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 Posted By: jglass 
May 2  # 11 of 99
This was in the new book. Im going to make it tonight.

Giada's Pasta e Fagioli

4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 large sprig fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped onion
3 ounces pancetta, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
5 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 (14.5-ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup elbow macaroni
Freshly ground black pepper
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Wrap the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf in a piece of cheesecloth and secure closed with kitchen twine.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the onion, pancetta, and garlic and saute until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes.
Add the broth, beans, and sachet of herbs.
Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then decrease the heat to medium and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes. Discard the sachet. Puree 1 cup of the bean mixture in a blender until smooth*.
Before putting the puree back into the soup, add the macaroni and boil with the lid on until it is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Return the puree to the remaining soup in the saucepan and stir well.
Season the soup with ground black pepper and red pepper flakes.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with some Parmesan and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes.
Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway.
If using a blender, release one corner of the lid.
This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions.
Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.
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 Posted By: jglass 
May 3  # 12 of 99
I was not horribly impressed with the recipe.
I made it this morning.
It may be better with the olive oil and parm on top but alone I give it about a 5 or a 6 out of 10.
Mama will have a better recipe for this soup.
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 Posted By: jglass 
May 5  # 13 of 99
Got more books today.
I really love Lidia's Italian American Kitchen so far.
Havent had the chance to read them much.
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 Posted By: Cook Chatty Cathy 
May 6  # 14 of 99
What Book Club Did You Join, If You Don't Mind Sharing.

Thanks, Cathy
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 Posted By: jglass 
May 6  # 15 of 99
Double Day Book Club and The Good Cook Book Club.
All the books look really good except Ellie Kriegers The Foods You Crave. They used a narrow thin tiny font that hard to read.