It's been a difficult summer...so I'm trying a new recipe

1. big battle with depression
2. having to go to doctor 3 times for suspicious mammogram, which the surgeon has decided is nothing to get excited about
3. totally unmotivated to exercise because I really hate to sweat

so....trying to get back in a good mental space with school starting, finding a good food routine, and finding things to be thankful to God for

Tomato, White Bean, and Bacon Soup

1/4 lb. bacon, diced
1 lg. onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 c. peeled, chopped tomatoes (or, if your tomatoes didn't do a darn thing this summer use canned tomatoes w/juice)
2 c. chicken broth
1 T. dark brown sugar
1 can white beans, drained
optional: some type of small cooked pasta such as bow ties (a/k/a farfalle, shells, ditalini, or orzo.
salt & papper to taste

Note: to peel fresh tomatoes, cut a shallow X shape one one end, blanch in boiling water for about 30 sec., remove from water and skin should easily peel off.

Cook bacon in medium heat in large saucepan unti lightly browned. Remove from pan and placed on paper towels to drain.

Add onion to pan, cook on medium heat until soft. Add garlic and cook about 1 more minute.

Add tomatoes & broth. Cook about 20 minutes.

Stir in brown sugar. Add beans, bacon, and pasta (if you are using it). Add salt & pepper to taste.

Serve with crusty bread or cornbread.