Comfort on a cold, dreary night

Yesterday was one of those really gray, dreary days that then turned into a misty, cold night.  I came home from work to find Kenny in the kitchen with wonderful aromas lilting through the air.

What do you get when you combine all of the following:

This was soooo delicious!  Then of course there is the cheesy bread that he made with basil and dill underneath the cheese and a balsamic sauce to drag it through….yes, life is good!

The recipe is from Martha Stewart.

White Bean and Bacon Soup with Escarole

Ingredients

Makes about 10 Cups; Serves 8 to 10

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 10 ounces applewood-smoked slab bacon, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 2 medium onions (about 6 ounces each), finely chopped
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 quarts homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
• 1 pound dried white beans, soaked overnight, drained, and rinsed
• 3 large thyme sprigs
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 head escarole, cut crosswise into strips

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add bacon, and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate.
2. Add onions and shallot to pan; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more.
3. Return bacon to pan. Stir in stock, beans, thyme, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt; season with pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Uncover, and cook until beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours more.
4. Stir in escarole. Cook 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.