Wednesday, February 10, 2010

To Warm Your Tummy

It's COLD here in Texas.

Yes, cold.

Yesterday my car's temperature gauge was flashing "ICE". I didn't even know it could do that! It's snowed, like, five times already this winter and there is apparently more to come. So, before the big chill hits your home (or maybe it already has) I thought I would pass along my two favorite soup recipes for this year, sure to warm your tummy. Both original recipes can be found at RecipeZaar. I tweaked a teeny tiny bit.

OK, here we go.

Cream of Tomato Soup
2c. chicken broth
4c. tomatoes, seeded, peeled and chopped.
1/3c. chopped onion
1/2c. chopped celery
1/2 t. sugar
3/4 c. heavy cream
salt to taste

- The first time I made this I actually blanched, peeled, seeded and chopped fresh tomatoes. For goodness sake don't do that!! It was a total pain in the butt labor of love, but is just as good if you use canned tomatoes. Two LARGE cans of chopped tomatoes is what I use.

Throw all ingredients (except for the cream) into a large pot. Simmer 30 min. of until veg. is soft. (sometimes I saute the celery and onions first) Using an immersion blender, blend 'till smooth. You can also transfer all contents into a blender or food processor if you need. Add cream starting with 1/2c., adding more to taste. Heat soup gently over low heat. Eat in your pajamas while wrapped in a snuggly blanket. Throw in some Pride and Prejudice if you feel like it.

Next...

Velvety Smooth Cream of Potato Soup
4T. butter
1 outer stalk of celery plus one inner stalk of leaves, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 lg. clove garlic, pressed
4 medium white potatoes, peeled and cubed
5 c. chicken broth (or, because 1 can equals 2 cups,  4 c. broth 1c. water)
1/2 c. heavy cream
3/4 c. milk
salt to taste

- Melt butter in large pot. Saute celery, onion and carrot until soft, approx. 20 minutes. Add potatoes, toss till coated, and cover with chicken broth. Simmer 'till potatoes are soft. If you want your soup to be slightly chunky, reserve some veg. . I like mine smooth so I blend with immersion blender 'till completely pureed. Stir in cream and milk 'till it reaches your desired thickness. I like mine soupy so I use all!! Heat through but do not boil. Add salt to taste. This one could also be eaten in your pajamas, but tastes better in workout clothes you've yet to work out in. Perhaps while watching Wheel of Fortune.

2 comments:

japink said...

You are so stinkin funny. Pain in the butt/ labor of love made me laugh out loud. Glad you put those recipes up. I made my bean soup today and added some chipotle peppers, it was pretty tasty!

Amy said...

oohhh, how creative of you! we need to make that soup I found with Sriracha!!