Thursday, June 25, 2009

Spring Asparagus Soup!



SPRING ASPARAGUS SOUP:
*You can also substitute 4 cups Spring Peas for the asparagus. A hand-held emulsifier is the best way to puree the soup while it is still hot at the end.

Makes 6 servings (makes a lot, really)

4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
1 medium to large finely chopped yellow onion
3 or 4 medium Yukon Gold or white potatoes, peeled & cut into 1" or so chunks

6 cups veg. broth for the first part
1 cup veg. broth for the 2nd part
1 1/2 pounds asparagus (I use 2 bunches), cut into 1" ish pieces. You can discard the rough ends & you can also run a peeler over the bottom part if you'd like.

Salt & Pepper to taste
Chopped chives for garnish if you would like, or other garnish. I picked some fresh swiss chard for mine.

I. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook for several minutes, until they begin to soften.



II. Add the potatoes and broth #1. Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes until fork-tender.


III. Add the asparagus and broth #2 & simmer for an additional 15+ minutes longer.


IV. Season with salt & pepper.


V. Using an electric hand-held emulsifier, puree the soup until smooth (or in batches with a food-processor or blender).


VI. Serve, garnish if you wish, and enjoy! ^_^

I made delicious Asparagus Soup for dinner...2 night ago. I took pictures, and will post them soon. It is made without cream, but tastes like a creamy soup!! SOooo, it is better for you, and all veggies. I am not kidding when I say it is delicious.


I'll attach a picture that is not mine, but looks just like it. I'll dig up the recipe for you too this weekend. It takes about an hour, but makes LOTS. It is easy too, just takes a bit to prepare. If you have someone to help you, it is pretty quick :)

Tuesday, June 23, 2009


I found this from last year...gotta love R2 postbox :)

You may call me The Spackle Princess.

I can spackle so that you don't even have to sand, and when you do it is just a once-over brush-over.

I can paint a wall so it gleams. I'm talking gleamy gleam.

I see the best in an apartment, house, or studio when I walk through. Do NOT take me with you if you want to know if you should rent a place. I always rent places that are "fixer-uppers." That is not a quality you want in a place you RENT.

I am sad to say goodbye to such a big studio space, but I know he's just not the right one. He's never cheated on me, but the long-distance part of our relationship is just not working out. We just don't see each other enough. We've decided who gets what (he gets the rest of my white paint on his walls and that broken stool that was there from his past relationship when I moved in), and I've packed.

Goodbye sweet space...may you treat my friends who are your neighbors well.

Thursday, June 18, 2009



It has been a long time since I have been here...3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks settling back in.

Australia feels like 2 years ago instead of 2 weeks ago. What a great part of the world. We were only in Sydney, but it's a good city. I'd definitely recommend it. The city is beautiful - spilling over the harbour and nestled by the Blue Mountains to the west. The Opera House is as amazing in person as you would believe it to be. It is a magnificent work of architecture - whimsical, nautical, unique. There was a lights festival when we were there, and every night the OH was lit up with a different continuously evolving "painting" by Brian Eno.

I have decided I need a pet koala. I know this to be impossible, and yet, my friends, how could one not long for a pet koala? They are truly the freakin' cutest thing you have ever seen in person. OMG.

The non-meat diet has settle comfortably into the rarely-eat-meat diet. Sometimes it just cannot be helped (as in when you are at dinner over someone's house). Word to the veg: If you are traveling to Australia, be sure that you may have to eat meat. They do NOT mess around over there with their fishes and meats. There are definitely many restaurants where you do not have any other options (and if you do it is one option which is ravioli).
..........

It is interesting when you are away on vacation, and your perspective on things change. Vacation is a breath of hope, a small insight into how happy and carefree you can be. I relax, and pieces to create, projects, plans fill my mind. I think vacations begin to fill one with hope - with the promise of the future.

OH, and then you come home and realize you will work 9-5 the rest of your life so that you can have good healthcare. Bummer. For being the leader of the "free" world, this country gives you NO options if you have any health issues...even if you are healthy. Once you are diagnosed, you are not only in the medical system, but condemed to a life of 9-5.

Right...well, it's raining & been raining for most of 2 weeks...what can I say?

I am looking forward to the weekend.