Hoping this finds you all enjoying what is left of the most gentle winter I can remember. We waited and waited for the cold to come...a few days here and there, but not much to speak of. We have hardly had the heater on. I have actually prepared the garden to plant next week, getting some of the early root vegetables and lettuces planted before March. I wanted to share my Pea Soup Recipe as this has been on our table of recent, and shared with loved ones. There is something so comforting about soup, any kind that is your favorite. I always remember the story of "Stone Soup" when I am preparing the veggies...How cool would it be to actually invite your neighbors to bring something to put in the pot...maybe play a game of monopoly or cards while the precious solution simmers to a tasty, delightful concoction waiting to be splashed with fresh cheese and maybe a dunk or two of homemade bread...
Easy Peasy Soup (Split Pea)
Made in a Crock Pot
Put 1 quart container of low sodium chicken stock in crock pot (or 2 cans) with 1 cup water
Add 1 bag of dried and rinsed split green peas, mix
In saute pan on med heat, with 3 tbsp butter and 3 tbsp EVOO saute:
1 medium onion (chopped small)
2 large carrots (chopped small)
3 ribs of celery (chopped small)
1 clove garlic (chopped small)
After 8-10 minutes, add 3 peeled and chopped small potatoes with the following herbs:
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Oregano and chopped Bay leaves
1 tsp Basil, Thyme and Dill
Mix all herbs and Veggies together well. When vegetables are well seasoned together, add to crock pot and mix everything together. Make sure the crock pot is on high, put the lid on and let it go! Every 45 min give it a mix. After about 4 hours the peas will have "popped" and will begin to breakdown. At this time you can add chopped ham if you like. (some people start the soup with a ham bone left over from the holidays...) After 5 hours take off the lid, and stir every 10 - 15 minutes for the next hour. This will thicken the soup. Enjoy!!
I make dinner scones to go with the soup, using using original scone recipe and substituting 1/2 cup of finely grated guyre cheese instead of sugar in the recipe and top with dill weed.
I have also been spending some of my winter at the sewing machine, taking a class with a dear neighbor. Who knew Heirloom sewing would be so much fun and incredibly satisfying!! I will post the pictures after the class is over along with the finished product. Make the most of your winter!
Enjoy and Be Blessed. Until next time...
Momma Turner
