Sunday, December 4, 2022

And Just Like That, It's Soup time in December

     I don’t mind when the sun paints my face, with thick broad gentle strokes, forcing me to recognize it, which I do.  It reminds me that I should focus on the now, the present.

     At this very moment, it’s all about today. Focusing on the elements around—the feelings, paired with sounds, sights and smells, has a balancing effect. My mind is racing elsewhere: thinking of the books I’m listening to, the wonderful big band music I saw and heard on Friday night, the headlines slapped across this morning’s newspaper, the dinner I will make tonight, the work I need to do, the nostalgia for family no longer here, one that profoundly infuses me this time of year. The elements, and the rhythm of my feet below, ground me and push me forward as I run.

     My mind goes back, as it so often does, to the recipes. The weather’s chill has me thinking of soup. And though I could rifle through my collection of saved NYT cooking recipes, or the many books that I still have (even after unloading hundreds haver the move!), I am set on one: carrot soup from Moosewood Cookbook. 

     And this is what brings my after-run steps to my book shelf, and right over to one cookbook in particular, to a page I have marked from long ago.

     

     Moosewood Cookbook, the original, was one of my first on-my-own cookbooks.What I mean by that is that I always had my mom’s recipes, yet I searched for those recipes I could adopt and call my own. Moosewood, at the time, was my great resource. 

    Moosewood was also the first cookbook I ever endeavored making just about everything from. The book itself, now decades later—food stained and a bit unsteady in keeping all the pages together— represents a period of time, my twenties, when I expressed a lot of my independence and creative energy through food. (Wait, am I still doing that?!) 

     This carrot soup offers the balance of two flavors I love combining:  sweet and salty. But as I sit to write this blog, I recognize that you might not share my passion for cooking. Still, I’m guessing you probably share my joy of eating.  It’s funny how when I teach, I touch on the topic of food and almost all my students have a positive reaction; though they are still struggling with English, their second, third, and even fourth language, food remains a first language. They wax nostalgic about their grandma’s cooking, dishes that say “home” to them. Food is their common ground…our common ground. This is why I still say if we could just all sit down and share a meal, we might have peace in this world.

       In the meantime, now and in the next year, I will continue my ever-expanding exploration of dishes (so many recipes, so little time!), as well as travelling, dancing, reading, writing, teaching, and of course enjoying the many meals I look forward to composing, creating, and consuming with family and friends. 

     With these thoughts, and this note, I wish you and yours lots of peace, and many many delicious soups and other dishes with loved ones during this holiday season, and in the year to come.

      

Carrot Soup Garnished with Roasted Apple, Toasted Almonds, and Parsley
 




 


6 comments:

  1. Arlen, well done! You made me feel so nostalgic reading this. Moosewood was one of my sister and my first cookbooks as well. Getting married in the 80’s just about guaranteed that a lot of us would go to Moosewood for recipes. Thank you for the cozy feeling I had reading your blog entry. Your column evoked a lot of good memories and feelings. I need to make the carrot soup now!

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    1. Thank you, Jamie! I'm glad I brought you some nostalgia, too... So funny how that cookbook is really a symbol of our time.
      And I'm so happy that you enjoyed reading. About the carrot soup (!), I did add the optional potato (it adds a lot of body) and a bit of sour cream, not too much. Topping it with the sautéed ginger and apple adds just the right amount of sweetess. Keep me posted! xoxo

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    2. Started my day off today thinking of Soup! Your nudge towards a warm cup of soup is appreciated.
      Always love your thoughts of love, family, breaking bread and of life!
      After enjoying your blog, I dusted off my Sundays At Moosewood, a shower gift dated 1992!
      Fettuccini al Gorgonzola was one of my favorites! Might just add a side of soup! 💜

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    3. Awww--this is great to hear. Yes, soup is so soothing; I hope you made it today! And I'm thrilled to hear you dusted off your Moosewood cookbook (I don't have that one!). A shower gift...wow, lovely! Very "of that time" kind of gift! Oooh--that pasta dish sounds amazing. Let me know if you made the soup!

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  2. Beautifully written with love caring and sensitivity to life’s happiness and sadness we deal with everyday with family and friends. All my love to you and Seth your sons and other family members. The sounds and smells in an active kitchen bring loved ones together. 👍❤️🥰

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    1. Awww--thank you so much; I appreciate hearing this. Yes, nothing like the sites and smells of an active kitchen. Love right back--

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