Minestrone Soup

Cook time: 30 min
Serves: 5

Ingredients:
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 cup chopped cabbage
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian stewed or diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cubes beef bouillon
1 cup torn fresh spinach
2/3 cup cooked conchiglie (small shell shaped pasta)
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:
1. In a 3-qt saucepan, saute carrots, cabbage, celery, onion and garlic in oil for 5 minutes. Add water, tomatoes and bouillon; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 - 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

2. Stir in spinach, pasta and pepper. Heat through.

Newport Clam Chowder

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 large onion, chopped
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 quart shucked clams, with liquid
6 (8 ounces) jars clam juice
1 pound boiling potatoes, peeled and chopped
3 cups half-and-half cream
salt and pepper to tate
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh dill weed

Directions:
1. Melt butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute until clear. Stir in flour and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for 2 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2. In a separate pot, bring clams and clam juice to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. In a small saucepan, cover peeled potatoes with water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

4. Slowly pour hot clam stock into butter/flour mixture while stirring constantly. Continue stirring and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add cooked potatoes. Mix in half-and-half cream, salt and pepper and chopped dill. Heat through but do not boil.