Scrumptious Soup

As many of you know, I'm not much of a cook. My husband, who is a chef, does most of the cooking at our house. I have offered, believe me. But he's got some kind of territorial issues with the kitchen and even when I try to cook, he hovers so incessantly that eventually, in his frustration, he takes over and does it himself. (You may remember my post from last year "Making Deviled Eggs", which is a classic example of the scenarios we've had in the kitchen.)

Despite this possessiveness, he makes some fantastic dishes and has lots of great ideas. I've been trying to talk him into keeping his own blog but he hates to write and doesn't like to type much either. So, I told him that I would take pictures of his lovely creations and post them myself. And since I know there are so many fabulous cooks out there, I thought you guys might enjoy this one!

He's been exploring recipes with a cast-iron Dutch Oven. Apparently, the Dutch Oven is known for it's long, slow, even cooking which makes the soup so flavorful. Interestingly enough, this type of cooking pot dates back to the 1600's where it was discovered in Holland. The term "Dutch Oven" has endured for over 300 years! Believe it or not, there is a Dutch Oven Society! (Click here for recipes, events and photos.) It's really like a crock pot... pioneer-style!

My husband's first fabulous creation was a Chicken & Root Vegetable Soup. Oh, my - it was delicious! Here's how:

Ingredients: Carrots, Celery, Onions, Parsnips, Sherry, Potatoes, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Bay Leaves & Pepper, Plum Tomatoes

Sweat (saute) the carrots, celery, onions, parsnips.
Deglaze with sherry.
Add potatoes and chicken.
Fill with chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
Add a ham bone (special secret!)
Season with 4 bay leaves, dash of pepper.
Put the lid on and slide in an oven at 300 degrees for one hour.
Just before serving, add sliced plum tomatoes.

Yea, soup!!

It was fun to take photos of this process as it developed and I realized that I may have a new career on my hands! (See more of these photos on Sunniviews...) As we chatted while the soup boiled, I realized that my husband and I, as most couples, have the most delightful balance. He cooks and I photograph & write (oh - and clean up... I'm not entirely useless!)

Quite a lovely arrangement, if I do say so myself!

Oh, October!

Overnight, it seems, fall has arrived. The crickets are suddenly silent and there is a slight chill in the air. After weeks of 90 degree weather during this continued drought, it's a relief!

I begin to notice the golden leaves, the soft diffused light of morning and the pinestraw accumulating on the lawn. Pumpkins and scarecrows appear on doorsteps and I'm finally ready to pull out my harvest decor.

This weekend was a true delight - going through items from the attic of my favorite autumn colors, raking the front yard without breaking a sweat (much), lighting candles in the evening. It's the start of winter hibernation and I'm ready for it!

My thoughts turn to pumpkin pie and spiced cider. I crave soup and thick slices of homemade bread. It's interesting how introspective I become as the weather gets cooler, turning inside for warmth. I think of a hermit burrowing deep in a cave with a small fire and a thick warm blanket. I search for slippers!

Last night, the weatherman informed us that we have another week of 80 degree weather. Oh, well. The past two days have been a taste of the season to come. Enough to make it through another week of heat!