Making Friends

Holy Crap - I don't even know if I can explain this right but its the truth. I made a soup tonight that I can only describe as our friend Josh. If Josh were a soup, this would be that soup. J's one of our dearest friends. He's a gifted singer, musician, sound engineer, etc. His personality is mellow but he has all these surprises, like he's fearless for one and he is able to play almost any instrument he picks up. Every time either of us hangs out with him, we say what a great person he is. He's a real friend who does amazing things.

I saw the name of this soup Roast Vegetable Chowder again in Woman's Day and it sounded hearty and just right for this week as the weather is brisk and windy. I played around with the ingredients and added a little here and there. Again, I think it would be great just as the recipe states but I have time to play so, I played. http://www.womansday.com/Recipes/Roast-Vegetable-Chowder

I roasted butternut squash, red potatoes, a yam, 3 ears of corn, and a head of garlic. For the first time I tried these little purple potatoes, which were so brilliant. Basically, the whole farm. First in the pot was a few leeks sauteed in 2 pats of butter, then diced Canadian bacon. I whisked chicken broth with whole wheat flour together,stirred that in. Then cups of 1% milk, heated until it was thick and creamy. then dropped all the roasted aromatic vegetables in. All this soup needs is salt and a little white pepper, maybe a small pinch of nutmeg. Luscious.

By the way I'm a sucker for packaging and these little purple potatoes are happiness. And their color stays. They just make you more excited to eat a chunk of potato when its vibrant purple. The taste is actually more distinct and less mealy.

The corn provides great flavor & texture to the broth. This chowder was warm and satisfying and surprisingly special. This soup is a sweater just out of the dryer. Its a full pint of German Beer. Its a sign we're not alone. This soup is our friend Josh.