Shelborne South Beach is collaborating with artist Becky Robbins to showcase her impactful artistry this summer. For the last decade, Robbins, a self-taught artist, has poured her time and energy into crafting oil paintings that intricately weave together her past and present. Organic in practice, nothing is planned when Robbins stands before a blank canvas to paint; though, she often splashes canvases with images of human faces, animals, flora, fauna, and texts that showcase her love of Earth and humanity. Robbins typically starts with one thought— an inspiration from a photograph she took or saw in a magazine, or something that came to her during daily morning meditation— and that one concept leads to another and another. She connects individual images through ropes or a string of music notes so that each piece feels cohesive. The entire process can take Robbins anywhere from six months to a year to finish an original painting. Robbins’ most recent collection is titled “Yūgen,” a concept that is at the core of the appreciation of beauty and art in Japan. Pieces in the collection and on display at the Shelborne include “Revolution of Consciousness”, which depicts a powerful yet comforting message around our global time of great upheaval, healing and change. Another piece on display at the hotel includes “Love Is Still The Answer,” which explores Robbins’ intuition and inspiration for creative ideas like images depicting the Golden Mean, collected in artistic display on a canvas. Her expression is further influenced by music, with this particular piece drawing inspiration from a song by Jason Mraz and culminating in an epiphany: that love is still the answer. Other pieces in the “Yūgen" collection include the "Pale Blue Dot," referencing our journey on this tiny planet, and "Leap of Faith," which revolves around taking risks. In addition to her originals on oil, Robbins sells limited edition prints which are beautifully floated on a background and framed. By ML Staff. Photo Credit: Becky Robbins

Local nonprofit organizations have stepped up in an effort to support the community, individuals and families impacted by the Champlain Tower collapse in Surfside. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade: In an effort to support the community, individuals and families impacted by the Champlain Tower collapse in Surfside, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade is providing displaced area youth access to its 2021 in-person Summer Camp at no cost. Children from Champlain Towers’ three buildings will be granted access to attend summer camp at any of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s four locations. Summer Camp is offered at the Hank Kline, Northwest, Kendall and South Beach Clubs, and staffed by qualified full-time and summer staff. The Summer Camp program enables children to learn values such as friendship, honesty and teamwork by providing a safe and secure environment where they can develop into productive and independent young adults. Children participate in fun indoor activities such as arts and crafts, computer room, game room, table games, movie room, basketball and much more. Outdoor activities include organized group games. Field trips are also offered to exciting locations and events. The in-person Summer Camp program is open to all boys and girls ages 5–17 (must be entering kindergarten in the fall; cannot turn 17 before Sept. 1, 2021), and runs Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; however, counselors are available to supervise children from 8:15 a.m.–6 p.m. A nutritious lunch and afternoon snack is provided daily at no additional cost, or children may bring their own lunch. At each Club, awards will be given to recognize the boys and girls who have made a positive contribution to the Summer Camp program. For more information or to register, please visit https://bgcmia.org/summer-camps/ or contact Diana Perez at dperez@bgcmia.org. Feeding South Florida: Feeding South Florida is coordinating and providing the logistics for the donation of supplies for the Champlain Tower collapse in Surfside. Feeding South Florida is in direct and consistent contact with the Town of Surfside, The American Red Cross and Volunteer Florida. Feeding South Florida is currently accepting the following high priority items: Unopened, unused hygiene/personal care items (not used) Cleaning supplies Diapers NEW bedding and towels (not used) Non-perishable food Water They are unable to accept the following items: Used bedding Used clothing Used towels Opened personal/hygiene items Drop-off hours are Monday-Friday, 9 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 4 p.m. at Feeding South Florida’s warehouse located at 2501 SW 32 Terrace, Pembroke Park, 33023. For everyone's safety, Feeding South Florida is still observing COVID-19 protocols. Monetary donation are most helpful in any disaster, they provide the most flexibility for organizations and individuals to purchase what they need. Monetary donations for Surfside can be made at supportsurfside.org. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash

