Saturday, October 2, 2010

Midwest Autumn and Time for Soup

Autumn Soup Pot

No Business Today
Aahhh, the sumptuous aroma of homemade soup cooking on the stove. This post has nothing to do with business. It is all about the day to day of life. Life has it's ups and downs and twists and turns. One thing I know, is that doing something real, something normal and everyday, can help me get grounded when life has other ideas in mind.


Autumn Chill
I have been away from home a couple days visiting family. Today, I spent a few hours catching up and cleaning around the house.  The last few days have been quite lovely weather, but today is very chilly and the sunshine has given way to clouds. I just checked the temperature in the house and it is 61 degrees. I have been waiting for this time of year when the weather turns colder to do one of my favorite cold weather things, make a big pot of soup or stew. And today, was the perfect day for something real, something normal and everyday, like soup.

It's All About The Soup
I went with a basic chicken soup today and it smells heavenly.  First, I sauteed some garlic in olive oil and many herbs. I don't have amounts to share with you, just a shake here and a shake there of herbs; thyme, rosemary,basil, marjoram, sage, basil, and 1/2 a bay leaf-oh, and a little salt and pepper. Then I added in two chopped up chicken breasts. Once they were browned, I added a sliced onion. When the onion was cooked through, I added a couple cups of water. Continuing on with the non-recipe, I decided to add some corn and diced carrots. Then I added in a can of mushroom soup with a can of water. Oh, and I decided to add a splash, or two, of some chardonnay. Later, I will add some cooked long grain and wild rice. My husband is picking up some fresh  bread to go with the soup. 

My soups never turn out the same way twice.  And they have almost always turned out delicious. It is a creative process that I love in the autumn. There is something so reassuring and comforting about having a simple pot of soup or stew on the stove on a cold, dark, fall or winter day. Hmmmmm, yum.  I can feel the warmth and reassurance of it already.  Actually, I can smell it.

A Simple Supper
And For Dessert?
My granddaughter is staying overnight and she wants to make cake balls!  Never heard of them, but after a little surfing for a recipe, they look simple enough. I wonder what yummy, decadent combinations of cake, frosting, toppings we can come up with?!

Stay tuned, I'll let you know how the cake balls turned out.

4 comments:

ellynvictoria said...

yes yes let me know about the cake!

Lyn said...

I have mixed feelings about the cake balls. They are oh,so sweet and rich and definately better after they chill awhile. I didn't use as much frosting as I was supposed and still think it was too much. Pictures to follow soon.
Lyn

Anonymous said...

It brought tears to my eyes when I saw the picture of "A Simple supper". It looks just like something out of a country magazine. Makes me want to be there for the lovely supper and wonderful company.

Love always,
Gloria

Lyn said...

I wish you were here, too. Your company is missed, my friend.