Not until you've tasted this divine soup can you imagine that walnuts could be credited for bringing such rich flavor and creamy texture to a soup. With so few ingredients to assemble, you can whip up this tasty soup in close to 30 minutes and enjoy it for a light lunch along with salad or as a starter for dinner. A hearty bowl of soup and hearty whole- grain bread or whole wheat pita seem like perfect partners. Provide a tasty spread like hummus, and you've got the makings of a terrific meal.

CALIFORNIA WALNUT SOUP

Yield: 4 servings

1 cup (240 ml) walnuts

2 cups (480 ml) chopped celery (about 3 ribs)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 (120 ml) cup water
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

3 cups (720 ml) unsweetened soymilk
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red miso
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
Freshly ground pepper

Paprika
1 tablespoon veggie bacon bits
1 green onion, green part only, sliced

1. Toast the walnuts in a deep skillet over high heat, stirring frequently for about 1 to 2 minutes and remove them to a dish to cool.
2. Combine the celery, onions, garlic, water, and olive oil in a 6 to 8-quart (6 to 8 liter) stockpot and cook and stir over high heat for about 7 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and transparent. Add small amounts of water as needed while cooking.
3. Transfer all the vegetables to the blender, or transfer them in 2 batches, add the toasted walnuts, soymilk, miso, salt, tarragon, and pepper and process on low speed for a few seconds. Switch to high speed and process for 30 to 40 seconds, or until the soup is thoroughly pureed and creamy.
4. Return the soup to the stockpot and gently warm it over medium heat. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of paprika, veggie bacon bits, and sliced green onions before serving.

Nowadays, Aunt Nettie just shakes her head and complains, "Nobody cooks anymore. They have no idea about puttin' a meal together." She's on a mission. She wants to help those younguns eat better so they can grow up healthy like her own eight kids.