Simple Vegetable Soup

Super simple and easily customized to your own tastes.  Plain, old comfort in a bowl.  Sometimes that's all you need.   A side of warm, crusty bread wouldn't hurt either :)


Chunky Vegetable Soup

serves 4-6

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 stalks of celery, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme (sub 1- 1 1/2 tsp. dried)

sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

2 cans of diced tomatoes, undrained (15 oz)

6 cups of chicken or veggie stock

1 cup of small shaped pasta (rotini, penne, etc.)

 In a large sauce pan over medium heat add the oil.  When oil has heated add the onion, carrots, celery and cook until just soft, 10 to 15 minutes.   Add the garlic (and dried thyme if using) and cook for another 30 seconds, until garlic is fragrant.    Add the tomatoes and stock.   Simmer for 15 minutes.   Then add the pasta and cook for another 8-10 min.   Season with fresh thyme (if using) and stir.  

adapted from Butterfly Foodie

Orange Cranberry Walnut Bread

I don't know about you, but I'd love a few more hours in a day this month.  Between birthdays, Christmas festivities and an anniversary thrown in there, I feel like I can't get ahead.  These events happen every year so you'd think I'd know better and start planning and shopping waaaay before December but it always manages to sneak up on me.  Then I'm scrambling to fit everything in and come January I'm ready to go into hibernation.

I take solace in the fact that I know I'm not the only one who is a little overwhelmed with all the busyness this time of year.  That's when having a few quick breads in your arsenal comes in handy.  Just in case you remember two hours before your party that you were supposed to bring a treat. Avoid a panic attack and whip this up instead. 


Orange Cranberry Walnut Bread

2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 large egg
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 1/2 cups cranberries, coarsely chopped

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.  Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

In a small bowl combine sugar and orange zest.  Mix together with fingers to incorporate orange oils into the sugar.  In another small bowl, stir together milk, sour cream, butter, and egg; set aside.  Whisk together flour, orange zest sugar mixture, salt, and  baking powder in large bowl. Stir liquid ingredients into the dry until just moistened. Gently stir in cranberries and pecans. Do not overmix.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth surface with a rubber spatula. Bake 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees; continue to bake until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean, about 45 minutes longer. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack and cool completely before serving, at least 1 hour.

lightly adapted from Sweet Pea's Kitchen

Rustic Thyme Bread

This loaf of bread was born out of my new found love of thyme.  I started growing it this past summer and gained a whole new appreciation for the delicious herb.  It's so easy to maintain that it practically takes care of itself.  A total win.  

The weather has been getting colder and that means soups are on the menu at least once a week in this house.  I know most people don't consider soup and sandwiches a dinner meal, but we love that here.  (Plus that means there is usually room for dessert those nights!)  I knew I was making a tomato based soup this particular evening and since thyme + tomatoes = true love, I whipped up this crusty, chewy bread and made the best grilled cheese I've ever had with it.  Of course when I smear Boursin cheese on anything it could be considered the "best ever".  That stuff is phenomenal. 

The ingredient list is short making this bread really easy to put together.  I like to bake boule shaped loaves in a dutch oven.  The crust gets all thick and chewy and perfect.  If you don't have a dutch oven or would just rather not use one, place the boule on a sheet pan or stone and bake.

Rustic Thyme Bread

20 ounces (about 4 cups) bread flour 

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon instant yeast

2 cups water, room temperature

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons fresh thyme (can sub.dried)

shredded asiago cheese, for topping

Mix ingredients together in the bowl of an electric mixer.  Knead for about 8 minutes or until dough is soft and pliable.  Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  Place dough into refrigerator and let rise for at least 8 hours or overnight.  

When ready to bake remove dough from refrigerator and bring to room temperature, about 30 to 45 minutes.  Shape loaf into boule and place into bowl lined with parchment paper (this makes transfering it to dutch oven much easier).  Allow to rise until doubled, one to two hours.  

When dough has almost doubled, place dutch oven in oven and preheat at 500 degrees for at least 30 minutes (remember to remove plastic knob from lid so it doesn't melt).  When oven is preheated and dough has risen, sprinkle with asiago and carefully place dough into dutch oven, by lifting parchment paper.  Slowly place both inside.  Lower oven temperature to 450 and bake bread covered for 20 minutes.  Remove the lid and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until golden and temperature has reached 210 degrees.  Cool on wire rack for at least one hour before cutting.    

Bacon Cheese Dip

Sundays have become football nights.  Living in a house full of boys I knew it had to happen sooner or later.  Actually, I'm surprised it has taken this long.

 Really though, it's ok with me because what goes with football? Football food. And I am all over that.  I have been known to make a meal out of dips and appetizers and now I have an excuse to call that dinner.

I made this dip up the other night to use up some leftovers.  And because I wanted something with bacon and cheese to load up on a slice of freshly baked baguette.  Not in the least bit good for your heart, but oh so good for your soul.


