Almost Panera Bread's Black Bean Soup

There are lots of recipes out there, but this is my rendition on the recipe...
I am using dried black beans, well because I have a lot and I just like fresh beans.

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery ribs, coursely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 small Chicken Boullion Cubes (or 2 cups of fresh Chicken Stock)
• 1-1 1/2 cup Water
• 1 lb black beans
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/2 lemon, juice of
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Soak black beans overnight in a bowl full of water. If you forget to soak, then add the beans to boiling water, remove from heat and let soak for 2 hours. Once soaked, drain and rinse.
Add the soaked and rinsed beans to large saucepan and cover with 2 inches of water. Add Salt & Cumin.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook for about an hour.
Take half of the beans and blend them in the blender & return them to the pot.
Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and chicken stock in with the beans.
Combine the corn starch with 1 1/2 TBS of water, mix and add to the pot with the lemon.
Cooked until thickened.
You may top with a fresh salsa, sour cream or whatever your heart desires. I made Yeast Rolls to go with it.

Pasta & Shrimp

I didn't know what to make, once again...
I had taken out Shrimp, but didn't know what to do with it ( I REALLY get tired of the same 'ol stuff!). Well, this is what I came up with...

Spinach & Shrimp Pasta
1 lb~ Shrimp, de-veined, shelled & cut up
2 lbs~ Frozen Spinach, defrosted
1 lb~ Egg Noodles
1 stick real butter (I know now you can definitely use less!)
2 TBS Oil
Garlic

Directions
Make the Egg Noodles according to package directions.
Place oil into pan, add butter & melt. Crush garlic into pan & saute. Add Shrimp and cook just until turning pink (you don't want too cook too much). Add the spinach and continue to cook until the shrimp is completely pink.
Toss in with the noodles & enjoy!