Cranky McGee always walked around with a frown on his face. Nothing could make him happy. Children would cross his path, and he’d scoff. Puppies would wag their tails at him, and he’d cringe. One day, Cranky’s mother said, “Cranky, I’ve had enough of this! I know how to make you happy! I’m going to make you a black bean soup.” Cranky replied that he liked black bean soups, but not enough to make him smile. His mom said, “Wait, I’m not finished. I’m going to add cumin, sun dried tomatoes, and chili paste too.” He stopped smirking but still, you could see he wasn’t convinced. “Finally, I’m going to add wheat berries. Hearty, nutty-flavored (but not real nuts!!), wheat berries.” Not only did Cranky smile, but he began to dance. When his mother finished the soup, he took a few bites and then started dancing with his bowl of soup. He danced out the door and down the street. He shared his soup with children, puppies, and anyone else who wanted a taste. By the end of the day, the whole town was dancing with the delicious soup. As evening came, he sat down with his mother, and said, “Listen, thank you so much for making me so happy. One bone to pick with you – why did you have to name me Cranky McGee. Kind of a self fulfilling prophecy, don’t you think?”

Ingredients (in no particular order): black beans, wheat berries, cumin, chipotle chili paste, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, carrot, garlic, celery, onion, salt, pepper, olive oil, homemade vegetable stock goodness

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