While in Ukraine, we ate soup every day. Temperature over 90 degrees: soup for lunch. Humidity at the tropical level: soup for supper. Long days of teaching, playing, and chasing kids: soup for lunch AND supper. In fact, my Ukrainian interpreter (and friend) was stunned to learn that our family doesn’t eat soup for 4 or 5 months out of the year. But now I am converted to being a Summer Soup Supporter.
Crowd Pleaser
Lazy Day Cabbage Rolls – Kåldolmar
So, I’m totally NOT into labour-intensive food these days. Summertime is for playing, spending time outdoors, hanging out with friends, and traveling.
Refried Pinto Beans – Pressure Cooker
I may be late for Cinco de Mayo, but then again, I was at least one week late for Saint Patrick’s Day. No biggie! Great food can be served year ’round.
Easy Enchiladas
I recently saw a map of the U.S. showing the most commonly spoken languages besides English, and found that more Minnesotans speak Spanish and Hmong than any other foreign language.
It is only logical that states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont would have French as their most common foreign language, due to proximity to Quebec. It also makes sense that Ohio and North Dakota would have many German speakers because of immigration patterns and Amish population.
Ground Turkey and Fennel Chili
Is it pathetic that I’m not quite ready for warm weather? I haven’t gotten nearly enough indoor projects done, and I will always, always love soup season.
Roasted Squash and Carrot Soup
This was one of those crazy, fun, exhausting, wonderful weekends. My younger sister has been visiting from Alaska, and we were able to get much of the family together. Great food, lots of laughter, and a game of extreme four-square rounded off the day. 🙂
Rotmos – Swedish Mashed Root Vegetables
One thing Swedes have really mastered is the art of eating fresh produce at every meal – breakfast, lunch, supper. Cucumbers, tomatoes, salad, fresh fruit. It’s all raw. And then there’s rotmos! Move over mashed potatoes! It’s time for something better.
Pastel Mint Dessert
Every family has its black sheep — the person that didn’t really follow the norm but went their own way. Not that there’s anything wrong with being different and not conforming, but sometimes the contrast is so drastic it’s comical. That’s Grandpa’s younger sister, “Margit”.
Big Batch of Bourbon Baked Beans
I never have to look far to find a reason (excuse???) to invite people over for a party. Someone’s birthday? Let’s party! The house is clean? Let’s party! It’s above zero degrees? Let’s party! Taxes are done? LET’S PARTY!
Celtic Jambalaya
Years ago, while visiting the Seattle area for a music conference, we ate at a most impressive restaurant in Redmond, Washington. “The Celtic Bayou” is a mash-up of Irish pub food and Louisiana cajun dishes. Strange combo, but incredibly successful.
