"Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world."
-John Muir
Happy Arbor Day!
Cheryl
Friday, April 29, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Book Nook - Water for Elephants
Water for Elephants written by Sara Gruen. I really enjoyed this novel, with one big fat caveat, which I'll explain in a moment.
First, let me give you a brief summary: Jacob Jankowski is a 23 year old student at Cornell University, getting ready to graduate and join his father in his veterinary practice. Tragedy strikes and Jacob's parents are killed in a car crash. With nowhere to go and no family to turn to, Jacob finds himself wandering aimlessly and jumping a train. He soon learns that this train holds the traveling Benzini Brothers Circus and Jacob soon becomes a member of the crew.
Part of the novel is told by Jacob as our narrator; the other part is told by a much older Jacob, at age 90 (or 93, he can't remember). I really enjoyed this dichotomy. The older Jacob gives a very real portrayal of life in a nursing home, sharing many touching insights with the reader. It's a really intriguing look at mind that can't help but remembering, stuck in a body that can't help not functioning as it once did. The younger Jacob's narration spares no expense in detail, and the reader is right along with him for some embarrassing episodes as he tries to find a new home among the myriad of characters and creatures of the show.
A great part of the book is dedicated to the love triangle between Jacob (the young one!), August, the Director of Equestrian Affairs (who is also the circus owner, Uncle Al's, right hand man), and August's wife Marlena, the star of the equestrian act. August is portrayed as a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde character: one minute he's smooth & charming & benevolent towards Jacob, the next he's violent and brutal and manipulative. While Marlena and Jacob steal many quick glances at one another, things don't start to heat up between the two until Jacob gives her an unexpected kiss (unexpected to both of them) when they find a moment alone.
Also in the mix is Rosie, an elephant that Uncle Al bought from an ailing show, who is expected to be the #1 attraction. However, she won't do as she is told and pays for her bad behavior dearly at the hands of the maniacal August. These are scenes that are very hard to read.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but I would like to mention that it is one that is well-thought-out and everything that happens seems to be a natural progression to the story. And just when you think things might slow down for Jacob or fall into place nicely, something happens to shake things up yet again. The minor characters all play a nice supportive role here and add to the ambiance of the setting and the storyline. I really hate it when an author throws in a bunch of throwaway characters just to make a busy plot, but that's not the case here at all. Things that happen to our minor characters have consequences on our major characters.
Now for that caveat I mentioned: the ending. Not young Jacob's ending, but old Jacob's. Of course, I won't tell you what happens, but I must say that it is totally unrealistic, unbelievable and improbable and not at all in line with what we've read up to that point. The ending completely ruined the story for me and I really wish the author had not gone there. It's just awful.
I originally read this novel three, maybe four, years ago, to see what all the fuss was about. And then I decided to re-read it recently because I heard that the movie based on the novel was coming out. First time, I read the paper version of the novel, this time I read it on book-on-CD. I prefer the paper version in this case, for a couple of reasons. First, I really disliked the voice that the younger narrator gave August: it's whiny and snivel-y and really goes against his character. Second, there are many, many adult scenes & language in the novel & I don't know why, but I'd rather read it on paper. Perhaps it's the fear that an innocent Bachster will stir awake and hear something they shouldn't when I'm listening to the story after their bedtime. However, I liked the old Jacob's voice and felt it gave lots of authenticity to the old Jacob portions of the book.
I'm not certain now that I want to see the movie. I'm not sure I want to see the cruelty to the animals on the screen - reading about it was hard enough. Other than that aspect, the novel is not afraid to show the gritty setting and tell the story without backing out of some of the shocking details. I've heard that the movie is a bit watered down for the general public - I certainly hope that's not what they mean by water for elephants.