1212 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach is welcoming New York’s iconic restaurant Sadelle’s by Major Food Group in 2022. This new venture is an expanded, first-of-its kind version of Major Food Group’s renowned brunch institution. Sadelle’s joins an already impressive collection of popular lifestyle brands at the crossroads of Alton and Lincoln Roads including Miami’s first open-air movie theater Rooftop Cinema Club, Sunlife Organics, and Barry's Bootcamp. The vision behind this launch is for the 10,000-square-foot restaurant and market to become a legendary dining and retail anchor for the dynamic neighborhood. With locations in New York City's SoHo, The Bellagio in Las Vegas, and Kith Paris, Sadelle's draws crowds from around the world for its extraordinary bagels, baked goods, sliced-to-order salmon, chopped salads, decadent sandwiches, and other New York City appetizing classics, all served in a refined setting. At 1212 Lincoln Road, for the first time ever, the full-service restaurant will also consist of an all-day market offering the full selection of Sadelle’s classics, as well as a range of prepared foods and the finest specialty pantry items curated by Major Food Group’s Michelin-starred chefs. 1212 Lincoln Road, developed by Crescent Heights, is a part of a wave of Miami Beach revitalization which appeals to locals and tourists alike. A full-block neighborhood project, 1212 Lincoln Road is complemented by several other hospitality concepts including famed Bodega Taqueria y Tequila and Pizza Bar. By ML Staff. Images by 122 Lincoln Road

To kick off Dab Day, also known as Oil Day, One Plant Florida is hosting patient appreciation events outside of its eight retail locations. Celebrated annually throughout the cannabis industry on July 10, Dab Day received its name because the number 710 upside down spells OIL. On Saturday, July 10, attendees can enjoy delicious bites from a local food truck, live music and an array of different vendors at OnePlant’s locations in Avon Park, Bonita Springs, Boynton Beach, Fern Park, Jacksonville Beach, Ocala, Port St. Lucie and St. Petersburg, Florida. One Plant will assist qualified patients in registering in its system and teach patients how to place delivery orders. The retail dispensary and retail hubs will also be open for patients who have a medical marijuana card. One Plant is a leading medical cannabis company in Florida with a sharp focus on extraordinary patient care. One Plant cultivates, processes, dispenses and retails medical cannabis to qualified patients throughout the State of Florida through multiple retail dispensaries and an innovative next-day door-to-door e-commerce home delivery service. The locations offer access to One Plant’s top-shelf genetics, hang-dried and hand-trimmed flower, vape products, concentrates and merchandise through an in-store experience, curbside pickup or home delivery. Offerings include prime and rare strains of cannabis flower and pre rolls including Mac1, Runtz, London Pound Cake, Blueberry Muffin, Dirty Lemons, ChemD, Fish Whistle, Apple Fritter, Marshmallow OG, Watermelon Gushers, and I75, among others. One Plant also offers premium solventless ice hash products including live rosin, bubble hash, live rosin jam, fresh press jam, live rosin vaporizer cartridges, as well as traditional distillate products including vaporizer cartridges, tinctures, and topicals. When / Where: Saturday, July 10. Hours vary per location. One Plant Avon Park – 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 299 US Hwy. 27 South Avon Park, FL 33825 One Plant Bonita Springs – 12:00-6:00 p.m. 28500 Bonita Crossings Blvd. Bonita Springs, FL, 34135 One Plant Boynton Beach – 2:00-7:00 p.m. 202 E. Boynton Beach Blvd. Boynton Beach, FL 33435 One Plant Fern Park – 12:00-6:00 p.m. 134 Fernwood Blvd. Fern Park, FL 32730 One Plant Jacksonville Beach – 12:00-5:00 p.m. 1161 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 One Plant Ocala – 12:00-5:00 p.m. 811 NE 36th Ave. Ocala, FL 34470 One Plant Port St. Lucie – 2:00-8:00 p.m. 7510 South Federal Hwy. