Happy is the weekend that includes a stroll through the PSU Farmers Market, a picnic under a circus tent — and even a rare bird sighting.
Good times, my friends….
9/11 — GRATITUDE AND TREATS
POLENTA WITH GRILLED ASPARAGUS, PESTO AND MANCHEGO
Sometimes the best dining option is also the simplest….
SLOW COOKER GREEN CHILE PORK STEW
You’ve got to love a recipe that starts in the pantry and finishes up on the counter top without any last minute help from you….
ROASTED RED PEPPER AND TOMATO SOUP
Grab your car keys and wallet. There is something you must do RIGHT now. Don’t ask questions — just go!
You must buy this soup. As in right this very minute.
I need you to have it in front of you (preferably heated up and served with melted St. Andre on Grand Central Como bread like I just did) as you read this. Otherwise, it just wouldn’t be fair to tell you how mind-bendingly luscious it is.
Why so good? How do I know what the people at Pacific Foods are doing to make it so? Yes, it has a really intense roasted red pepper and tomato flavor, but there must be crack in this thing because there is no way that they are able to eke out that much flavor and creaminess from reduced fat milk and tomato paste (two of the top five ingredients along with two kinds of red bell peppers and filtered water) without some kind of shenanigans going on.
Pacific Foods is based just outside Portland in Tualatin, Oregon, and I am tempted to go on a secret, fact-finding mission and spy on their production — just what is the answer for that much cryovac-ced deliciousness? And with only 2 grams of fat per serving? Damn, I don’t even get out of bed without eating that much.
Either way, buy en masse before the word gets out. It’s delicious warm straight up or even better yet, enjoyed with the addition of cooked tortellini, roasted chicken or brown rice. And cheese croutons. And wine.
Available at grocery stores nationwide and when I am very lucky, I can find it by the 6 pack at Costco.
Carrot, Fennel and Ginger Soup
Soup in the fridge is like money in your checking account – it’s readily available for immediate personal expenditures, can be moved with ease to savings (your freezer), or held short term for barter. Need to thank someone for something they did for you – perhaps they picked up your kid, shared their expertise, or dropped off something yummy unexpectedly. Give them soup. I doubt not one person will turn you down — you not only showed your gratitude but you also helped them solve a problem of their own, aka what to eat and soup’s versatility allows them to make their own decisions (spend?save?share?). Money, baby….