Soup
Tag Archives: Soup
The phrase “Use your noodle!” is another way of saying, “make use of your intelligence!” My parents instilled in me the idea that there are many ways to get things accomplished. Sometimes all it takes is a little brainpower. Both Dad and Mom were experts at solving “how-am-I-going-to-do-this” problems. Their methods may have been unconventional; however, they usually worked – at least temporarily. My late husband was another great problem solver, and the two of us worked together on many…..
Here we are in February, which happens to be National Canned Food Month. Lots of different edible items are available in cans, and those of us who have gardens often save our produce by canning it in jars. In this case, “can” refers to a container. The word “can” also has another definition. When used as a verb, it means “to be able to.” An example, “I can do this!” Last week, I wrote about a dilemma I was facing. …..
One thing I learned early in life is that it is a blessing to have good neighbors. My childhood was spent in a suburb of Knoxville, Tennessee. Known as “Fountain City,” it was annexed by the larger municipality during my early elementary school years. My family resided in a fairly stable neighborhood. For the most part, there was not a lot of turnover. Our house was located on the corner of Balsam Drive and Pine View. Across the street from…..
Another holiday is coming up, and sometimes I find it hard to face the idea that there will be someone missing at my Thanksgiving table. I remember the first meal my family had together after my husband graduated to Heaven. Things got quiet when we bowed our heads for the blessing of our food, but this time the silence wasn’t broken by the voice that usually offered our prayer. I am not sure who stepped into the void; the main…..
Someone forgot to tell the weatherman that November is an autumn month. The forecast for the next several days sounds more like winter. By the time this column comes out in the newspaper, we will know if we have descended to the predicted lows, which could be record-breaking. All I have to say is “Brrrrrrr!” Since last week’s weather forecast kept mentioning the cold front headed our direction, I decided that this would be an excellent time to get out…..
Remember the cartoon character Popeye? The one who was “strong to the finish” because he ate his spinach? October must have been his favorite time of year, as it has been designated as National Spinach-Lovers’ Month. I learned to eat many different types of greens when I was a child. It seemed like my mother loved them all. Kale, collards, mustard, turnip greens, and even pokeweed were often served as side dishes at family mealtimes. Notice what is missing? Spinach. …..
I am so ready for a luscious red tomato from my garden. I have had a few Juliet grape tomatoes and some yellow cherry tomatoes; however, the larger varieties are a long way from ripening. I would settle for a large yellow tomato, but they are nowhere near ripe, either. Bacon and tomatoes just go together. One of the best treats of summer is a bacon-and-tomato sandwich (I use Miracle Whip on mine; no mayo, thanks) with lots of black…..
I think all the hubbub of the Christmas season finally got to me. I found myself pushed to the limits of my strength many times; however, I kept on going. The last few days before the holiday were quite stressful and I did something I was determined not to do – I sat up late Christmas Eve finishing the last sewing project for a grandchild. For me, it was truly a “sea-son.” I stitched four shark blankets – one for…..
Make-Your-Own Condensed Soup 2 tablespoons butter 6 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon onion powder Dash cayenne pepper 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk (I have substituted 12 ounces of unsweetened almond milk) 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock 1/2 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend (such as Mrs. Dash) One of these, with its seasonings: Asparagus: 2 cups; 1 teaspoon lemon juice, dash of nutmeg or mace Broccoli: 2 cups; 1/2 teaspoon rubbed thyme, dash of garlic…..
Cream of Anything Soup In a soup pot, over medium heat, melt and brown: 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons flour Add: 1 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper Dash cayenne pepper Add: 1-1/2 cups milk 2 cups chicken broth or stock 1/2 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend (such as Mrs. Dash) 1 teaspoon onion powder or a small chopped onion Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Choose ONE of the following vegetables (pureed or chopped) and add…..