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 One Plant St. Petersburg – 2:00-7:00 p.m. 150 22nd St. South St. Petersburg, FL 33712 Cost: Free About Bluma Wellness Inc. Bluma Wellness Inc., a subsidiary of Cresco Labs Inc. owns and operates a vertically-integrated, licensed medical cannabis company in the State of Florida doing business as “One Plant Florida.” One Plant Florida cultivates, processes, dispenses, and retails medical cannabis to qualified patients in the State of Florida through multiple retail dispensaries and an innovative next-day door-to-door e-commerce home delivery service, thereby offering convenient access for its patients and meeting the demands of an evolving retail landscape. Bluma plans to continue expanding its cultivation, distribution, and retail operations as the Florida market grows. For more information, visit www.blumawellness.com or www.oneplant.us. More on Cresco Labs Inc. Cresco Labs is one of the largest vertically integrated multistate cannabis operators in the United States, with a mission to normalize and professionalize the cannabis industry. Employing a consumer-packaged goods (“CPG”) approach, Cresco Labs is the largest wholesaler of branded cannabis products in the U.S. Its brands are designed to meet the needs of all consumer segments and comprised of some of the most recognized and trusted national brands including Cresco, High Supply, Mindy's Edibles, Good News, Remedi, Wonder Wellness Co. and FloraCal Farms. Sunnyside, Cresco Labs’ national dispensary brand, is a wellness-focused retailer created to build trust, education and convenience for both existing and new cannabis consumers. Recognizing that the cannabis industry is poised to become one of the leading job creators in the country, Cresco Labs operates the industry’s largest Social Equity and Educational Development initiative, SEED, which was established to ensure that all members of society have the skills, knowledge and opportunity to work and own businesses in the cannabis industry. Learn more about Cresco Labs at www.crescolabs.com. ### By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash

Miami-Dade County named a street to honor the late Kenny Wilcox who was a Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade employee for 40 years when he suddenly passed away in 2017. The street in front of the Northwest Club was named “Kenny ‘Coach’ Wilcox Way.” At the dedication, Kenny’s family, friends and colleagues were present to honor him and his lifelong dedication to the Club and creating great futures for area youth. His impact on many is his legacy. For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, visit bgcmia.org. By ML Staff. Images by BGCMiam.org

In an effort to connect with the cannabis community and provide the necessary resources, Mr. Cannabis Law, Medical Marijuana Business Association of Florida (MMBAF), Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM), and Cannacore Group are collaborating to host the virtual panel discussion, “Florida Marijuana Licensing: What’s Next?” on Tuesday, July 6 at 4 p.m. Are you interested in entering the Florida cannabis industry? During this informative one-hour webinar, cannabis industry advocates will come together to discuss what to expect for the next round of Florida marijuana business applications. Florida will see a second application process open up in the near future. The licenses available will be vertically integrated, meaning the business that operates the license is required to cultivate, manufacture and sell medical marijuana to qualified patients. Moderated by Paula Savchenko, founder of Cannacore Group and PS Law Group, panelists include Dustin Robinson, founding partner of Mr. Cannabis Law, co-founder of Mr. Psychedelic Law, and managing principal at Iter Investments; Erik Range, board chair of MM4M, founder of Hemp & Fork, cannabis consultant, advocate, and industry influencer; and Dr. Jeffrey Sharkey, founder of MMBAF and managing partner of Capitol Alliance Group. Free to participate. To RSVP, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IgV6yPxtTrK_cXEeuGNLxg

Now available in South Florida! L’Chaim Farm, the only Cholov Yisroel Kosher farm in Florida, is hosting its Farmers Market every Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The products are grown and produced on-site at L’Chaim Farm, using the highest standards of organic farming practices. What/Who: At the Farmers Market, guests can purchase products, including a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs, a selection of KM-certified, Cholov Yisroel goat’s milk products (butter, regular milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, cold brew, buttermilk and cheese), free range eggs and more. There is a goat milking demo each Sunday at 12:15 p.m., and guests can also meet and pet the goats. The Farmers Markets will include a variety of new activities each week, including horseback riding, axe throwing, fishing, cornhole, giant Jenga, horseshoes, bocce ball and more. Guests can also take a tour of the greenhouse with Farm Manager Jordan Holder. L’Chaim Farm Head Chef Yosef Schwartz brings a passion for Kosher foods and flavors to L’Chaim Farm. He has a long history with food delivery services and even founded his own Kosher catering company, Hassid + Hipster. Each Thursday, L’Chaim Farm also offers a selection of fresh produce and goat’s milk products for its Shabbat Pick Up from 2-6 p.m. When: Every Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Where: L’Chaim Farm 5511 Woodland Lane, Dania Beach, FL, 33312 Cost: $3 for kids $5 for