Cheryl
First, let me give you a brief summary: Jacob Jankowski is a 23 year old student at Cornell University, getting ready to graduate and join his father in his veterinary practice. Tragedy strikes and Jacob's parents are killed in a car crash. With nowhere to go and no family to turn to, Jacob finds himself wandering aimlessly and jumping a train. He soon learns that this train holds the traveling Benzini Brothers Circus and Jacob soon becomes a member of the crew.
Part of the novel is told by Jacob as our narrator; the other part is told by a much older Jacob, at age 90 (or 93, he can't remember). I really enjoyed this dichotomy. The older Jacob gives a very real portrayal of life in a nursing home, sharing many touching insights with the reader. It's a really intriguing look at mind that can't help but remembering, stuck in a body that can't help not functioning as it once did. The younger Jacob's narration spares no expense in detail, and the reader is right along with him for some embarrassing episodes as he tries to find a new home among the myriad of characters and creatures of the show.
A great part of the book is dedicated to the love triangle between Jacob (the young one!), August, the Director of Equestrian Affairs (who is also the circus owner, Uncle Al's, right hand man), and August's wife Marlena, the star of the equestrian act. August is portrayed as a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde character: one minute he's smooth & charming & benevolent towards Jacob, the next he's violent and brutal and manipulative. While Marlena and Jacob steal many quick glances at one another, things don't start to heat up between the two until Jacob gives her an unexpected kiss (unexpected to both of them) when they find a moment alone.
Also in the mix is Rosie, an elephant that Uncle Al bought from an ailing show, who is expected to be the #1 attraction. However, she won't do as she is told and pays for her bad behavior dearly at the hands of the maniacal August. These are scenes that are very hard to read.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but I would like to mention that it is one that is well-thought-out and everything that happens seems to be a natural progression to the story. And just when you think things might slow down for Jacob or fall into place nicely, something happens to shake things up yet again. The minor characters all play a nice supportive role here and add to the ambiance of the setting and the storyline. I really hate it when an author throws in a bunch of throwaway characters just to make a busy plot, but that's not the case here at all. Things that happen to our minor characters have consequences on our major characters.
Now for that caveat I mentioned: the ending. Not young Jacob's ending, but old Jacob's. Of course, I won't tell you what happens, but I must say that it is totally unrealistic, unbelievable and improbable and not at all in line with what we've read up to that point. The ending completely ruined the story for me and I really wish the author had not gone there. It's just awful.
I originally read this novel three, maybe four, years ago, to see what all the fuss was about. And then I decided to re-read it recently because I heard that the movie based on the novel was coming out. First time, I read the paper version of the novel, this time I read it on book-on-CD. I prefer the paper version in this case, for a couple of reasons. First, I really disliked the voice that the younger narrator gave August: it's whiny and snivel-y and really goes against his character. Second, there are many, many adult scenes & language in the novel & I don't know why, but I'd rather read it on paper. Perhaps it's the fear that an innocent Bachster will stir awake and hear something they shouldn't when I'm listening to the story after their bedtime. However, I liked the old Jacob's voice and felt it gave lots of authenticity to the old Jacob portions of the book.
I'm not certain now that I want to see the movie. I'm not sure I want to see the cruelty to the animals on the screen - reading about it was hard enough. Other than that aspect, the novel is not afraid to show the gritty setting and tell the story without backing out of some of the shocking details. I've heard that the movie is a bit watered down for the general public - I certainly hope that's not what they mean by water for elephants.
Cheryl
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter
It's been a very fun weekend here at the Bach Haus - egg decorating, a trip to the farm and loads of yummy treats in our Easter baskets. And look....I've been playing around with triptychs:
Hope you had a wonderful weekend too!
Cheryl
Hope you had a wonderful weekend too!
Cheryl
Friday, April 22, 2011
The sneaky environmentalist
You've probably heard of The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids' Favorite Meals, which is a cookbook that gives recipes that sneak in healthy foods like fruit & veggies into innocent-looking dishes. In the same vein, in celebration of Earth Day, I've come up with some ideas to become a sneaky environmentalist: ways to sneak in Earth-friendliness every day!
