Friday, February 4, 2011

elephants and pea soup

Steve resumed his artistic skills and made these cute paintings the other night.  Look what happens when you put them together ~ it becomes an elephant!
I promised our realtor, John, that I would make his favorite soup.  He sold the house on Sawyer in less than 90 days, so kudos to him.  We are all so relieved to pass this dwelling on to someone else, especially one who really wants it.  The dog days are over!
Pea Soup

I bag peas
1 smoked ham butt
10 gold potatoes
1 bag of carrots
5 celery stalks
3 onions
6 bay leaves
2 sprigs rosemary
garlic
cayenne, paprika, sea salt, pepper

Rinse and drain peas, then boil for 30 minutes in 8 cups water.  Chop veggies and ham. You can use a ham bone, but my grocer did not have any, so I just used the meat.  Pour peas and liquid in a crock pot.  Saute all veggies in butter and oil.  Add to crock pot with spices and herbs.  Cook in crock at least 4 hours, then puree if you like it that way.  Add ham and cook another hour.  Prepare croutons if you like.
Croutons

Cut various breads into cubes.  Saute in oil, butter and garlic.  Season with a dash more of garlic salt, flipping so as to get all the bread covered.  You can bake in the oven, but it's really not necessary.  Add to pea soup. Indulge.
As an aside, I made another cheese ball and my Danny asked me "what are those brains doing in the fridge?"  He has a vivid imagination.  Hmmmm.

Try to stay bundled up on these frigid days.  Spring will be here before you know it.  That's the beauty about the seasons, they always change. 

Please keep our Uncle Bill and family in your prayers.  Thanks. xo