adults Free for children under 3 How: Visit www.lchaimfarm.com for more information. More on L’Chaim Farm Founded by Adam Hendry, L’Chaim Farm is a family-oriented farm that offers Kosher products. The products are grown and produced on-site, using the highest standards of organic farming practices. The 6.5-acre urban farm, which is located in the heart of an orthodox Jewish neighborhood bordering Dania Beach and Hollywood, FL, is the only Cholov Yisroel Kosher Farm in Florida. L’Chaim Farm goes back to the traditional way of Jewish farming that respects the land and its people. Shabbat Pick Up takes place on Thursdays from 2-6 p.m. Every Sunday, it hosts a Farmers Market from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. L’Chaim Farm is located at 5511 Woodland Lane, Dania Beach, FL, 33312. To learn more, visit www.lchaimfarm.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of L’Chaim Farm

Tabler, the comprehensive nightlife social networking and sharing economy app, announces its debut in the Miami market. As the first platform that connects table sharing, inviting, and joining, Tabler allows members to pick their own crowds, meet new people, share costs and get exclusive tables at the best clubs around the world. App users can find all kinds of table options and people to party with on the app, from students to models to creators to artists. Tabler aims to forge new friendships and connect people of all ages, genders, nationalities, and backgrounds. Launched in 2019 by Germany-based founders Alan Amadej Eferl and Deni Sebastian Eferl, Tabler has users in nearly 70 countries and is being used by popular influencers and celebrities across the globe. The app’s top markets include London, Tokyo, and Mykonos, with Miami as its newest destination. “As a premier nightlife destination, Miami was a natural choice for our next expansion,’’ said Tabler’s COO Alan A. Eferl. “The nightlife and hospitality markets are booming, as people eagerly seek out their post-pandemic lifestyle and search for new ways to socialize in a safe environment. We want to provide a seamless, exclusive, and more affordable nightlife experience for both Miami locals and travelers looking to enjoy a night out.” Tabler users start by creating their personal profiles with images and a bio, and from there, they can curate their night out. The host selects a club of their own choosing and specifies how many people they would like to invite to join their table. They sort through other members to invite based on personal interest, industry, age group, etc. Additionally, the host has the option to ask others to split the cost of the table with them, making nightclub experiences attainable for those who may not typically be able to purchase a table on their own. Tabler members will also have access to certain VIP amenities, such as skipping the lines at certain venues. In an effort to make its members feel more secure, Tabler recently introduced a new “private table share” feature to allow for quarantine-safe events. Hosts can also determine a price for friends to help split the costs of food and beverages through the app, eliminating the hassle of requesting individual payments from guests. “Currently, there’s no easy way to share, invite others or join a table in nightclubs around the world,” said CEO Deni S. Eferl. “On top of that, it’s a struggle for so many to meet new people, and that’s been amplified by the pandemic. By intertwining a social network, dating, and sharing app, we’ve created a platform that excites and empowers people to socialize again, whether it be in a VIP club setting or in the comfort of their own home. We’re confident Miami will embrace this concept completely.” Tabler is available to download on the Apple and Android app store and Google Play. For more information about Tabler, visit tablerapp.com. About Tabler Launched in 2019 by Germany-based founders Alan Amadej Eferl and Deni Sebastian Eferl, Tabler is the first comprehensive nightlife social networking and sharing economy app. The platform allows app users to pick their own crowds, meet new people, share costs and get exclusive tables at the best clubs around the world. To date, Tabler has users in nearly 70 countries and is being used by popular influencers and celebrities across the globe. The app’s top markets include London, Tokyo, and Mykonos, with Miami as its newest destination. For more information about Tabler, visit tablerapp.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Tabler

