It seems like only yesterday that I was bemoaning the end of summer.  Okay, it was only yesterday.  But today we got the first little nip in the air that reminded me that Fall is on its way, and I couldn’t be happier about it.  I know that it’s only the beginning of September, and the temperature only dropped to 58 degrees, but since it was in the high 90′s last week, that’s quite a big jump for this southern girl. (I have a mental bet here on who will be the first to point out that I said southern girl and not California girl.)

Chilled fingers, toes, and noses just beg for comfort from warm soups.  And that’s exactly what I have to share with you today.  A warm, hearty soup with the taste of lingering summer.

Sweet Cherry Lentil Soup

by Heather

Ingredients:

• 2 c. lentils, uncooked
• 2 c. cherries, quartered
• 6 c. vegetable broth
• 2 c. chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 2 T. fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Directions:

1.  Saute the onion and garlic in olive oil.  Add thyme leaves when the onions become translucent.

2.  Place all ingredients, including the sauteed vegetables, in a large stock pot and bring it to a boil.  Stir and simmer until the lentils are tender.

Serves 6-8

I had to dip into my cherry stash, because I was out of fresh cherries.  All summer I’ve been buying fresh cherries, pitting them, and freezing and storing them for winter.  That really makes me sound like a squirrel, doesn’t it?

Free tip of the day:  Go buy three bags of fresh, organic cherries before it’s too late! Smoothies and Sweet Cherry Lentil Soup are only two of the many ways that you can enjoy a little taste of summer through the long winter months.

For more cherry recipes, try my Chili Cherry Hummus or my Sweet Cherry Salsa.

What is your favorite way to enjoy cherries?

This recipe is linked to:

• Seasonal Sundays hosted by Brittany of Real Sustenance
• Slightly Indulgent Tuesday hosted by Amy of Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free
• Gluten-Free Wednesdays hosted by Linda of The Gluten-Free Homemaker