Soup Bee
Sister #2 is a very special woman (and not just because she’s my sister). No she’s not a brain surgeon but her occupation effects the health and well-being of many people, everyday. She and my precious bro-in-law keep a beautiful home and they are famous for their love and treatment of their beloved pets. There is often an extra dog being baby-sat, as there was when I arrived at their home last evening.
Sister #2 with our Mom and 1 of Mom’s 5 great grandchildren
My task was to pick up Daughter #1’s favourite soup and here’s what makes Sister#2 so special: when she batch cooks for her family (because her job causes her to travel), she spreads the love to our extended family or friends and neighbours who could use the gift of time.
I thought that perhaps my daughter’s favourite soup was my brilliant “refridgerator” soup but alas, it was a fragrant concoction of chicken stock, herbs, a hint of curry?, crunchy vegetables and cellophane noodles. Let me know if you want her recipe.
In the mean time, I can satisfy you with this: her Lentil Stew is absolutely incredible (and this comes from a non-bean lover):
“The important ratio are the lentils and water/stock. All other ingredients can be improvised.
1 c dried lentils to 2.5 c water (and 1 chicken stock cube)
1 small can tomato paste
1 chopped onion
chopped celebry and shredded carrot to taste
cook for one hour or until lentils are tender
I add a protein, usually ground chicken, beef, sausage, or in the most recent batch-veggie ground round
For the batch I gave you:
I added a can of tomatoes, a box of brown rice and black bean mix, and a rub that I had made for grilled vegetables:
1 T cloves
1 T black peppercorns
1 T ground coriander
1 T cumin
1 t nutmeg
1/2 t cayene pepper
Other batches I have added curry, coconut milk, jarred Indian sauces, cilantro, beans, spinach, imagination.
I serve on rice or pasta (if the later, I add a can of diced tomatoes). Real cheap to make, taste and freezes well! Love you.”
If you do not have the time, talent, or inclination to batch cook for loved ones, do not fret. I got a “door hanger” recently about the “Soup Bee”. They are a non-profit social enterprise supported by the WBDC (also non-profit). Their goals is to provide supportive employment opportunities in the downtown core, promote food security and local producers, all while leaving a small carbon foortprint. They create soup each week for delivery to River Heights, the south end, St. Mary’s Rd, Wolseley and West Broadway. Visit www.soupbee.ca for more information or call 218-SOUP (7687). I think that you should order a batch for your self and another for someone who could use the lovin.
Kath’s quote: “Only the pure of heart can make good soup” Beethoven
We are family, I’ve got all my sistas with me!