The pandemic stopped the world of music on its tracks, forcing Miami International Piano Festival to reset. That is precisely what we have done, emerging this season stronger than ever and with a renewed sense of appreciation for, and commitment to, the great artists we have embraced throughout all of these years. LIVE Concerts are back! MIPFA Three-Day Summer Seminars Miami International Piano Festival is thrilled to announce the in-person reemergence of the Miami International Piano Festival for the 2021–2022 season. The Grand Opening will take place on October 16–17, featuring six extraordinary artists performing works from the solo and concerto repertoire. More information soon on our renovated website. Miami International Piano Festival Academy Summer seminars with our stellar faculty We are also excited that our state-of-the-art Virtual Platform’s Academy miamipianofestacademy.com will present this summer's Three-Day seminar. Led by many of our renowned artists and focusing on a specific repertoire, these seminars will be limited to six pianists at a time, but observers will be welcomed to attend these musically enriching sessions. Observer registration will remain open until 48 hours before each seminar is set to begin. During the Three–Day Seminar, one of our great artists will work with two or three participants per session, while the rest of the participants will have a rare opportunity to interact with questions related to the topic, in the group-engaging tradition of Franz Liszt and Artur Schnabel. All sessions will be recorded and made available for participants and observers to view through our archives in the platform. Visit now MIPFA. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Miami International Piano Festival

Jack & Jill Center announced that high school graduates from its new Madelaine Halmos Academy (MHA) will be awarded a 2-year college scholarship at a family and student preview party for the new state-of-the-art elementary school building. Elementary-age students along with their families toured the building and received the surprise announcement that each child who continues his or her education to graduate from high school will receive a 2-year college scholarship from the Jack & Jill Center Opportunity Scholarship Fund. The Jack & Jill Center Opportunity Scholarship Fund is being presented to 140 children enrolled in second through fourth grade – the classes of 2029, 2030, and 2031. Steve and Madelaine Halmos have graciously underwritten the scholarship fund. “Madelaine and I hope to give kids from high-need families the same opportunity to live the American Dream that we’ve had. That opportunity is built on a foundation of a great education,” said Steve Halmos, honorary co-chair of the Madelaine Halmos Academy Capital Campaign. The Jack & Jill Center Opportunity Scholarship Fund aligns with Jack & Jill Center’s credo of giving high-need families a hand up, not a handout. In order to receive the scholarship, students will be required to do their part and graduate high school on time. This scholarship program, available for every student, is unparalleled to other Elementary Schools in Florida and across the nation. “With this new state-of-the-art school, we are able to significantly enhance our ability to develop lifelong learners with the potential for prosperous futures,” said Heather Siskind, CEO of Jack & Jill Center, “We are very thankful to the Halmos family and the community for their dedication to helping these children achieve success. The Jack & Jill Center Opportunity Scholarship Fund will provide even further assistance to help put the students on the path to a great future.” Now housed at a leased space, the brand-new state-of-the-art MHA is the tangible result of a $10.6 million fundraising effort, $9.7 million of which has already been raised to date by the Madelaine Halmos Academy Capital Campaign. MHA’s kindergarten–fifth grade program will serve 220 total students from high-need families, including early education and elementary school education, who will benefit from the Jack & Jill education program. MHA’s new building will create 37 new full-time jobs. MHA will be fully operational on June 21, coinciding with the commencement of its STEAM Summer Camp. Early education is offered year-round, which has earned the highest level of accreditation and one of only a few in Broward County to be awarded with this accreditation. Most MHA students will come from high-need families and receive tuition funding from Step Up for Students, a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that helps administer five scholarships for Florida school children. MHA provides a safe, academically sound and socially supportive environment for all learners. With its new building, MHA is significantly extending its offerings by providing an accredited school incorporating research-based best practices. Some of MHA’s features include a technology-driven STEAM curriculum; dedicated, highly-skilled staff and educators with low student to teacher ratios; extended school day for students; daily healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks; extracurricular activities fostering healthy social-emotional growth and personal development, educational field trips, a quality after-school program to include enriched after-school and summer camp experiences, and on-site counseling and therapeutic services. Fundraising momentum is still high to reach that goal, and the Campaign is seeking additional donors. For more information or to donate to the Madelaine Halmos Academy Capital Campaign, contact Chief Development Officer Maria Meyer at 954.463.8772 ext. 203 or mmeyer@jackandjillcenter.org, or visit www.jackandjillcenter.org/mha-campaign/. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of J&J Center

