It's Soup!!!

Since it's gotten a bit chilly these past few days I decided to try my hand at another soup recipe.  I ask dh to choose one, since he's waaaaaay more particular about his food than I am.  This is what he chose.  I picked up the items yesterday and put them together this evening for dinner.  It was very simple and VERY tasty!

Here's the recipe.  It's from my very favorite cookbook: 1000 Vegetarian Recipes from Around the World.

Garbanzo and Tomato Soup
2 tbsp olive oil
2 leeks, sliced
2 zucchini, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups of diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 1/2 cups vegetable bouillon
1 fresh bay leaf
8 oz fresh spinach, chopped

In large pan heat oil.
Add leeks and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes. Stirring briskly.
Add garlic, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, bouillon and bay leaf.
Bring to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes.
Add spinach. Cook for 2 more minutes
Serve immediately
Salt & Pepper to taste.
Suggested serving: Add fresh Parmesan cheese and eat with Sun-dried tomato bread.


We found that we didn't need any salt or pepper.  We had bread sticks with ours.  I used an Italian cheese blend instead of Parmesan.  I used all organic products. I used fresh tomatoes instead of canned.  It was quick and easy,  My eldest help me prepare it.  The 'cutting up' time took longer than the actual cooking time.  We're looking forward to trying another recipe soon.

Enjoy!

I'm Sick

I've spent the past day and night caring for the little ones who have a slight cold-like thing.  They're sleepy and a bit cranky.  Needing to blow their noses more than usual and picky about what they're willing to eat.  The Boy has a little temp.  But that's about all.  We've been reading books, watched two videos, eaten soup and are trying to drown ourselves in water!  It seems like they'll be feeling back to normal in the morning.

...but now I'm sick.  Don't you just hate that?  I've been taking garlic--which I swear by--and so I know that things would be MUCH worse if I hadn't!  But I'm feeling yuck and stuffy and achy and a bit cranky myself.

Anyone have a good recipe for soup that you SWEAR by for colds (that doesn't require gourmet ingredients)???  I'd be ever so grateful!  Thanks in advance.

Going back to bed now....


Found both photos through a Google search.

naturally yours

although it's still winter, i'm in the process of preparing for spring (my new year!)! :) i've been working to live in better harmony with the earth and my body. part of what we've (dh & i) been working towards is removing all the chemical use in our home, in our food, in our personal body products. i've spent the last two days almost glued to the computer searching and researching what i can do to replace all the junk we feel we 'can't live without!'



we've already switched a lot of what we use around the house. we mainly use vinegar & baking soda to clean. and these two clean everything! (and have for many decades prior)



my hair is natural (no chemicals used to change it's texture) and so are all the heads in my care. but i know a lot of what we put in our hair (creams, oils, shampoos, etc.) and what we put on our skin is just HARMFUL plain and simple. so, i'm throwing EVERYTHING out today and going out this afternoon to purchase some basics to make my own personal care products.



now, if you know anything about me, you know that this is right up my alley. i love doing this kind of stuff. i have several good books about this very thing and i use the library regularly. so i've found some really nice, simple, inexpensive recipes for keeping us, and our environment, clean & safe.



i've also invited some of my dear friends to join me in this. it does take some support because i know there will be a day when i miss my paul mitchell foaming pomade. but i will learn to love something else--something that i've made with my own hands!!!



these are the things i want to give my children. i love that i can share this with them.



will share updates as i have them!!