Hating on hataz is still hating.

@Miss Smith Drank Your Vodka: Alright missy pants.....this soup is SUPER good. A bit richer than your run of the mill vegetable/minestrone but not heavy like a chowder or anything. It's called Asparagus, Pancetta and Rice Soup with Black Pepper.

Heat a stock pot over medium heat and add 2 cups chopped onions (I am not a huge onion fan, so I try to chop these up as finely as possible). Let them sizzle and sweat for around 10-15 minutes. Do not let them brown. Add 1/2 cup white (or wild) rice and 3 cups chicken stock (homemade, preferably). If you use homemade, add 1/2 cup water as well. If not, use low sodium stock. Cover and allow to simmer until rice is nutty and cooked.

While the onions are sweating, slice one bunch of asparagus thin (1/8 inch) at a slant. Remove woody ends before slicing. Chop up 3 oz of pancetta into a dice. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet and throw in asparagus and pancetta. Give it a quick stir to coat and allow to cook without touching until it starts to brown around the edge of the pan. Stir around and allow to sit again. It should shrink aboue 1/3 in size.

Once cooked, add to the soup (after the rice is ready) and add lots of freshly ground pepper. I have never been a big pepper person but the first time I made this I was VERY generous with the pepper and it really adds to it. Taste to your preference. It's meant to be peppery but obviously you can put however much you like.

Serve hot, I top with some grated parm!

Is it wrong that I was totally crushed when you said today that your last name isn't Smith? I've gotten so used to thinking of you as a Miss Smith that it's really throwing me off entertaining the notion that you may actually have another last name!

Thank you Jezebelles for the support and kind words.

I am growing and learning; healing. But, there are some days when I just want to curl up on the couch and cry. Then drink a bottle ... I mean glass of wine and watch VM or some other kick-ass heroine.

All in time I suppose ... :D

Why thank you, I try and contribute things every once in a while.

@Miss Smith Drank Your Vodka: I don't see that happening anytime soon!

@Miss Smith Drank Your Vodka: A lot of the "founding" commenters have left. I don't miss some, but I do miss most :-(

Yeah, I've jumped the Jezebel ship in favor of less whiny waters. And what's this about a hospital stay? Are you okay now?

You were joking about the fiasco, right?

Hey, after catching up on my reading, I'd be happy to change the offer to coffee. And I stay at my job for the insurance. I crash my bike too much to go without. The minute I stop cycling, I'm out.

It sounds like you're having quite the self-reflection. It's scary and unnerving, but I'm proud of you for taking the time to do what you want. I think you are going to be much, much happier this way. Three cheers for taking control of your life!!