Lentil Soup and Painted Skies

We have been the gracious recipients of these incredible rainshowers lately! Downpour, flooding-the-road kind of rainshowers that leave behind these amazing sunset skies. Even as I type, a lingering storm is roaring it's boisterous thunder and flecks of lightning are popping through the tall windows of my sunroom.

My spectacular friend Kristin Mauer took this shot of a remarkable rainbow after one of our recent rainy days. She lives close to the water and boy oh boy it's undeniably be-yoo-ti-ful!

The rhythm of the rain always paints a dance across the sky. Thank you Kristin for having that camera ready!

A bowl of Lentil Soup fills my tummy with as much joy as the promise of this rainbow fills my soul!! Enjoy!

For you vegetarians, omit the ham and it's just as good. :)

1 cup dried lentils
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
32 ounces chicken broth
1 cup water
1 can (14 oz) stewed tomatoes

In a slow cooker combine the lentils, celery, carrots, onion, garlic and ham.
Season with basil, thyme, oregano, the bay leaf and pepper.
Stir in the chicken broth, water and tomatoes.
Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours.
Discard the bay leaf before serving.
For a kick, add a splash of hot sauce to each serving! Delish!