Part of the reason I came up with this list was because I see so many "how-to-be-Earth-friendly" lists that are totally unrealistic. Bike or walk to work or errands? Get a vehicle with better gas mileage? Replace your old appliances with newer, energy-saving versions? For many people, these are impossible, unrealistic & unaffordable suggestions.
So, here's my list - easy, fun things you can do to become more environmentally friendly:
1. Go to school. Or the library. Or the park. Or the fire station.
In our community, there are recycling bins at all these locations. At a nearby fire station and our closest metro park, there are full-recycling bins that take everything from plastic to cardboard to glass, etc. So, if you don't have curbside recycling (and we unfortunately do not) you can still easily recycle.
2. Feed the birds
We love feeding the blue jays and cardinals peanuts. I just set them out by our back door and soon after, the jays are calling to each other to share the good news. The Bachsters love to watch them come close to the house. This has led to many conversations about different birds, their diet, their calls, etc. By doing this, we've hopefully cultivated a love of nature & appreciation for our little backyard visitors.
3. Garden
Planting a garden with kids is a great way to get them outside and also helps them learn where food comes from (not the grocery store). If you plant veggies, then they will want to eat them. Experts always recommend to buy organic & local when possible - it doesn't get any more organic or local than that!
4. Don't garden
My mother-in-law planted a very invasive flowering plant of some type right at our front porch area a few years ago. The invasive plant (I completely forget what it's called) has overtaken a few hostas, and is always overgrown and bushy. I've considered ripping it all out, but then I remembered that the bees and bugs really love this unkempt area of our yard. It's very dense so it provides them with all sorts of cover and the flowers are lovely in the summer, and long-blooming. Insects and little animals need that sort of shelter, which is disappearing rapidly due to sprawl. I say let Nature reclaim a patch of your yard - it'll probably be wild & unruly, but truly wonderful.
5. Get a hobby
Make it an outdoor hobby! Wildlife photography, bird watching & star gazing are a few examples of outdoor activities in which the purpose is an appreciation of nature. Since I started photography, I take the Bachsters out to parks, arboretums, ponds, fields, etc. that I might never have visited otherwise. I really love that it changes your perspective on nature. For example, on a really icy day, I don't bemoan the road conditions or the temperature, but thrill to the idea of getting some gorgeous shots of nature under ice. Even a physical activity like jogging or biking that gets you outside will go a long way to get you environmental-y.
6. Go to the park, skip the playground
I feel like a bad Mama for admitting this, but I rarely take the Bachsters to a playground. However, I am always taking them for hikes in the woods. They are still getting exercise & fresh air (and I get more photo ops), but just as important, they are getting out in nature, not just a concrete slab or mulch with play equipment. I hope by making that choice, I am helping to nurture their love for nature.
7. Eat less beef
When I was in college, I took an Environmental Ethics class, where I learned that part of the reason for deforestation is to provide pasture areas for cattle. I haven't eaten beef since. Here is a link on an article about the issue. Not only is deforestation a concern with beef production, but beef also has negative affects on global warming. Here's a link to some information about it. I just did a quickie search, but I'm sure there's a lot of information you could gather through google. If you really want to make a difference, go vegetarian. Or even vegan!
8. Read a book
There are a couple of environmentally-related books that I'd recommend. The first is A Tree is Nice by Janice May Udry. This is a children's book that very simply gives some reasons why trees are so awesome.
The other book I'd recommend is The Legacy of Luna, which is the story of Julia Butterfly Hill, who lived in an ancient California redwood tree to protest a logging company's plan to cut it down. What an amazing act of courage and determination!
9. Make good consumer choices
I know it's hard to pay extra for something when you don't have to. Sometimes, the products at the supermarket that are the best for the environment are also the costlier ones. But if everyone purchased these products, then more companies would start providing them and prices would become more competitive. Supply and demand!
