WILD MUSHROOM SOUP WITH WHITE PORT and BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH TOMATO AND FENNEL and SPICED PUMPKIN, FIG, PINE NUT AND GINGER TART

We were fortunate to be invited to spend the night in the middle of the woods - although close to home, it felt like a world away. We were "warned" it was very basic, no electricity or hot water - and the guys were planning to go coon hunting once the sun went down.

I packed my book, left out the high heel shoes, and was very excited to cook and provide dinner for the group. I planned for the menu to be rustic, to equal our accommodations, and our friends offered the refined fun of wine pairings for each course.

The fire burning in the hearth, the gently lamp light and the company and conversation was warm and cozy. It was a peaceful, beautiful evening, and my husband and I took full advantage of the hiking trails around the property the next morning.

The beautiful Cabin

Treasures inside the Cabin

WILD MUSHROOM SOUP WITH WHITE PORT
PAIRED WITH A 2012 SCHUG SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR

8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
4 shallots, chopped
3 1/2 to 4 cups of dried wild mushrooms (I used porcini, lobster, wood ear and oyster)
4 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 cups white port wine
3 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups cream
salt and pepper to taste
fresh chopped parsley

Soak dried wild mushrooms in hot chicken stock for an hour. Strain, save liquid and chop mushrooms.
Saute shallots in butter until translucent. Add all the mushrooms, both fresh and wild. Cook until very little liquid remains.
Add port wine and reduce liquid again until most of it is gone. Add in flour (I mix it with a little water or broth first). Stir well. Add saved mushroom liquid, cook for half and hour at a low simmer.
Add in cream and bring just to a boil then to turn to low and simmer for half and hour.
Blend using an immersion blender to the consistency of your choice.
Add salt and pepper to taste, divide among bowls and top with parsley.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Dining Guide. February 2014
www.nwaonline.com/dining/‎

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH TOMATO AND FENNEL
PAIRED WITH A 2008 BELL SIERRA FOOTHILLS SYRAH

4 lamb shanks
1/2 cup flour
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 onions, peeled and cut in half, then sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 leek, sliced into 1/4 inch half moons
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup red wine
2 cups chicken stock
1 (28 ounce) can peeled whole tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 dried bay leaves
2 fennel bulbs, cut into half and sliced 1/4 inch thick

Heat oven to 375F.
Season lamb all over with salt and pepper. Place flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge lamb in flour, turning to coat evenly, shake off excess. Heat oil and butter in an 8 quart dutch oven, over medium heat. Working in 2 batches, cook until shanks are well browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer shanks to a large plate, drain off all but 2 tablespoons of fat.
Place dutch oven over medium heat, add onions and leek, and sauté until they are lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, cook 4 minutes more. Add red wine, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Return shanks to the dutch oven, and add chicken stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, cover and place in oven. Braise for 2 hours, add fennel and cook for 30 minutes longer.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer shanks and vegetables to a large bowl. Using a ladle, skim fat from surface of cooking liquid, cook over medium heat until liquid is thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Return shanks and vegetables to pan, cook until heated through. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

SPICED PUMPKIN, FIG, PINE NUT AND GINGER TART
PAIRED WITH A NON-VINTAGE BELL NORTH COAST BRUT

300 grams of pumpkin, peeled and cut into 1.5 cm dice
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons chopped crystallized ginger
110 grams unsalted butter, melted
200 grams of ginger cookies
6 dried figs, stems removed, sliced
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
LEMON VANILLA CREAM
2 lemons, zest and juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
100 grams of mascarpone
150 mills of chilled cream

Heat oven to 170C.
Combine pumpkin, spice, sugar, ginger and 30 grams of the butter, place on a lined cookie sheet and bake until pumpkin is tender.
Crumb ginger cookies in a food processor, and remaining butter and mix again briefly. Press into a tart tin and refrigerate.
Tip pumpkin into a bowl with figs and pine nuts and stir until combined. Spoon mixture into tart case and bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before removing from tin.
Serve with lemon vanilla cream.

LEMON VANILLA CREAM
Place lemon juice and zest in a small pan with sugar and vanilla. Bring to the boil then simmer to a thickish syrup. Cool before mixing with mascarpone. Whisk cream to soft peaks and gently stir into mascarpone mixture.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from New Zealand House and Garden
nzhouseandgarden.co.nz/‎

RED LENTIL SOUP - FAYETTEVILLE PILATES AND BARRE - RECIPEDOODLE WEDNESDAY

I absolutely love this soup!! Perfect and perfectly delicious for a busy week - the lemon juice brightens the flavor and the sweet potato deepens it.

RED LENTIL SOUP

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 celery rib, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 rounded cup of red lentils
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large saucepan, heat the oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook over moderately high heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the celery and carrot and cook over moderate heat for 5 minutes. Add the sweet potato, lentils and stock, bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, 40 minutes.
Puree the soup. Add the cumin, cayenne and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, January 2011
www.foodandwine.com/‎

VIETNAMESE NOODLE SOUP and SPICY SHRIMP NOODLE SOUP

I have eaten Pho at Vietnamese restaurants around town, but after talking with a Vietnamese friend who has made it, I was a little intimidated. However, these recipes removed the mystery, and simplified the process, making a quick and easy soup with no sacrifice to depth of flavor.

