted with barnacles and mussels.

When we wanted a break just to sit quietly and watch the waves, nearby driftwood provided the perfect perch.

We found all sorts of treasures: pebbles washed smooth by the sea, and these gorgeous purple shells that are now washed and sitting in a bowl on my coffee table.

As the sun sank lower and the temperature dropped, we headed back home for steaming bowls of Mum's 4-Bean Salsa Soup, and fresh rolls from the Dutch Bakery spread thickly with butter and Danish strawberry jam.

It was a beautiful way to spend a stormy day. :-)

Mum's 4-Bean Salsa Soup

Ingredients:

1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinquinto beans
1 can green chilies
2 jars salsa
1 can corn, drained
1-2 farmer's sausage, sliced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 cup cheese (cheddar, pepper jack), shredded
*DO NOT DRAIN BEANS*


Directions:

1. Heat soup pot over medium heat and fry sausage until browned. Drain.
2. Add rest of ingredients except cilantro and cheese. Bring to boil and simmer 5-10 minutes.
3. Scoop into bowls and sprinkle with cilantro and shredded cheese.