10. Knit a hat
Make sure it's a wool hat. Then knit a wool sweater. Or go buy one (if you want to be uber-environmental, you can buy one used at a garage sale or a vintage clothing store). Wool is the key word here, because in colder weather, you can just put on your hat or sweater to keep you warm, instead of turning up your heat. That's the power of knitting!
11. Homemade cooking is good
I make almost everything homemade, and there are some great environmental benefits to it. There's less packaging & less transportation. From a health perspective, there are no chemicals or preservatives or hidden dangers like loads of salt. And homemade always tastes better and is more economical. The only downside I can see to homemade is that it takes a bit longer to make. But that's a small price to pay for all the benefits.
I don't think you need to install solar panels and a backyard wind turbine to do something positive for the environment. Smaller, every day things really add up in the big picture. And in addition to those little things, doing activities that will foster a respect and appreciation for our environment will hopefully grow into even more fervent action towards preserving the environment.
Happy Earth Day!
Cheryl
Part of the reason I came up with this list was because I see so many "how-to-be-Earth-friendly" lists that are totally unrealistic. Bike or walk to work or errands? Get a vehicle with better gas mileage? Replace your old appliances with newer, energy-saving versions? For many people, these are impossible, unrealistic & unaffordable suggestions.
So, here's my list - easy, fun things you can do to become more environmentally friendly:
1. Go to school. Or the library. Or the park. Or the fire station.
In our community, there are recycling bins at all these locations. At a nearby fire station and our closest metro park, there are full-recycling bins that take everything from plastic to cardboard to glass, etc. So, if you don't have curbside recycling (and we unfortunately do not) you can still easily recycle.
2. Feed the birds
We love feeding the blue jays and cardinals peanuts. I just set them out by our back door and soon after, the jays are calling to each other to share the good news. The Bachsters love to watch them come close to the house. This has led to many conversations about different birds, their diet, their calls, etc. By doing this, we've hopefully cultivated a love of nature & appreciation for our little backyard visitors.
3. Garden
Planting a garden with kids is a great way to get them outside and also helps them learn where food comes from (not the grocery store). If you plant veggies, then they will want to eat them. Experts always recommend to buy organic & local when possible - it doesn't get any more organic or local than that!
4. Don't garden
My mother-in-law planted a very invasive flowering plant of some type right at our front porch area a few years ago. The invasive plant (I completely forget what it's called) has overtaken a few hostas, and is always overgrown and bushy. I've considered ripping it all out, but then I remembered that the bees and bugs really love this unkempt area of our yard. It's very dense so it provides them with all sorts of cover and the flowers are lovely in the summer, and long-blooming. Insects and little animals need that sort of shelter, which is disappearing rapidly due to sprawl. I say let Nature reclaim a patch of your yard - it'll probably be wild & unruly, but truly wonderful.
5. Get a hobby
Make it an outdoor hobby! Wildlife photography, bird watching & star gazing are a few examples of outdoor activities in which the purpose is an appreciation of nature. Since I started photography, I take the Bachsters out to parks, arboretums, ponds, fields, etc. that I might never have visited otherwise. I really love that it changes your perspective on nature. For example, on a really icy day, I don't bemoan the road conditions or the temperature, but thrill to the idea of getting some gorgeous shots of nature under ice. Even a physical activity like jogging or biking that gets you outside will go a long way to get you environmental-y.
6. Go to the park, skip the playground
I feel like a bad Mama for admitting this, but I rarely take the Bachsters to a playground. However, I am always taking them for hikes in the woods. They are still getting exercise & fresh air (and I get more photo ops), but just as important, they are getting out in nature, not just a concrete slab or mulch with play equipment. I hope by making that choice, I am helping to nurture their love for nature.
7. Eat less beef
When I was in college, I took an Environmental Ethics class, where I learned that part of the reason for deforestation is to provide pasture areas for cattle. I haven't eaten beef since. Here is a link on an article about the issue. Not only is deforestation a concern with beef production, but beef also has negative affects on global warming. Here's a link to some information about it. I just did a quickie search, but I'm sure there's a lot of information you could gather through google. If you really want to make a difference, go vegetarian. Or even vegan!