VIETNAMESE NOODLE SOUP

8 ounces rice noodles
12 ounces thinly sliced beef
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 onion, halved
1 4-inch piece ginger, unpeeled, halved
3 cups beef broth
5 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
4 green onions
2 jalapeño peppers
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
2 to 4 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 cup fresh bean sprouts

Prepare the rice noodles, as the label directs.
Season beef with salt and pepper. In a large pot over heat, sear beef until charred, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
Add the onion and ginger to the pot, cook about 4 minutes. Add the broth, 2 to 3 cups of water, the star anise and cinnamon, reduce the heat and simmer about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, thinly slice the green onions and jalapeños and tear the cilantro.
Add the fish sauce to the broth and boil for 5 minutes. Discard the ginger, star anise and cinnamon stick. Remove and slice the onion.
Drain the noodles and divide among 4 bowls. Top with the broth, beef, green onions, cilantro, bean sprouts, jalapeños and onion.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food Network
www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network...‎

SPICY SHRIMP NOODLE SOUP

3 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon sambal oelek
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 cinnamon sticks
1 (8-ounce) bottle of clam juice
1 (1-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger
1 star anise
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 ounces uncooked rice noodles
1/2 cup fresh bean sprouts
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
12 small fresh basil leaves
4 lime wedges

Combine beef broth, water, garlic, sambal oelek, fish sauce, soy sauce, cinnamon sticks, clam juice and ginger in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until reduced to 3 1/2 cups (about 12 minutes). Add shrimp, cook for 4 minutes or until done. Remove cinnamon, anise and ginger, discard. Cook rice noodles according to package directions, drain. Place 1/2 cup of noodles into each of 4 bowls, and top each serving with 1 cup stock mixture and about 5 shrimp. Sprinkle evenly with bean sprouts, cilantro and basil. Serve with lime wedges.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light, January/February 2013
www.cookinglight.com/‎

EGYPTIAN RED LENTIL SOUP

The Vernal Equinox, established when Julius Caesar designed the calendar, heralds the first day of spring, and an equal amount of day and night.
The Egyptians built the sphinx so it points toward the rising sun on this day, it is the beginning of the Persian New Year and significant in Christianity.

EGYPTIAN RED LENTIL SOUP

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder
3/4 pound tomatoes, diced
1 1/4 cups red lentils
salt
plain yogurt, lemon wedges and warm pita for serving

In a large pot, melt the butter. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, 5 minutes.
Add the cumin, coriander and chile powder and cook until fragrant, 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook just until softened, 2 minutes. Add the lentils and 4 cups of water and season with salt. Simmer over moderately low heat until the lentils are very soft, 30 minutes.
Puree the soup with an immersion blender. Season with salt and serve with yogurt, lemon wedges and warm pita.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, February 2012
www.foodandwine.com/recipes‎

CARROT COCONUT SOUP and TOMATO SOUP and SPLIT PEA AND GREEN PEA SOUP WITH FRESH DILL

This has been a particularly long, ferocious winter, with the kids missing many days of school due to the inclement weather and hazardous road conditions. There were lots of days spent inside our warm, cozy house. Icy, snowy days when I made pots of wonderful, steaming hot soup.
Even though there is no more awful weather in the forecast, it is still one of my favorite comfort foods.

CARROT COCONUT SOUP

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
1 onion, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons Thai-style chili sauce
fresh cilantro leaves (for serving)

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, until carrots are softened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in broth, coconut milk and the chili sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very soft and liquid is slightly reduced, 40 to 45 minutes.
Let soup cool slightly, puree with an immersion blender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Divide soup among bowls, garnish with cilantro.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/carrot-coconut-soup

TOMATO SOUP

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (28 ounces) crushed San Marzano tomatoes

In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter into the oil, then add the onions, garlic, thyme and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Partially cover the pot and cook until the onions and garlic are softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, continue stirring until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the stock and tomatoes, reduce heat and simmer until cooked through.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray, December 2013
www.rachaelray.com/‎

SPLIT PEA AND GREEN PEA SOUP WITH FRESH DILL

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 leek, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 cup green split peas, rinsed
4 cups chicken broth, divided
1 cup frozen petite green peas, thawed
5 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, divided

Heat oil in a heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add leek and bay leaf. Saute until leek wilts, about 3 minutes. Add split peas and stir to coat. Add 3 1/2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until split peas are just tender, about 35 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add petite peas and 4 tablespoons dill. Puree until smooth, using an immersion blender, adding more broth, if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with remaining dill.
Enjoy!

