Recipe(tried): Next Weeks Menu for dear Beth! Cuban Corn Soup (Sopa de Elote), Pasta with Currants, Olives and Pine Nuts

Of course I feel delighted and at ease to share my favorite recipes with you, dear Beth. Here is a strict vegetarian Menu. I hope you will enjoy it.

CUBAN CORN SOUP (Sopa de Elote)

Corn kernels from 8 maize ears (or 1 package frozen corn)
1 pint chicken stock
2 tb chopped coriander (cilantrillo)
1/4 pint heavy cream (might be substituted for half & half)
1 green bell pepper chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tb good olive oil
8 ounces tomato puree (or 1 can chopped tomatoes processed)
1 small squash or pumpkin, cleaned & cut in cubes
pinch of salt & pepper
1 envelope Saz n con Culantro y Achiote Goya (for the color)

Blend the corn with the stock in a processor. Add the rest of the ingredients except the cream & coriander. Mix everything in a big soup pot. Simmer the mix over low heat. Work the mixture through a sieve, return to pan & add salt & pepper, the cream & the Zaz n. Simmer until hot, but do not boil. Serve garnished with the coriander.

PASTA WITH CURRANTS, OLIVES AND PINE NUTS
Serves 8

1 lb penne pasta or Rotini
1 garlic clove finely sliced
salt to taste
fresh parsley or cilantrillo (approximately 1/4 cup Chopped)
3 tb fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1 tsp mild curry powder
1 tsp sugar or sugar substitute
pinch of ground cumin
pinch of ground pepper or my favorite, Tabasco to taste
1 cup olive oil
1 onion chopped
1/2 cup pimento stuffed green olives, chopped
1/2 cup currants or golden raisins (sultanas)
1/2 cup pine nuts
cherry tomatoes

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and transfer to large bowl. Process the garlic, salt, parsley, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, curry, sugar, cumin and pepper. Add the oil as for mayonnaise. Pour the dressing over the pasta. Add onion, olives, currants and pine nuts, season with pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until serving time. Garnish with the tomatoes and serve. This salad is delicious by itself or with meat, chicken or pork.