Cheesy Bacon Dip


3 ounces cream cheese
3 ounces monterey jack cheese, shredded
3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
4 slices thick cut bacon, diced
1/2 medium onion, diced
1/4- 1/3 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

In a medium sauce pan cook bacon until crispy.  Remove cooked bacon with slotted spoon and place onto paper towels to drain.

Empty leftover bacon grease from sauce pan, reserving 1 to 2 tablespoons.  Wipe out pan with paper towels and add reserved bacon grease.  Over low- medium heat cook the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.

Add milk to the onions in the pan and heat until steamy.  Stir in the cream cheese until smooth.  Mix the monterey jack, cheddar and gouda into the cream cheese mixture and stir frequently until completely melted.  Add more milk to thin to desired consistency.  Once heated through, stir in the bacon and serve.

Makes about 2 cups.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

       I'm one of those people that enjoys pumpkin treats all year long. But during the cooler months, I become border line obsessed.  So I hope you aren't too pumpkin-ed out yet cause along with this recipe, I have a few more pumpkin recipes to share in the next few weeks.

     Even if you ate a few too many pieces of pumpkin pie over the past week, you should still try these cookies.  The usual warm spices of a snickerdoodle, paired with the wonderful, yet subtle flavor of pumpkin.  Clearly a winning combination.

     Knowing that pumpkin makes a cakey cookie, I tried out a Cooks Illustrated tip and cooked the pumpkin for about 5 minutes to remove some of the moisture.  I definitely think it helped achieve a more chewy texture.  But if cake like cookies are your thing, by all means skip this step and add the pumpkin straight from the can (or the processor if you made your own puree).

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

For the cookies

1 cup granulated white sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup light brown sugar

3/4 cup pumpkin puree

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of ground cardamom (optional)

For the cinnamon-sugar coating

1/3 cup white sugar 

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

In a small saucepan, simmer pumpkin over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes (it will become shiny).  Add cinnamon and cardamom (if using) to pumpkin and cook for another minute.  Transfer pumpkin mixture to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator until cool.

In the bowl of an electric mixer (fitted with beater attachment) cream the butter until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.  Add sugar and cooled pumpkin mixture and continue to beat well.  Now add in the egg and vanilla,  scraping down sides of the bowl to incorporate all of the ingredients.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat flour mixture into liquid mixture a little at a time just until incorporated.

Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Mix coating sugar ingredients in a small bowl.  Remove cookie dough from refrigerator. Use a medium cookie scoop (1 1/2 Tablespoons) or a large spoon to scoop out dough and roll into balls. Use your hands to roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar and make sure they're coated really well. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use a glass with a nice, flat bottom to dip in sugar and flatten the balls.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until slightly firm to the touch. Cool on baking sheet for one minute then transfer to wire rack to finish cooling.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

adapted from Recipe Girl

{Holiday Treats} Caramel Corn

     I really enjoy making people's bellies happy.

      If you're like me, then one of your favorite things about cooking is sharing your good eats with those you love. And what better time of year to share than during this season of giving.  This caramel corn would be a great addition to any holiday gift basket.  Just package it up with a pretty bow and you have yourself a simple and inexpensive gift.  It would also be an awesome treat to have around at your holiday party.

       Whatever you do, do not make this when you are home alone, unless you have the ability to walk away from things that keep tasting like just one more bite.  You'll hate yourself in the morning when you're running that extra 3 miles.  Besides, you'll want someone to share that guilt deliciousness with anyway.


Caramel Corn

3.5 ounces unpopped popcorn kernels, popped
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Pre heat oven to 250 degrees.  Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.  Coat a very large mixing bowl with cooking spray and add plain popped corn.

In a medium sauce pan, melt butter, water, corn syrup, sugar and salt. Simmer over medium high heat, stirring frequently until mixture reaches 250 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Turn off heat and whisk in vanilla and baking soda (it will foam so be careful).  Immediately pour over popcorn.  Gently fold in caramel with a rubber spatula until popcorn is completely coated.  Transfer mixture to lined baking sheet.

Bake for one hour stirring every 20 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2o to 30 minutes.  Store in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

Makes about 10 cups.


adapted from Ezra Pound Cake

Thanksgiving

     Sorry for the lack of posting lately.  And this post isn't going to really be about food, but it's something I am ready to share.

      It has been almost two weeks since we made the 22 hour drive, straight through, to see my best friend one last time.  She passed away at 30 years old.  One day shy of a year from being diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer, a very rare and aggressive form of cancer that spread throughout her body pretty quickly.  She fought with everything she had though.  The end kind of took everyone by surprise.  The doctors had warned that it could be in the next few months but it turned out to be the very next week.  

     So here we all are.  Missing her so, so, so much. My brother in law, nieces and nephew are facing their first holiday without her. No words are enough to express their sorrow.

      If you could do me one favor as your surrounded by those you love this Thanksgivng, don't miss any opportunity to tell those people just how much they mean to you.  You never know if you'll have the chance again.