BLACK BEAN SOUP and CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE and VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP

We awoke to the message that the kids would be out of school, and there is just something about the kids being home due to inclement weather that makes me want to cook. But not just anything will do, it has to be hot, hearty fare to warm the soul as well as the stomach, and cookies!!
I made this Black Bean Soup for lunch, which my husband and I shared before he went back to work. I managed to get the kids and their friends that were over, to sit and eat, between putting on coats and gloves and trips out to the trampoline.

BLACK BEAN SOUP

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
salt and pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups chicken broth
cilantro, sliced avocado and plain Greek yogurt for serving

Heat oil in a medium pot, over medium heat. Add onion, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cumin and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add beans and broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer until beans are heated through and creamy, about 10 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.
Puree in a blender or with an immersion blender. Season with salt and pepper and rewarm. Divide soup among bowls and serve with cilantro, avocado and Greek yogurt.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
www.marthastewart.com/cook‎

CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE

In a deep pot over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in 2 chopped shallots and 1 cup of thinly sliced celery. Cook until onions are very soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon ground coriander and 1 head of chopped cauliflower. Add 1/2 cup water.
Increase heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, for about 25 to 30 minutes. Add 2 cups of chicken broth, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Puree soup using an immersion blender, until smooth.
Spoon soup into bowls and garnish with creme fraiche.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Wall Street Journal, September 2013
online.wsj.com/public/page/magazine-food.html‎

VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, diced
3 celery ribs, diced
4 carrots, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 teaspoon chopped thyme
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2/3 cup alphabet pasta
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped

Heat oil in a saucepan. Add the onions, celery and carrots and cook over moderate heat, stirring, for 8 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute. Add the broth, water and bay leaf and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the pasta and simmer until tender, 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the peas and chives. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, August 2007
www.foodandwine.com/recipes‎

RUM SPIKED GINGER BEER COCKTAILS and GINGER PARSNIP SOUP WITH BACON PARMESAN CRISPS and ARUGULA PEAR SALAD WITH SMOKED PROVOLONE AND GINGER PEAR DRESSING and PORK CHOPS WITH PEAR AND GINGER SAUCE and GINGERED GREEN BEANS and EASY GINGERBREAD and GINGER OAT CRUNCH

I have been on quite a ginger kick lately - I didn't realize it until I had gathered my recipes from the past week to sit down and write them - sweet to savory, cooking for dinner parties, family, and friends, I pretty much covered everything!

RUM SPIKED GINGER BEER COCKTAILS

In a pitcher, combine 6 ounces of dark rum and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice. Refrigerate. Add two 12 ounce bottles of chilled ginger beer and divide among glasses.
Garnish each with a lime wedge.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Every Day with Rachael Ray
www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/‎

GINGER PARSNIP SOUP WITH BACON PARMESAN CRISPS

1 onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons maple syrup
14 ounces of chicken broth
1 pound of parsnips, peeled and chopped
1/4 to 1/2 cup of half and half
salt and pepper to taste
Bacon Parmesan Crisps - recipe to follow

Saute onion and celery in hot oil in a saucepan over medium heat, 5 to 6 minutes or until tender. Stir in ginger and maple syrup, and saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in broth and parsnips, cover and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
Reduce heat to medium low, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes or until parsnips are tender. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
Process parsnip mixture with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in half and half, cook over low heat for 2 to 4 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with Bacon Parmesan Crisps.

BACON PARMESAN CRISPS

French baguette slices, 1/2 inch thick
olive oil
slices of parmesan cheese
cooked bacon slices
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oven to 400F. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until lightly browned.
Place a piece of cheese and a third of a slice of bacon on each bread slice, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake for 5 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, February 2010
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

ARUGULA PEAR SALAD WITH SMOKED PROVOLONE AND GINGER PEAR DRESSING

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons ginger and pear preserves
1/2 cup pear infused white balsamic vinegar
1 shallot, diced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
4 to 6 cups arugula
2 pears, cut into wedges
8 slices of smoked provolone cheese
1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Process the ginger pear preserves, vinegar, shallot, mustard, salt and pepper in a food processor, 30 seconds to 1 minute or until smooth. Pour olive oil in, processing until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, set aside.
Place arugula on serving plates, top with pears, provolone and walnuts.
Drizzle with vinaigrette.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, December 2012
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

PORK CHOPS WITH PEAR AND GINGER SAUCE

5 pork chops
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2/3 cup white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1 pear, peeled, cored and sliced lengthwise
1 tablespoon grated ginger
6 green onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 teaspoons of water

Season pork with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate to keep warm.
Add vinegar and sugar to the pan, stir to dissolve the sugar. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 to 20 seconds, until the syrup turns a dark amber color. Pour in the wine and bring to a simmer, stirring. Add broth, pears and ginger, bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, turning pears occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add green onions and cook until the pears are tender, about 2 minutes more. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring until lightly thickened. Reduce heat to low and return the pork and any accumulated juices to the pan, turn to coat with the sauce.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Morning News, January 2005