8. Read a book
There are a couple of environmentally-related books that I'd recommend. The first is A Tree is Nice by Janice May Udry. This is a children's book that very simply gives some reasons why trees are so awesome.
The other book I'd recommend is The Legacy of Luna, which is the story of Julia Butterfly Hill, who lived in an ancient California redwood tree to protest a logging company's plan to cut it down. What an amazing act of courage and determination!
9. Make good consumer choices
I know it's hard to pay extra for something when you don't have to. Sometimes, the products at the supermarket that are the best for the environment are also the costlier ones. But if everyone purchased these products, then more companies would start providing them and prices would become more competitive. Supply and demand!
10. Knit a hat
Make sure it's a wool hat. Then knit a wool sweater. Or go buy one (if you want to be uber-environmental, you can buy one used at a garage sale or a vintage clothing store). Wool is the key word here, because in colder weather, you can just put on your hat or sweater to keep you warm, instead of turning up your heat. That's the power of knitting!
11. Homemade cooking is good
I make almost everything homemade, and there are some great environmental benefits to it. There's less packaging & less transportation. From a health perspective, there are no chemicals or preservatives or hidden dangers like loads of salt. And homemade always tastes better and is more economical. The only downside I can see to homemade is that it takes a bit longer to make. But that's a small price to pay for all the benefits.
I don't think you need to install solar panels and a backyard wind turbine to do something positive for the environment. Smaller, every day things really add up in the big picture. And in addition to those little things, doing activities that will foster a respect and appreciation for our environment will hopefully grow into even more fervent action towards preserving the environment.
Happy Earth Day!
Cheryl
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Magnolia
It's been really rainy around here lately, so when we had a nice sunny day a few days ago, I jumped at the chance to get outdoors with my camera. I headed to Greenlawn Cemetery in Columbus (link here) with 2 out of 3 Bachsters. Greenlawn is a really old & beautiful cemetery with tons of trees - I was hoping to find lots of flowering trees, and Greenlawn didn't disappoint. We came across a gorgeous, mature Magnolia tree. Its branches hung low to the ground and it was in full bloom - it was like being inside a giant flower.
I've always wanted to learn how to do a diptych. This one's not too bad for a first attempt....but there's still a lot I need to learn.
Being at the cemetery & seeing all the beautiful trees reminds me that I've always said I'd like a tree instead of a traditional tombstone one day when my time is up! Now, I'm starting to think that tree should be a lovely Magnolia tree.
Cheryl
I've always wanted to learn how to do a diptych. This one's not too bad for a first attempt....but there's still a lot I need to learn.
Being at the cemetery & seeing all the beautiful trees reminds me that I've always said I'd like a tree instead of a traditional tombstone one day when my time is up! Now, I'm starting to think that tree should be a lovely Magnolia tree.
Cheryl
Monday, April 18, 2011
Book Nook - 1001 Children's Books
A book about books....love it!
1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up, edited by Julia Eccleshare is a real exercise in post-it-note allocation. I would challenge anyone reading through this behemoth of a book to not be tempted to post-it-note, earmark, bookmark or jot down a list of great books you'd love to read (for yourself or to your kids).
The book is organized by age group: 0-3 years old, 3+, 5+, 8+ and 12+. Each age group contains a list of books, starting with oldest to most recent (2008). Some are classics, some are foreign titles, some are not as well known as others - but each suggested book features a nice description. The cover art of many of the books is also pictured. The many contributors/reviewers range from authors and illustrators to professors to librarians.
