Sunday, December 21, 2008

Cold Weather Comfort

 
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The high here today was 37. The low tonight should be in the low 20's. In this cold weather, I went on a shopping trip with Mamala and Baby Sister. This trip was to be to one, and only one, book store. Guess how well that worked out-NOT. Baby Sister and I were talked into a furniture store. Not too bad. Then Mamala did it, she said we had to pick up her pictures at WallyWorld. Now, I've got nothing against the big box giant, but on the Sunday before Christmas- RUN-RUNAWAY.

We lived, but I am bone cold. I know, I know... Aunt Debbi is a big fat whimp. You probably have weather in the 10's with hoar frost or permafrost or some other sort of horrible frost. I don't live here in Texas for this kind of weather. I live here to avoid this kind of weather. I appreciate your pictures of snow drifts and icecicles, but I know how freaking cold it has to get for you to enjoy that kind of beauty. I will stay right here in Texas, thank you very much.

So I am cold, chapped, and my hair looks like it has been through a blender. There is only one cure for cold like this - Homemade soup.

Today's soup was acorn squash and lentil.

Cut an acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and bake it for 15 minutes at 350.
In the meantime, saute 1/2 an onion and 1 stalk of celery (well chop them up first). When the onions are translucent add one cup of lentils, 3 cloves of chopped garlic, and five cups of water. Bring this to a boil and add two chicken bouillon cubs and the following herbs to taste: Cumin, coriander, thyme, and black pepper. Simmer the lentils until tender and then add the mashed, roasted squash. If the soup is too thick, add more water. If it is too thin, cook it down a little.

I had mine with a little After Burner sauce. After Burner is like Tabasco, but with habanero, Serrano, chili pequino peppers and good cider vinegar. Middle Monkey ate his soup plain. We didn't have any, but it would be excellent with some shredded sharp cheddar.

A couple of notes.

I only used half the squash because Middle Monkey ate the other half before I could get to it.

The chicken bouillon in the Mexican food section of our local grocery stores is far superior to the chicken bouillon in the soup section.

Is black pepper an herb or a spice?

12 comments:

  1. MMM... Yummy. Sounds delish. I always LOVE soup when chilled to the bone. OR just to get cozy on a cold day soup is a good comfort.
    Have a very Merry Christmas, Debbi.
    Meems

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  2. Hi, Deb, I have lentils soaking for soup tomorrow! I mixed French green with a small handful of orange ones. I hope that works. I'm wondering in your recipe if the squash cooks down or stays chunky. I sometimes add chopped potato to my lentil soup. And I always add curry. :) Aren't lentils wonderful in winter?

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  3. Thanks Meems, Merry Christmas to you too.

    Kathryn, The squash was mashed so it was smooth and blended in. I think the mixed lentil idea is great. I have done the potato thing before as well. Yes, they are wonderful winter comfort food.

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  4. This sounds like a soup I make, which was actually a Weight Watchers recipe but we make it every Winter. Pumpkin and Tomato Soup, I am guessing your squash is like our butternut pumpkin. The spices make the soup, and I puree it in the food processor.

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  5. Foxy, it might be butter nut or acorn. I am not sure I know the difference. I am going to try it with tomatoes though.

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  6. Hi!
    I hope you will have a ....
    MERRY CHRISTMAS!
    Linda

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  7. LOL. WHy do you think we don't venture out of our house much in the winter up here. Snow looks pretty from the window inside the comfort of our own homes. I took the kids sleddin on Saturday because it was pretty warm (almost 20!) but we spent too long at the park and I froze my butt off. Okay, I wish it only FELT like I froze my butt off but it's still there.

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  8. Cinj, your comment made me spit my well deserved glass of wine. How funny. I have to say that almost 20 is not warm, not even a little bit, yikes.

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  9. A child willingly ate squash! I'm shocked! But then I'm always shocked with your dear monkeys. I didn't move here to freeze either. When I left Oklahoma on Sunday, it was 9 degrees! Yep, single digits! I hurried on home. But it's not exactly what kind of weather I was expecting here.
    Brenda

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  10. Sorry, I hope none of your wine escaped from your mouth. It's sad but true. Anyhting feels warm when it's been up to 30 below with wind chills though. Brr!

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  11. Brenda, I have to take pictures of the boys to prove they eat what I claim they do. I am not a perfect mother, but I got the food thing nailed. Sorry, we didn't have warmer weather to welcome you home. Tomorrow is supposed to be better.

    Cinj, no harm no foul. I think I would just curl up and die if it got below zero.

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