GINGERED GREEN BEANS

2 pounds whole green beans, trimmed
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
salt

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the beans until crisp tender, about 4 minutes. Drain the beans and pat dry.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderately high heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the ground ginger and crushed red pepper, then add the beans. Season with salt and stir fry until the garlic is lightly browned and the beans are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the beans to a platter and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, December 2010
www.foodandwine.com/recipes‎

EASY GINGERBREAD

1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg, well beaten
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup boiling water

Heat oven to 350F.
Grease a loaf pan.
Sift ginger and flour together. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add flour mixture and blend well. Beat in molasses and egg.
Dissolve baking soda in boiling water, add to batter and mix well. Pour into prepared pan, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, November 2003
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

GINGER OAT CRUNCH

150 grams of butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup self raising flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
GINGER ICING
125 grams butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
2 teaspoons ground ginger
40 grams of crystallised ginger

Heat oven to 180C.
Melt together butter, golden syrup and brown sugar. Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl, pour over butter mixture and stir thoroughly. Press mixture into a 19 by 26 centimeter tin, well greased.
Bake for 20 minutes until a light golden color. Allow base to cool until just warm.
TO MAKE THE GINGER ICING
Melt butter and golden syrup, mix in icing sugar and ginger to make a smooth icing, adding extra icing sugar if needed. Spread icing over base.
Chop crystallised ginger and scatter over icing. Allow to set and then cut into pieces.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from New Zealand Womans Weekly, July 2010
http://www.nzwomansweekly.co.nz

SWEET POTATO COCONUT SOUP and SPICED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

I served both of these lovely soups at dinner parties, where wonderful friends were gathered. I was excited to share my affection for squash and sweet potatoes, especially when they are blended into luscious soups.
It's fun and delicious to top the soups with whatever you have on hand - herbs, cheeses, yogurt, or in this case, creme fraiche and harissa, for an extra shot of flavor and interest.

SWEET POTATO  COCONUT SOUP

1 1/2 tablespoons oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
pinch of red pepper flakes
3 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 pounds of sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
1 1/2 cups of coconut milk
1 tablespoon of clover honey
large pinch of ground cinnamon

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and ginger, cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Add stock and water, bring to a boil. Add sweet potatoes, bring to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are soft, 20 to 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.
Process with an immersion blender until smooth.
Simmer over low heat. Whisk in coconut milk, honey and cinnamon.
Cook until warmed through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

SPICED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

SPICE BLEND
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tespoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
SOUP
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
salt
2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into cubes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups water
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup creme fraiche
1/4 pound aged gouda, shredded
harissa
freshly ground black pepper

MAKE THE SPICE BLEND
In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
MAKE THE SOUP
In a large heavy pot, toss the onion with the olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook over moderately-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is very soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in the squash, cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes.
Add the tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of the spice blend and the water to the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the squash is tender, 20 minutes. Let cool.
Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender, or use an immersion blender. Add the creme fraiche, 3/4 of the cheese and 1 teaspoon of the harissa to the last batch. Return all of the soup to the pot and season with salt and black pepper. Serve the soup, passing the remaining cheese and more harissa at the table.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, October 2011
www.foodandwine.com/recipes‎

GARDEN FRESH TOMATO SOUP

Sometimes a warm mug of soup is all you need! Warm comfort on a cold day, and refreshing on a warm day!

GARDEN FRESH TOMATO SOUP

4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
4 whole cloves
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons of sugar

In a pot, over medium heat, combine the tomatoes, onion, cloves and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and gently boil for about 25 minutes to blend all of the flavors. Remove from heat, carefully pour into a blender or food processor and mix to desired smoothness.
In the now empty pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking until the roux is a medium brown. Slowly and gradually mix in the tomato mixture. Season with salt and sugar, and adjust to taste.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from All Recipes
allrecipes.com/recipe/garden-fresh-tomato-soup/‎

CHILEAN SEAFOOD STEW

A stew is usually a dish I consider for the cold depths of winter, however, this Chilean Seafood Stew is light and fresh enough to be enjoyed in the fall, when the weather is fluctuating between warm and cool, and sometimes both in one day.

CHILEAN SEAFOOD STEW

3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 orange bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chopped jalapeno
1 cup white wine
1 cup clam juice
1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes in juice
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup lime juice, plus 2 limes quartered
2 pounds white fish, cut into pieces
1 pound shrimp, peeled
1 cup whole cilantro leaves, chopped
4 scallions, chopped

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil. Saute the onions until they begin turning brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Toss in the bell peppers and cook an additional 3 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeno, wine, clam juice, tomatoes, bay leaf and lime juice.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the fish and the shrimp and continue cooking 5 minutes, utnil the shrimp are opaque. Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf and stir in the cilantro and scallions. Serve with lime wedges.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Oprah Magazine, April 2004
www.oprah.com/food.html‎

APPLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP and LARD BISCUITS

Duck fat and pork fat - I was definitely interested. I wouldn't ordinarily, in fact have never, cooked with either. But, I discovered a package of duck fat at the store, and was intrigued. After conducting a quick search on my phone in the middle of the dairy isle, where the duck fat happened to be located, I deduced there were recipes I would be able to make, so I purchased the container. Then, my husband was shocked, when on another recent outing to the store, I tossed lard into the cart. I explained to him a friend had told me the very best biscuits included a little pork fat, and as he knows I am willing to go to great lengths for good food and new tastes, he indulged me. The duck fat had a distinctive flavor - my daughter and I both noticed a lovely hint of fowl in the velvety, delicious Apple Butternut Squash Soup. However, I will have to ask my friend for her biscuit recipe, as these Lard Biscuits were a little dry and tough.

APPLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

2 teaspoons duck fat
1 onion
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1 butternut squash (roasted whole at 400F for 40 to 45 minutes)
1/2 cup applesauce
1 1/2 cups water
1 ounce duck fat
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
salt and freshly ground black pepper
snipped fresh chives

Heat the 2 teaspoons of duck fat in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ginger and saute until they turn golden. Add the butternut squash, applesauce, water, the 1 ounce of duck fat, and the peppers and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
Cool then blend with an immersion blender.
Add extra water to desired thickness. Heat until warmed through, ladle into bowls, garnish with chives and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from More Than Gourmet
www.morethangourmet.com › ... › Easy Gluten Free Recipes‎

LARD BISCUITS



2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons lard
3/4 cup milk

Heat oven to 450F. Grease a baking sheet.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in lard with a fork until mixture is crumbly. Add milk all at once and mix until flour is completely wet. Knead dough in bowl with one hand for 15 seconds. Turn dough out onto lightly floured and roll to 1/2 inch thick. Cut biscuits with 2 inch biscuit or cookie cutter. Place biscuits on greased baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes or until done.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bread Baking
http://breadbaking.about.com/od/rollsbiscuitsandscones/r/lardbisk.htm

SOUTHWESTERN TURKEY SOUP and BLACK BEAN HOMINY CHILI

I love soup any time of the year, but there is something especially gratifying about a steaming bowl on a cool day, and something especially delightful about making a complete meal in one pot.

SOUTHWESTERN TURKEY SOUP

4 cups cooked turkey, chopped
4 to 5 cups of home made turkey stock
1 (14 ounce) can of diced tomatoes
1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chiles
1 (14 ounce) can black beans
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste
juice from 1 lime
cilantro to serve

In a large pot over medium heat, combine turkey, stock, canned tomatoes, chiles, black beans, plum tomatoes, onion and garlic.
Season with cayenne, cumin, salt and pepper.
Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 to 25 minutes.
Stir in lime juice. Spoon into serving bowls, top with cilantro.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes
allrecipes.com/recipe/southwestern-turkey-soup/

BLACK BEAN HOMINY CHILI

1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
3 to 5 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cans (15.5 ounces each) drained black beans
2 cans (15 ounces each) drained hominy - I used one white and one yellow
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
1 quart vegetable broth
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and peppers, saute until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin and oregano, saute until fragrant, a minute or so, then add garlic. Add beans, hominy and tomatoes. Stir, then pour in broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, partly covered, until vegetables are tender and flavors have blended, about 20 minutes. Stir in chocolate and cilantro, and simmer a couple of minutes to blend flavors. Turn off heat and let stand a few minutes. Adjust seasonings and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from USA Weekend, December/January 2012
www.usaweekend.com/‎

SPICED CHICKPEAS WITH YOGURT AND CRUNCHY PITA and TANGY CHICKPEA AND BULGUR SOUP

I love, love, love to read, and can be found with some kind of written material every spare moment I have.
"Jasmine and Fire" is a fascinating and delicious book about the authors year in Lebanon - her attempt to discover where she felt most at home and had the fullest sense of belonging, frequently through the lens of food - which I strongly relate to. After finishing this book, I also have a deep desire to visit Lebanon and eat my way around the country.
Salma mentioned a longing for both places in her life, America and Lebanon, and that she felt a "need to find a way to bring together the places and people that give my life meaning".
I have often thought the most perfect scenario would be to pull my two countries, New Zealand and America, closer together, perhaps even join them with a bridge.
I acutely miss my distant family and friends during the big events such as Christmas or birthdays, and I also miss sharing the ordinary activities, calling in for a cup of coffee or gathering for a casual Sunday dinner. It has been even harder since having kids, but I definitely have an amazing life, and attempt to focus on the positive. I'm very thankful that while I live here in Northwest Arkansas - it is an incredible town with awe inspiring people and a fabulous sense of community, we are able to spend time in New Zealand, and I love and appreciate that my children have a foot in two cultures.