I have really devoured this book. I've found books from my childhood that I forgot I read (Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears). I've enjoyed reading the reviews on some of my favorite children's books and wondered why some were omitted (more Arnold Lobel, please). I've read the reviews on classic stories that I've always been interested in, but have never read. Having all these little snippets right in from of you makes it so easy to find books that you want to read. This book is wonderful! I keep thinking that this book would make the perfect gift for parents-to-be......maybe alongside one of your personal favorite books?
It might seem like a small thing, but I also wanted to mention how great the index is! You can search by author/illustrator or title of the book, and you can also easily find the featured reviewers write ups (like Lauren Child? Check out one of her favorite books on page 586). As you can see, I'm going to be very busy:
I've always felt it was a little daunting going to the library and seeing shelf upon shelf of books. Where to begin? Where are the good ones? In fact, that's one of the reasons I started Book Nook - to share with others the books that I've enjoyed, and maybe get some good recommendations in return. This book is like having your best friend, who happens to be a children's librarian, along with you on your day at the library. I guarantee you won't be going home empty handed!
Cheryl
1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up, edited by Julia Eccleshare is a real exercise in post-it-note allocation. I would challenge anyone reading through this behemoth of a book to not be tempted to post-it-note, earmark, bookmark or jot down a list of great books you'd love to read (for yourself or to your kids).
The book is organized by age group: 0-3 years old, 3+, 5+, 8+ and 12+. Each age group contains a list of books, starting with oldest to most recent (2008). Some are classics, some are foreign titles, some are not as well known as others - but each suggested book features a nice description. The cover art of many of the books is also pictured. The many contributors/reviewers range from authors and illustrators to professors to librarians.
I have really devoured this book. I've found books from my childhood that I forgot I read (Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears). I've enjoyed reading the reviews on some of my favorite children's books and wondered why some were omitted (more Arnold Lobel, please). I've read the reviews on classic stories that I've always been interested in, but have never read. Having all these little snippets right in from of you makes it so easy to find books that you want to read. This book is wonderful! I keep thinking that this book would make the perfect gift for parents-to-be......maybe alongside one of your personal favorite books?
It might seem like a small thing, but I also wanted to mention how great the index is! You can search by author/illustrator or title of the book, and you can also easily find the featured reviewers write ups (like Lauren Child? Check out one of her favorite books on page 586). As you can see, I'm going to be very busy:
I've always felt it was a little daunting going to the library and seeing shelf upon shelf of books. Where to begin? Where are the good ones? In fact, that's one of the reasons I started Book Nook - to share with others the books that I've enjoyed, and maybe get some good recommendations in return. This book is like having your best friend, who happens to be a children's librarian, along with you on your day at the library. I guarantee you won't be going home empty handed!
Cheryl
Friday, April 15, 2011
Soup's On!
I love homemade soup. It's so yummy and wholesome and much better than canned soup. And it's really not difficult to make either. Lately, I've been making a few different kinds of soup because the weather around here has been kind of cold & rainy....perfect for soup!
The first soup I've made recently is one of my favorite recipes, lentil soup from Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys
. When I first spotted this recipe, I thought it sounded good but sort of boring. I was so wrong. This recipe adds just the right amount of salt to make it tasty, but not at all salty. It's even better as leftovers! This is one of the best soups I've ever had!
Next up is a mushroom soup. This recipe can be found on the back of Wolfgang Puck's boxed vegetable broth, found at grocery stores. There is a similar recipe on his website (found here) but it's not vegetarian like the one I use.....but it is a very similar recipe. Easy to make, healthy, yummy. My family doesn't like this one as much, but I love it, so that's more for me!
And finally, my vegetarian chili. I have a friend whose Mom calls chili "chili soup" so because of that, I think I can include it in the soup category! This is a recipe that I've tweaked from the one that came with our crock-pot. I used to make it with ground turkey breast in my pre-vegetarian days & it's good that way too.
