Monday, January 16, 2012

cooking: another creative pursuit

There's something I've noticed over the last little while about people who sew, quilt, or are generally creative. For the most part, they also like to cook. And not just from a box, can or mix. From scratch.

It's not really that surprising to me, since cooking is a pretty creative process. Creating something of worth from lots of little pieces. Plus, as many of us care for families, it is something required everyday. I figure I might as well make it interesting and delicious!

potage a la libournaise + artisan bread in 5 minutes a day
Much like sewing, having the right tools makes a huge difference to me. A good chopping knife, and block are essential. My knives are courtesy a nice tax refund several years ago. The chopping block? My husband. He made it for me 5 years ago and it's one of the most useful and attractive things in my kitchen. I love it!
top-bottom: celery, carrots, rutabaga, leeks, onions
I love soup, and pureed soups are one of my favorites, with some good crusty bread.  I've decided with everyone being sick lately that we should be eating more vegetables.  And with the leeks and onions in this soup it's almost sweet when cooked.  And really, who doesn't want an excuse to buy a rutabaga!?
 
So I made some of this soup the other day.  It's from a soup cookbook I purchased in France.  It reminds me of those delicious, creamy first course soups.  But I like them for lunch.  With that bread.  Of course with the bread.  Did I mention bread?
My sweet mr.louwho is the best gifter.  He got me this lovely food processor for my birthday and I've LOVED using it!  Especially for this soup.  Basically you simmer the veggies for about 20 minutes and then puree it in the food processor.  Then mix it back up with some cooked rice, the liquid, and some milk.  Oh, and butter.  Of course.
 
And this bread.  I blogged about it a couple of years ago.  With the right tools (a baking stone and container to keep the dough) this is the EASIEST and prettiest bread you will ever bake.  Try it.
 
Now don't think I'm just going to leave you without the recipe!  Here it is.  Hope it warms you up on a cold winter day!

Potage a la Libournaise

4 2/3 C Water
4 2/3 C Milk         
2 carrots
2 turnips (or rutabagas)
2 branches celery
4 leeks
2 large onions
4 large soup spoons rice
2-4 tbsp butter
salt/pepper
parsley for garnish (optional)

Cut the vegetables in julienne (matchstick size pieces).  Bring them to a boil in a large pot with the water and salt (1 tbsp).  They should become soft to the touch (about 20 minutes).  

Strain the vegetables and reserve the water in a smaller saucepan.  Cook the rice in this water, about 20 minutes.  

While the rice is cooking, put the vegetables back in the pot and mix with melted butter.  Be sure to not brown the vegetables, just mix them well with butter.  

Puree vegetables in a food processor.  When rice is cooked, add rice with water to the food processor to combine.  (Or use an immersion blender straight in the pot.)

Pour soup back in the pot.  Stir while adding milk and let soup reheat.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Garnish with chopped parsley in the center of each bowl.

Bon Appetit!

8 crafty mcCrafters commented:

James-Linda said...

THIS SOUNDS DELISH!
I'M GOING TO TRY IT!
HUGS!

Richard Healey said...

You know the one thing that I am seriously lacking in the kitchen is a good cutting board. My mom as a kid had like 4-5 big wood cutting boards. Sadly I have cheap plastic ones. But yes cooking is as important as quilting (since I would starve other wise) Today I have seen a few cooking posts and while have scheduled later this week one of my own to get back at you all for making me hungry.

http://richardquilts.blogspot.com
http://blog.beccacooks.com/

Debbie said...

This DOES sound delish! Thanks for sharing!

rusty said...

Just planning my weekly menu for shopping later today. Soup definitely on the cards with the freezing weather at the moment, thanks for the recipe, will definitely try this one!
Might return the favour, discovered a lovely warning gently spiced lentil soup by chance recently.
My favourite kitchen tool is my immersion blender. Take it to the pot, the blade detatches and goes in the dishwasher.

Katy Cameron said...

Cooking is my other sanity saver (hence I chose to hide in the kitchen and make my dad's entire 60th birthday 4 course meal rather than try and argue politics with all my aunts, uncles and grandmothers last weekend o.O ) I've got loads of stock sitting in the freezer waiting to go, so I need to sit down this weekend and peruse my soup books for a bunch of different flavours to make for lunches at work...

harleywife57 said...

both sound wonderfuL. THANKS for the recipes ! Mr louwho is a great gift giver!

Dayna said...

What a perfect blog post! It looks yummy. It sounds yummy. It's funny. The photos are great. And you have the latest model of one of the best small kitchen appliances ever. I once blogged about appliance envy. I can't remember my life before my food processor, and my happiness was shaken when the updated model came out on the market. ;-)

I must try the bread. (You did say bread, right?)

Marian said...

Wonderful! My 2 year old just announced that he likes soups so I think we will be trying out your recipe really soon! And the bread to go with of course!