TISS'YE
(SPICED CHICKPEAS WITH YOGURT AND CRUNCHY PITA)

3 1/2 cups boiled chickpeas (canned is fine, rinsed and drained)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 cups plain yogurt
1 tablespoon tahini
2 pita breads
1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup pine nuts
pinch of paprika

In a pot, heat the chickpeas in water (to cover) over medium heat, then lower heat to a simmer.
Meanwhile, mix garlic with 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl, then gradually drizzle in the lemon juice and keep mixing until you have a creamy paste. Stir mixture into yogurt, mix in the tahini, and set aside.
Tear the pita into pieces, heat the oil and fry or toast in the oven.
Drain chickpeas, place them in a bowl, and sprinkle with cumin and salt to taste.
A few minutes before you are ready to serve the dish, heat butter over medium heat and saute pine nuts until browned, being careful not to blacken them.
In a deep sided serving dish, place one layer of the bread pieces, followed by a layer of the chickpeas, and alternate layers until you run out of ingredients. Ladle the yogurt over the top. Sprinkle the pinenuts in their butter over top and add a pinch of paprika.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy!


ZINGOL
(TANGY CHICKPEA AND BULGUR SOUP)

1 cup flour
1 cup coarse bulgur
2 small onions, minced and divided
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried mint
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup chickpeas (I used canned)
juice of one lemon plus lemon quarters for serving
1/2 teaspoon sumac (I substituted paprika)

Combine flour, bulgur, 1 minced onion, marjoram, mint, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup water in a mixing bowl until well blended (I had to add more water). Using palms, form mixture into small balls the size of grapes.
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the remaining onion until soft and translucent, then add the garlic. After 1 minute, add the chickpeas, then the bulgur balls. Add water to cover, and let boil until broth thickens.
If some of the balls dissolve, that's fine, it will give the soup a more porridge-like texture. Stir in the lemon juice, season with additional salt to taste, and sprinkle with sumac (or paprika).
Serve with lemon quarters on the side.
Enjoy!

Recipes adapted from Jasmine and Fire, Salma Abdelnour, 2012

SPICY CHICKEN AND CORN CHOWDER and ROASTED CAULIFLOWER POTATO SOUP

I am hoping we have seen the last of the really cold winter weather - I'm ready for Spring and the joys of a warmer season.
However, I will definitely make the best of the remaining chill in the air and enjoy the pleasures that come with it - lighting the fire in the dining room and eating dinner in front of its warm glow, and cooking hearty fare.
These soups aren't too heavy, but have enough depth and vigor to stand up to the still cool weather.

SPICY CHICKEN AND CORN CHOWDER

2 cups chicken stock
2 chicken breasts
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans corn
1 jalapeño, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 cup half and half
cilantro

In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add chicken and just enough water to cover, simmer, covered until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Transfer chicken to a plate and reserve broth. Chop chicken into bite sized pieces, set aside.
Cook bacon, onion and garlic in a pot over medium heat, until the bacon is crisp and vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes.
Add corn, jalapeño, salt, pepper and red pepper to taste, and reserved chicken broth and cook a further 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in half and half, chicken and bacon and cook just until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Serve topped with cilantro.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, July 2012
ww.nwaonline.com/.../2012/.../icebox-cake-recipe-still-provides-chi...

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER POTATO SOUP

1 head cauliflower, core removed and cut into florets
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped shallot
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 1/2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
blue cheese crumbles

Heat oven to 400F. Prepare a rimmed baking tray with foil and spray with cooking spray. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower and potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until tender.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, saute shallot in remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken stock, roasted cauliflower and potatoes. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes, uncovered.
Puree in blender in batches. Add puree back to the pot and warm the soup to a slight simmer. Add cream, cheese and buffalo sauce (I made this soup for the whole family, so left the buffalo sauce on the side). Stir until cheese is melted and soup is warmed through.
Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and drizzle a little buffalo sauce on top for an extra kick.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Noble Pig
http://noblepig.com/2013/01/cheesy-buffalo-roasted-cauliflower-potato-soup/

SAUSAGE MINESTRONE and SMASHED PUMPKIN SOUP WITH MASCARPONE and CHICKPEA AND ROSEMARY SOUP and TOMATO WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH PESTO and CREAMY CAULIFLOWER CHOWDER WITH SWISS CHEESE

There was a light flurry of snow outside my window this morning, and I was very excited - I love the feeling of warmth and coziness it brings (when I am able to be inside) and the sense of anticipation that our everyday world may soon be covered in a crisp, clean, very cold, white blanket.
The cold weather also turns my thoughts toward one of my cherished comfort foods - soup.
This is often a dish I will make on a Monday night - after a weekend full of rich food and excessive cooking, I love the simplicity of one pan cooking - all of the ingredients thrown in together and allowed to merge and blend into one delicious, flavorful bowl.