Here's the recipe:
3 cans of diced tomatoes, chili style
3 cans of beans - (1 each: dark kidney beans, light kidney beans, black beans)
2 6-oz. cans of tomato paste
1 green pepper
1 onion
Ground spices - chili powder, ancho chile powder (mild), New Mexico chile pepper (mild), guajill chile pepper (medium) & chipotle chile pepper (hot)
Cheddar or cheddar-jack cheese & Saltine crackers, for serving
To make: Drain the beans & add them and the diced tomatoes to crock pot. Chop green pepper into a thick dice and onion into a slightly finer dice and add them to crock pot. Stir in one can of tomato paste. If chili isn't thick enough, add more of the 2nd can, a little at a time until it's reaches the thickness you want. Add spices - more of the mild, & just a little bit of the medium/hot spices. Stir it all up. Cover crock pot & let cook on high heat for a couple of hours. Reduce heat to low & let cook for an additional 3 hours. Don't open the lid while it's cooking! After the 3 hours on low heat, open lid, stir & taste. Add more spices or salt if needed. If peppers & onions are still too crunchy, cook chili longer. If it's to your liking, turn off heat & let sit for about 15 minutes before serving. To serve, put chili in bowl & top with cheese - let sit until cheese is melted.
When I used to make the turkey chili version, I would thoroughly cook ground turkey breast in a skillet & then add it to the chili mixture, instead of black beans.
It's a really basic recipe that you can tweak to your liking. DH added wasabi last time I made it & he said it was great. If you make it, let me know how it turned out!
What's your favorite soup to enjoy on a cold day?
Cheryl
The first soup I've made recently is one of my favorite recipes, lentil soup from Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys
. When I first spotted this recipe, I thought it sounded good but sort of boring. I was so wrong. This recipe adds just the right amount of salt to make it tasty, but not at all salty. It's even better as leftovers! This is one of the best soups I've ever had!
Next up is a mushroom soup. This recipe can be found on the back of Wolfgang Puck's boxed vegetable broth, found at grocery stores. There is a similar recipe on his website (found here) but it's not vegetarian like the one I use.....but it is a very similar recipe. Easy to make, healthy, yummy. My family doesn't like this one as much, but I love it, so that's more for me!
And finally, my vegetarian chili. I have a friend whose Mom calls chili "chili soup" so because of that, I think I can include it in the soup category! This is a recipe that I've tweaked from the one that came with our crock-pot. I used to make it with ground turkey breast in my pre-vegetarian days & it's good that way too.
Here's the recipe:
3 cans of diced tomatoes, chili style
3 cans of beans - (1 each: dark kidney beans, light kidney beans, black beans)
2 6-oz. cans of tomato paste
1 green pepper
1 onion
Ground spices - chili powder, ancho chile powder (mild), New Mexico chile pepper (mild), guajill chile pepper (medium) & chipotle chile pepper (hot)
Cheddar or cheddar-jack cheese & Saltine crackers, for serving
To make: Drain the beans & add them and the diced tomatoes to crock pot. Chop green pepper into a thick dice and onion into a slightly finer dice and add them to crock pot. Stir in one can of tomato paste. If chili isn't thick enough, add more of the 2nd can, a little at a time until it's reaches the thickness you want. Add spices - more of the mild, & just a little bit of the medium/hot spices. Stir it all up. Cover crock pot & let cook on high heat for a couple of hours. Reduce heat to low & let cook for an additional 3 hours. Don't open the lid while it's cooking! After the 3 hours on low heat, open lid, stir & taste. Add more spices or salt if needed. If peppers & onions are still too crunchy, cook chili longer. If it's to your liking, turn off heat & let sit for about 15 minutes before serving. To serve, put chili in bowl & top with cheese - let sit until cheese is melted.
When I used to make the turkey chili version, I would thoroughly cook ground turkey breast in a skillet & then add it to the chili mixture, instead of black beans.
It's a really basic recipe that you can tweak to your liking. DH added wasabi last time I made it & he said it was great. If you make it, let me know how it turned out!
What's your favorite soup to enjoy on a cold day?
Cheryl
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