Backyard Soup

When spring refuses to do anything but deliver showers the only thing for a gardener to do is cook. Chop veggies and throw them in the crockpot to be more exact. It may not be the same as the scent of lilacs drifting through an open window, but it will fill your kitchen with some delicious smells and that will just have to do for now.

One day soon I hope to pull these things from my backyard to make this family favorite soup. 

Recipe:
2 cooked chicken breast shredded
1 red onion chopped
2 whole garlic cloves
2 C fresh or frozen carrots
1 C frozen broccoli
1/2 C dried split peas
1 can black beans or soak 1 1/2 cup dried beans overnight
3 potatoes diced
2 C vegetable broth
1 C water
2 bay leaves
handful of fresh spinach torn into small pieces
salt and pepper

Directions:
Simmer in crockpot 4 to 6 hours