SAUSAGE MINESTRONE

8 mild Italian sausages, casings removed
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
4 to 6 cloves of garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 zucchini, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
half of a cauliflower, chopped
1 cup small pasta, such as macaroni
grated parmesan cheese

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausages and break up, fry until browned, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
Drain fat from skillet. Fry onions, carrots, celery, garlic, oregano and salt, stirring until onions are softened, about 7 minutes. Scrape into slow cooker.
Add beans, 5 cups of water, tomatoes, tomato paste, pepper and bay leaf to slow cooker. Stir gently, cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf.
Add zucchini and parsley. Cover and cook on high for 20 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan of boiling salted water, cook cauliflower and pasta for 6 to 8 minutes or until cauliflower is tender and pasta is tender but firm. Drain and add to slow cooker.
Serve with cheese.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Canadian Living
www.canadianliving.com/food/sausage_minestrone.php - Canada

SMASHED PUMPKIN SOUP WITH MASCARPONE

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, coarsely ground
2 pounds pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
1 3/4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2/3 cup mascarpone cheese

In a medium pot set over low heat, heat the olive oil with the garlic and fennel seeds. Stir often, until seeds are fragrant about 5 minutes.
Turn the heat to medium-high and stir in squash and potatoes. Add enough chicken stock to just cover the vegetables and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking that the vegetables are just submerged.
Once vegetables are tender, remove pot from the heat and mash with a potato masher. The soup should be thick and creamy.
Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with shaved parmesan and a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Wall Street Journal, January 2011
online.wsj.com/.../SB1000142405274870339660457608818297639...

CHICKPEA AND ROSEMARY SOUP

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for drizzling
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup chicken broth
juice of 1 lemon
salt

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic, rosemary and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, until garlic starts to brown, about 1 minute. Add chickpeas and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, let cool slightly.
Blend with an immersion blender until just smooth. Stir lemon juice and salt into soup to taste. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from O Magazine, September 2005
www.oprah.com/food/Chickpea-and-Rosemary-Soup

TOMATO WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH PESTO

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 onion, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3 to 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup chicken stock (add more if you like a thinner style soup)
1 can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
2 packed cups fresh basil
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Add celery, carrots and garlic, cook, stirring until vegetables soften, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add wine, stir to scrape brown bits of bottom of pot. Add stock, beans, tomatoes, bay leaves and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring soup to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer stirring occasionally, until carrots are very soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
In a blender, puree basil, walnuts, black pepper, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons of water and remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.
Remove bay leaves from soup, discard. Use an immersion blender to puree soup.
Divide soup among 4 bowls, dollop each with 1/4 of the pesto, and swirl in.
Enjoy!

CREAMY CAULIFLOWER CHOWDER WITH SWISS CHEESE

1/2 stick butter
1/2 large onion, diced
1 cup celery, chopped
1 1/2 carrots, diced
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup half and half
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon curry powder
10 ounces swiss cheese, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 pound of cauliflower florets

Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a large stockpot.
Add the onion, celery and carrots, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 1 cup water, broth and half and half.
Heat to a simmer, but do not boil.
Add the pepper, curry powder and cheese and heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts.
Dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining water. Add to the soup and increase heat to medium. Stir and cook for 2 minutes, or until thickened.
Add the cauliflower, and reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Morning News, May 2004

BEANS AND GREENS WITH CORNBREAD CROUTONS and TORTELLINI SOUP

I wanted to use the last of a pile of greens we had, and came across these delicious recipes.
A dear friend made the tortellini soup for me a while back and I have been looking forward to making it for my family. My husband and children all loved the wonderful combination of cheesy pasta and chicken in the rich, flavorful broth, with most of us enjoying a second helping.

BEANS AND GREENS WITH CORNBREAD CROUTONS

purchased or prepared cornbread
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini or great northern beans
1 pound of collard and spinach greens, sliced
parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 400F.
Cut cornbread into 1 inch cubes, place on a baking pan, heat for 10 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
Remove from oven.
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil, cook onion for 4 to 5 minutes, until tender. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the vinegar. Add beans and greens, cook until beans are heated through and greens are wilted.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, drizzle with remaining vinegar. To serve, top with croutons and cheese.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, September 2012
www.bhg.com › Food › Recipes from the Magazine

TORTELLINI SOUP

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can of chopped tomatoes
6 to 8 cups of chicken broth
3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1/2 cup pesto
1 package of cheese tortellini
1 pound of spinach or swiss chard, rinsed and sliced

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 10 minutes. Add tomato and garlic and sauté for 10 minutes. Add broth, bring to a boil. Add chicken, reduce heat to medium and add pesto and tortellini and simmer for 5 minutes. Add greens and simmer for 5 minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

CREAMY ROASTED MUSHROOM SOUP and CARAMEL CREAM PIE

My husband and I were inspired to gather a group of wonderful people together for dinner.
Two of our guests were local chefs and restaurant owners and I must admit that I felt a little nervous. However, I was excited to see our friends and to give the culinary artists a night out of the kitchen - although I did solicit their advice a time or two while cooking.
I kept the menu simple, and tried to do as much in advance as possible, knowing that a gathering is about spending time together.

