Solstice soup!

 For the last 5 years Lycra Man and his Mamil ( middle aged men in Lycra) friends have gathered together for a solstice century ( 100 mile ) ride. They started out at 8:00 a.m. it was 39 degrees ...cold for Southern California.

Here is their route.

Prior to the ride, Lycra man and I invited the guys to stay for soup upon their return to our house  E.T. A around 5:00 p.m.

It was much appreciated as they were cold.

Well, we thought it was cold. I read my old college roommate, now a resident of Nome Alaska's post of her solstice day.....Our low was her high.

So for all cold bike riders and snow shoveler' s, here is the recipe for Minestrone soup, I hope it warms your insides.  

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic minced

Pre chopped celery and onion mix in produce department

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

2 small zucchini sliced

2 carrots cubed

2 cans Cannellini beans drained

16 oz can of tomato sauce

28 oz can of diced tomatoes

32 oz Vegetable broth

baby spinach leaves

1 1/2 cups white wine divided( 1 cup and 1/2 cup)

1 cup mini penne 

In a stock pot, saute garlic, onion and celery in olive oil, add Italian seasoning and mix well. add carrots and zucchini and mix well. Add drained Cannellini beans, massing a few. Add the tomato sauce , undrained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth and 1 cup of wine.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for about an hour.

Add 1/2 cup of wine, Penne and baby spinach leaves ( as much as desired) cook until pasta is done.

Those guys are nuts!

Happy solstice!