Soup's On Too/Pureed

Happy to announce that besides coming up with this thing, my wife found her favorite mountain bike trail in our area to date. Just above Hurricane, Ut., the J.E.M. Trail fits the bill. It reminds me of the Fruita, Colorado trails, which I miss. SW recreation site here. Also here.


Creamy Carrot Jalapeno Soup-makes 4 servings
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4-1/3 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/2 teaspoon each: parsley and garlic salt
2 cups organic chopped carrots
1/2 cup multi-grain flour
3 cups vegetable stock
1/4 cup Half and Half

In a large saucepan melt the butter and saute with the onion, jalapeno, parsley and garlic salt for 3 minutes. Add the carrots and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and blend well. Stirring constantly, add the vegetable stock; blend well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat.  Partially cover and simmer for 30 minutes. In a blender, puree the carrot mixture; return to pan.
Stir in the Half and Half and heat soup through.

Soup's On

If all of your tomatoes are ripening at once, here's a good antioxidant recipe:

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup-makes 4 servings
4 large tomatoes, peeled and cored
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/3 jalapeno, seeded and diced (optional-do not use more or the basil will be overwhelmed)
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup fresh basil

1) With a sharp knife, halve the tomatoes crosswise. Press the halves gently to squeeze out the seeds. Discard the seeds. Dice the tomatoes and set aside.
2) In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion (and jalapeno if using) and cook for 4-5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and basil. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 25-30 minutes, or until tomatoes are very soft.
3) Pour the cooked tomato mixture into a blender. Add the milk, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Pour back into the pot.
4) Cook over medium heat, 4-5 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with garnish of fresh basil leaves and crusty bread. MMM good.

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