CREAMY ROASTED MUSHROOM SOUP

1 pound portobello mushrooms, stemmed, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
6 tablespoons olive oil
32 ounces chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup marsala
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 to 1 cup cream
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Heat oven to 400F.
Line two baking sheets with foil. Spread mushrooms out on prepared baking sheets, drizzle with oil. Season with salt and pepper, toss to coat.
Cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes, uncover and continue baking until mushrooms are tender and still moist, about 15 minutes longer. Cool slightly.
Melt butter in a large pot, add onion and garlic and sauté until onion is tender, about 8 minutes. Add marsala and simmer until almost all of the liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. Add flour, stir 2 minutes. Add broth, cream and thyme. Stir in mushrooms, puree using an immersion blender. Simmer until heated through and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, November 2002
www.epicurious.com › recipes & menus

CARAMEL CREAM PIE

CRUST
3/4 cup almond flour
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
8 tablespoons butter, melted
CARAMEL PUDDING
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
4 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon gelatin
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
CRISPY RICE
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups puffed rice cereal
whipped cream for serving

MAKE THE CRUST
Mix together the almond flour, graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter, until evenly moistened.
Press the crumbs over the bottom of 8 to 10 individual serving dishes.
MAKE THE CARAMEL PUDDING
In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil over moderately high heat, gently swirling the pan until the sugar dissolves. Cook over moderate heat, undisturbed, until a deep amber caramel forms, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat. Carefully add 1 cup of the milk, then cook over moderately low heat, whisking gently, until smooth, about 5 minutes.
In a small glass bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the milk with the vanilla, sprinkle the gelatin on top and let stand until softened. In a large glass measuring cup, whisk the remaining 2 3/4 cups of milk with the cornstarch and salt. Pour the milk mixture into the caramel and bring to a boil over moderately high heat, whisking constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time. Return the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened once again, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the gelatin mixture.
Gently divide the caramel pudding evenly over the crust. Press plastic on top of the puddings and refrigerate overnight.
MAKE THE RICE TOPPING
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray. In a small, heavy saucepan, bring the sugar, water and corn syrup to a boil over moderately high heat. Lower the heat to moderate and simmer undisturbed until a deep amber caramel forms, about 5 minutes. Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the salt and rice cereal. Scrape the caramelized cereal onto the prepared baking sheet and let cool for 30 minutes, until it is hardened.
Break the crispy rice into pieces, spread whipped cream on top of individual pies, and top with crispy rice.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, November 2008
www.foodandwine.com/.../caramel-cream-pie-with-crispy-rice-toppi...

GRILLED TOMATO BASIL SOUP

I had lunch with a friend who had recently returned from a year in Austria. It was wonderful to talk with her and catch up on her family's adventures, during their time away.
In Austria they would shop every day or two for groceries, and one evening she wanted to make a tomato soup I had featured - however her husband came home with pizza sauce instead of plain canned tomatoes!! As with any good cook, she was able to substitute, compromise, and serve her family a fabulous meal.
I added tomato paste to this recipe because I felt the soup needed to be a little richer (cream would be good too) In addition, I added lots of color to my picture - also to make it richer.

GRILLED TOMATO BASIL SOUP

2 pounds of tomatoes, halved
1 onion, peeled and quartered
olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
3 cups chicken broth
several sprigs of fresh thyme, parsley, celery top and a bay leaf, tied together
1/4 cup fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon or orange juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
pinch sugar
plain yogurt or sour cream

Heat grill or broiler.
Rub tomatoes and onion with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill or broil for about 10 minutes or until flesh is lightly charred, turning once. Remove skins.
Combine tomatoes, onion, carrot, garlic, stock, herb bundle and little salt in a large pot.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, or until vegetables are soft.
Discard herb bundle. Puree vegetables until smooth, return to pot. Stir in basil, lemon juice, tomato paste and sugar.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve chilled or hot with a spoonful of yogurt and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Arkansas Democrat Gazette, July 2004
www.arkansas.com/dining/recipes/

KUMARA AND GINGER SOUP WITH MELBA HEARTS

As I have mentioned previously, I was so excited to find kumara here in the United States. I discovered them at Ozark Natural Foods, under the alias Japanese sweet potatoes. They made a silky, rich and yummy soup, that was quick and healthy - and paired perfectly with the cheesy toasts.

KUMARA AND GINGER SOUP WITH MELBA HEARTS

2 to 3 kumara, peeled and chopped
1 onion, peeled and chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
olive oil
1 teaspoon curry powder
400 ml can of light coconut milk

Boil kumara until tender. Drain.
Meanwhile, saute onion, garlic and ginger in a little olive oil until tender. Add curry powder and continue cooking until onions are translucent, add kumara. Transfer to a food processor or use an immersion blender and process until smooth. Mix in coconut milk, return to pot and heat through. Serve with melba hearts and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
MELBA HEARTS
Cut heart shapes from slices of bread. Mix together 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan, 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 cloves of crushed garlic and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley with enough olive oil to make a spreading consistency. Spread quite thickly on hearts, bake at 350F until golden, about 12 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from New Zealand House and Garden
www.nzhouseandgarden.co.nz