A timeless collection of jewelry that evokes the eternal nature of love. Gucci releases Gucci Link to Love, a new collection of contemporary, gender-neutral jewelry representing the infinite cycles of life, romance and togetherness. A selection of sleek, geometric styles that can be stacked together, these pieces are reminiscent of the ‘80s but with a modern feel: once gifted, they literally create a link to love. The collection is crafted in three colors of gold – yellow, white, and pink – and includes rings, bracelets, necklaces, and a variety of earrings. The GUCCI logo is used throughout as a decorative element, infusing pieces with brand recognition. The octagonal shape of the rings and rigid bracelets evokes the idea of the number eight as a symbol of infinity, but it also allows for perfect stacking. The selection comes in 18 kt white, yellow, or pink gold, in a plain finish, with studs, or finely engraved with modern-looking stripes. The rings are available in different widths, from three to six millimeters. The bracelets feature an easy-to-open clasp. Some rings are embellished with gemstones and diamonds: the plain band comes in white gold set with a pavé of diamonds, while the striped version is set with green tourmalines, rubellites, or baguette-cut diamonds. The collection also includes fine necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, all featuring a small bar pendant displaying the GUCCI logo as a graphic detail. The necklaces with a delicate chain and a central bar pendant come in 18 kt yellow or pink gold, as well as in white gold with a diamond-set bar. A new addition, the Lariat necklace, which emphasizes the neckline in a refined way, comes in 18 kt yellow and pink gold, or white gold with diamonds, and loops around the neck without a clasp, fastening through a sliding circle element. The chain is finished with a bar pendant. Similarly, fine bracelets and earrings are offered in 18kt yellow and pink gold, or white gold with a diamond-set bar. The pendant earrings have a dangling design and a thin chain. The bracelets are adjustable in length, thanks to a special closing mechanism: the clasp closes directly onto the chain and is blocked by two studs. The collection is also featured in images and a film shot by Angelo Pennetta. Taking inspiration from ‘60s fashion and beauty editorials, the campaign comprises a series of close-ups in a lively and modern interpretation of vintage portraiture, while playful hand gestures and strong poses allow the jewelry to shine at the forefront of each composition. #GucciLinktoLove Campaign Credits: Creative Director: Alessandro Michele Art Director: Christopher Simmonds Photographer/Director: Angelo Pennetta Make Up Artist: Thomas De Kluyver Hair Stylist: Malcolm Edwards By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Gucci

Teeming with vegetables, legumes, and pasta, this hearty pasta e fagioli soup is perfect for chilly nights. Pasta e fagioli — literally “pasta and beans” — is a heartwarming Italian soup, perfect for a chilly night. There are countless recipes but this one, given to me by my dear friend Tracy Santoro and adapted from Chef Joe Cicala’s recipe in The Washington Post, is the best I’ve tried. The base of the soup is made with pancetta, vegetables, and white wine, which add tremendous depth of flavor, and the broth is thickened slightly with puréed beans, which makes it rich and satisfying. Serve it with Rosemary Focaccia and a Big Italian Salad — I promise, it will warm you up and make you happy! WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE PASTA E FAGIOLI Before we get started, a few words about the ingredients. Pancetta is simply Italian bacon. Instead of being smoked like American bacon, it is cured with salt and spices and then dried. You can find it in the deli at most supermarkets or precut and packaged in the refrigerated gourmet foods' aisle, which is a great time saver. For the wine, be sure to use something inexpensive but still good enough to drink (no supermarket cooking wine!). Since the recipe only calls for 1/2 cup, feel free to use one of those mini bottles sold in packs of four — they are great for keeping on hand for cooking. For the lentils, I prefer French green lentils (or lentilles du Puy) because they hold their shape when cooked (you can always find them at Whole Foods) but if you can’t get them, any brown or green lentils are fine. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot. Add the pancetta and cook until the fat begins to render, about 5 minutes. