Dear Wanda,

I've been stewing over several new blog posts, but I haven't had much time to write lately--due to two mean, nasty, monster-like things that have invaded my house. Otherwise known as college classes: Algebra and Biology. I know, I know. Some people actually enjoy these subjects. Unfortunately, I do not. Hopefully, I'll be on an even keel soon and can catch up with my blogging.

(PS: Wanda-my wonderful, loyal reader-this post was for you!)

January is "Soup for Dinner" month & Recipes

I think just about everybody knows that January is “Eat Soup for Dinner Month.” Okay, I might have invented that. Still, January’s cold weather is the perfect backdrop for soup. So is February. And March. And just about every month except July. (Wait, I think I have a recipe for cold soup.) I mean: every month including July.

My favorite soup recipe is Italian Soup. Unfortunately, I’m the only one in my clan that likes it. (I live with weirdos picky eaters.) Italian soup is easy and healthy. Plus, it could easily be converted to a vegan recipe for those wanting a meatless dish. (Daniel Fast, anyone?)

Shrimp Bisque is the soup that is more accepted at out house. It’s creamy and shrimpy and oh-so-delicious! It’s made with heavy whipping cream, though. That means it’s not good for you. But who cares? But it is good for the occasional splurge. Plus, it has an orange/pink color that makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Try out a new soup recipe. Let me know what you think!

Italian Soup

(This soup freezes well.)

1 lb ground beef

1 cup diced onions

1 cup sliced celery

1 cup sliced carrots

2 cloves minced garlic

1 can diced tomatoes

8 oz. tomato sauce

½ cup elbow macaroni noodles

1 can dark red kidney beans, undrained (I omit these because I don’t like beans.)

2 cups water

2 beef bullion cubes

1 tsp salt

½ tsp oregano

½ tsp basil

¼ tsp pepper

Directions:

1. In pan, cook burger. Drain grease.

2. Combine all ingredients except macaroni noodles in a large pot.

3. Cook until carrots are almost tender.

4. Add macaroni noodles to soup. Cook until tender.

5. Enjoy!

Shrimp Bisque

*Warning: Fresh shrimp—as in off the boat at a marina—tastes much better than what you can get frozen or even fresh from the meat department at the grocery store. Can’t get your shrimp that fresh? Proceed at your taste buds' own risk.*

(We double the recipe. Surprisingly, this soup also freezes well.)

1 lb large shrimp, peeled, shells reserved

4 cups seafood stock (I use clam juice. Look for it near the canned tuna fish.)

3 tbs extra virgin olive oil

2 cups chopped leeks, white and green parts (Leeks are related to onions, by the way.)

½ cup white wine (You can use ¼ c. Cognac and ¼ c. sherry.)

4 tbs butter

4 cup flour

2 cups half-and-half

1/3 cup tomato paste

Directions:

1. Simmer shells and clam juice/stock in a pot for 15 minutes. Strain and reserve the stock.

2. Cook leeks and garlic in olive oil until leeks are tender but not brown.

3. Add shrimp and cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes.

4. Remove shrimp from pan.

5. Pour white wine and butter into pan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Add tomato paste, stock, half-and-half. Simmer over low heat.

6. Use food processor to coarsely puree leeks and shrimp. (I like to reserve some of the shrimp the cut into bite sized pieces. This will give the soup some chunkiness. Technically, the shrimp pieces make this more of a chowder than a bisque. Bisque is supposed to be smooth with no lumps.)

7. Add shrimp and leek puree (and shrimp pieces if applicable) to liquid. Heat until bisque is not, but not boiling.

8. Enjoy!

Resolution to Read... and eat chocolate!

Have you made a New Year’s Resolution? Me? Never touch the stuff. I hate feeling overwhelmed and behind, you see. However, if you’re looking for a doable resolution that still allows you to eat whatever you want, you’ve come to the right place. How about resolving to read a few books this year? Best part is that you can read with a cupcake in one hand. Just watch the crumbs. Sticky pages are no fun.

My list of must reads:

1. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
This a book about WWII and Corrie’s experience helping Jews escape. It chronicles her capture and the time she spent at several death camps including Auschwitz. My opinion is that everyone should read this book.

2. Alas Babylon by Pat Frank
Some of you may remember this from your high school required reading list. It’s an interesting read set in Florida where the characters must survive a nuclear blast. Think of it as a 1950's Man vs. Wild... without the nasty elephant poo scene.

3. This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti
This book pulls aside the veil to peer into the spirit realm. Note: Don’t read at bedtime!

4. The Gathering Storm by Winston Churchill
I have only read segments of this book, but I plan to read it all. As a matter of fact, I am putting it on my personal non-New Year’s resolution list of things to read. I believe Churchill’s book can speak to issues surrounding our current war with terrorism.

5. A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
Those of you who know me expected this one, didn’t you? This is one of my favorite books by my favorite author. It is historical fiction and set in Rome during the time of gladiators and emperors. Rivers weaves a fascinating story and the parallels between ancient Rome society and current America are impossible to ignore. Note: Get Echo in the Darkness (book two) at the same time. You’ll want to read them back to back. I promise. Skip book three of the series, though. It is actually the only book of Francine Rivers that I don't enjoy reading.

6. Year of the Locust by Brittni Lasater
Okay, okay. This is wishful thinking because my book hasn't been published yet. It just didn't seem right not to include it in a list of my favorite books!

Most of these books should be available at your local library. Let me know which books you pick and what you think! Plus, I'd love to hear what books would make your "must read" list.

"Jesus Calling" Devotional

In homeschool, we’ve picked up a new Bible devotional called “Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids.” The devotional is written by Sarah Young especially for children ages 9-12. Each page is labeled with the corresponding date and is short and sweet. Plus, it is written in the first person point of view as if Jesus is speaking directly to the reader.

Pros: this devotional is easy to read. Also, it is interesting that it uses the word “I” when referring to Jesus. Cons: If you are looking for an in depth Bible study, this is not it. I'm also not sure this will hold the attention of most twelve-year-olds.

I doubt we'll keep it as a regular Bible curriculum. However, my nine year old picked it up to read on his own. That means "Jesus Calling" won't be going into the "give away" stack.