Lazy Day Lentil Soup

We've been in a deep freeze here in Texas y'all.

So...being that it's chilly enough that I could get away with serving my husband soup (he doesn't like soup when it's not cold outside) and given the fact that, yesterday once again, I found myself with about two hours before dinnertime...and I'm totally unprepared, I begin to think...hmmm...(we're in dangerous waters here) hmmm...

Okay, well that didn't work. So, I figure I'll mosey on into the kitchen & see what I've got to work with. First, into the pantry...lentils!!! I've got lentils! They cook purty quick-as far as legumes go. And Lord KNOWS we've got ham and hambones leftover from the holidays hibernating in the freezer. And my trusty homemade chicken stock sleeping alongside the hambone. And fresh celery. And carrots.

I know! I know!!! (Teacher...teacher! Pick me! Can't you see my hand waving furiously over here?~~~Yes, I know I'm weird~my mind wanders...) Lentil soup!!! I'll make lentil soup!

And so I did.

And dinner was, once again saved by my...ahem...quick thinking.

In case you find yourself in a similar situation, why not try my recipe (and I use that term loosely):

Lazy Day Lentil Soup

2 c lentils

1 c celery

1 c carrots

4 c chicken broth

1/4-1/2 tsp. onion powder

3 garlic cloves

meaty ham bone

salt & pepper to taste

I dumped everything into the pot~frozen or not
Don't forget the hambone!

Place all ingredients into a large stockpot bring to boil then lower heat to a simmer. Cook approx. 1 1/2 hours. Keep an eye on it and when it becomes the consistency you like (I like it less watery but with the lentils still holding their shape). Check the lentils, carrots and celery for doneness just to be sure. Add some crackers, a dense multi grain bread or cornbread and...dig in! You will feel all warm & fuzzy inside!

Here's wishing you warm, fuzzy feelings!