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until the onions become translucent. Pour in the white wine and cook until almost evaporated. Next, add the broth, salt, pepper, beans lentils, tomatoes, bay leaves and rosemary. Bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, 20-30 minutes, depending on the type of lentils you used. Use a slotted spoon to transfer about one cup of the beans and a little broth to a blender. Purée until smooth and set aside. Meanwhile, add the dried pasta to the simmering broth. Cook until the pasta is tender, then add the reserved bean purée back to the pot. The broth will be slightly thickened from both the pasta starch and the bean purée. If the soup seems too thick, thin it with a bit of water. Stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Ladle the pasta e fagioli into bowls. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil and sprinkle with more cheese, if desired. Enjoy! Pasta Fagioli By Jennifer Segal, adapted from Chef Joe Cicala's recipe in the The Washington Post Teeming with vegetables, legumes, and pasta, this hearty pasta e fagioli soup is perfect for chilly nights. Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Total Time: 45 Minutes INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving 4 ounces pancetta, diced 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced 2 medium carrots, finely diced 2 medium ribs celery, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup white wine 6 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 (14.5 ounces) cans cannellini beans or chickpeas (or combination), rinsed and drained 1/4 cup dried lentils, rinsed (preferably French green lentils, but any green or brown lentils are fine) 1 cup diced or chopped canned tomatoes, with their juices 2 bay leaves 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary 3/4 cup dried pasta, such as elbow macaroni or ditalini (whole wheat is fine) 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving INSTRUCTIONS Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the pancetta and cook until the fat begins to render, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and increase the heat to medium; cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more, stirring constantly, so the garlic doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan and burn. Add the wine and cook until it has nearly evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, salt, pepper, beans, lentils, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the lentils are just tender, 15-30 minutes, depending on the type of lentils you used. Use a slotted spoon to transfer 1 cup of the bean mixture and a little liquid to a blender. Remove the center knob, so steam can escape. Hold a paper towel or kitchen towel over the opening to prevent splatters. Purée until smooth and set aside. Add the dried pasta to the pot and stir to incorporate. Turn the heat up to a gentle boil and cook until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, anywhere from 8-12 minutes depending on the type of pasta you used. The soup will thicken a bit by the time the pasta is cooked. Fish out and discard the bay leaves. Stir the reserved puréed bean mixture into the soup. (If you're having a hard time getting the mixture out of the blender, remove as much as you can with a rubber spatula, then add some hot soup broth to it and swirl around to loosen it up; it should come right out.) Cook briefly, until the soup is heated through. Remove the soup from heat and stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano. If the soup seems too thick, gradually add 1-2 cups of water or more chicken broth and thin to desired consistency (note: the longer it sits on the stove, the thicker it will get). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle each portion with a touch of extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with more cheese, if desired. Note: This soup is best served immediately; as it sits, the pasta and beans soak up the broth. If the soup gets too thick, you can thin it with a bit of broth or water. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The soup can be frozen, without the pasta, for up to 3 months. Defrost the soup in the refrigerator for 12 hours and then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until simmering, add the pasta, and cook until the pasta is tender. (The beans may have soaked up some broth while frozen, so add more broth to thin out the soup, if desired.) NUTRITION INFORMATION Per serving (4 servings) Serving size: About 2 cups Calories:691 Fat:25g Saturated fat:8g Carbohydrates:81g Sugar:7g Fiber:17g Protein:36g Sodium:1214 mg Cholesterol:26 mg Special thanks to Jennifer Segal, for the recipe and images. You can support Jennifer by purchasing her cookbook, "Once Upon a Chef, the Cookbook," featuring over 100 delightful recipes.