endless simmers

Winter is quickly approaching. The air has been transformed by brisk winds and the trees have lost their leaves. The chill of the night holds on with all it's might as the sun rises, late morning now, into the grayish sky. It may not winter quite yet, but I can most definitely feel it quickly approaching.

This has meant three very important things for me. One, my tea consumption has been increased to at least three times a day. Two, I desire nothing more than a woody Cabernet Sauvignon at the end of the shorter days. And three... soup. I adore soup at this time of year. Consommés are always clear and simply beginnings to light meals but bisques and other creamy blends are special. They've become my lunch staples. Plentiful with legumes, greens,  many of my favorite fall vegetables like turnip and squash, and the occasional grain, they warm my heart and soul from the inside out. 

I love cooking soups too. The process is slow and steady, a sweet aroma overcomes the kitchen and beyond. Many hours later, after an endless simmer, the meal is ready. A meal that will last one, two, three days and oftentimes into the next month (I like to freeze half the pot).  Soup is economical, versatile, and positively satisfying. The perfect almost winter meal, in my opinion :).

In the past 9 busy days of mine, though, I haven't had a chance to prepare some for myself. Instead, I've been eating it out like the lentil soup at Wichcraft, black bean at Le Pain Quotidien, and escarole and barley at another Italian locale, Abatino's. That's not to say that I need to stock up, however. Pun intended. 

My purchases from the local farmer's market include pumpkin, butternut squash, and yams, amongst other seasonal produce. The plan is a Pumpkin Chipotle Soup a la Gillian Young. I'm eager to get started this afternoon. You may or may not have noticed that I most definitely have a soup problem ;).

In other news, part 1 of my personal art project has been completed. It's a poster of all of the business cards, pamphlets, and clippings from regional magazines that I acquired on Road Trip USA. Just looking at it makes me happy. Other than that, yesterday was my day of rest. I dressed comfortably, moved mindfully and approached it all with a very natural look (a.k.a. first time make-up-less face for the blog). Today's another story. And with that, I'd better get going! For as much as the relaxation was appreciated, polished busy bee is more my style.