WHITE BEAN AND ROASTED GARLIC SOUP

Steps:

• Heat toaster oven or oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Tightly wrap garlic cloves in aluminum foil.
• Place on top shelf of oven and roast 30 to 35 minutes or until very tender.
• Set aside until cool enough to handle.
• Meanwhile, in 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
• Add onion, celery, and carrots; saute 8 to 10 minutes or until softened.
• Add water, beans, bay leaf, rosemary, and pepper.
• Heat to boiling over high heat.
• Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Break open skin of garlic cloves and squeeze softened garlic into soup mixture.
• Simmer uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove and discard bay leaf.
• In blender, puree soup mixture in several batches.
• Return puree to saucepan and reheat briefly.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• To serve, divide soup among serving bowls and garnish each with some carrot strips and a celery leaf, if desired.
• Enjoy!