Sunday Soup

I was temped to title this post Souperbowl Sunday, which was followed by an immediate sense of discomfort that not only could such a thought pass through my brain but that I'd actually entertain it. So, no. I will not be starting every new post with a shitty pun. I'll just think about it in silence and then hang my head in shame.

Two things that I started doing recently:

1. Buying dried beans and then soaking them before making what ever it is I'm going to make with them. It's awesome. Not only is it cheaper than buying canned beans, but the beans hold up much better and have a better texture. Sure, it requires planning ahead a little bit, but don't we all feel better when we're planning wholesome meals ahead of time that we make from scratch with oh so much love and attention? We do. Which brings me to number
2. Sunday soup. Generally, if I eat well I feel well (save the occasional chili cheese dog with mustard and onions). Since weeks seem to get crazier and crazier, and available minutes seem fewer and fewer, and I have this job that I go to so I can't actually just sit around my house staring at soaking beans, I've become fond of making a big pot of soup on Sunday nights. This gives me solid lunch and dinner options for the week so I'm not skipping meals and getting cranky, or constantly snacking on crap.

Ok, back to Souperbowl Sunday. I was actually invited to a Superbowl Party. I'm not much into football. If you're looking for a sporting event to bring me to, or invite me to watch at your home, I like basketball. Now you know. Anyway, I'm not into football but I am into cupcakes, and while Sunday soup was simmering I made a few dozen cupcakes.

These little guys will be accompanying me to the party. Because although I don't really care about the superbowl, I do like to party, and no party is complete with out a cupcake.

Soup's ON!

It's fall and I'm only interested in participating in 3 major food groups: Soup, Cider, and Donuts. Monday I ate donuts for dinner and every night since I've eaten soup. Some at home, some at friends, and some at Asia Cuisine. Here's this week's soup in review:

Fish stew and crusty bread at home. Courtesy of Rachel.

Chicken noodle soup at Mandy and Fuzz's. Thanks Fuzz!!!

Jam Bong at Asia cuisine.

From The Ladle To The Grave

I woke up two days ago with a headache. Since I never get headaches I probably should've known something was up, instead I chalked it up to the weather, not enough caffeine, and a possible nanobot infestation. I woke yesterday to a sore throat which I thought could possibly be a result of having slept with my mouth open. Today there's no denying it. A horrible ick is trying to latch on somewhere between my sinuses and tonsils, making my life slightly less pleasant and making my head feel like it's floating ten feet above my body at about twice it's usual size.

I'm fortunate to have a job that I can leave for my bed on days like this. My office-mates are glad to minimize the risk of an outbreak, and I'm glad to have the loving and extra supportive "get outta here, I don't want to get sick" nudge. Besides, I can type from home. Clearly.

I'm also fortunate to be part of a gang. This gang has armed me with the weaponry necessary to produce things like this even though my head feels like it might actually explode:

Ingredients: 3 small onions, 2 stalks celery, 3 cloves garlic, 2 potatoes, 2 large carrots, 1 bunch kale, 6 oz sausage, 16oz great northern beans, stock (I used some vegetable and some chicken as it was what I had on hand), thyme, oregano, turmeric, dill, salt, pepper, parsley. Assemble in usual soup making fashion.

Below is a picture that I came across today of my good friend Steve. 

Steve is a fellow Soup Gang founding member. Nothing says tough like little cheddar goldfish.