Plain and Simple Baked Potato Soup

David was out of town over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, so when I stopped eating and was no longer filled to the brim with turkey, ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, devilled eggs, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, rolls, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, ambrosia, etc....I actually thought about food. This was, of course, a couple days later. I thought about what to make for a meal by myself, but nothing too terribly heavy. After all, I had just consumed the heaviest meal of the entire year a day or so prior. Soooo, I skipped through my soup recipes and tried to figure out what ingredients I had and perhaps what I might want to experiment with.

Like I said in a previous post, David isn't too terribly thrilled about my recipe experimentations. Therefore, I try to get as many experiments done while he is out of town.

While thumbing through the soup section of my recipe book I found this simple and easy recipe for potato soup. One of my favorite types of soup! If you were to ask me where I got this recipe I would have to say that I have absolutely no idea. There were no notations and it was simply typed up on a sheet of paper. I have a feeling it was just one I found in one of my mom's many recipe folders. I modified it to fit the amount of ingredients I either had or wanted to use-my changes are in red. Feel free to experiment either way. Regardless, here it is (unfortunately I didn't not take a picture). Quite tasty!

Baked Potato Soup

4 medium baking potatoes
3 slices of bacon (3 slices)
1/2 cup celery (3/4 cup)
3/4 cup green onion thinly sliced (white onion, chopped)
1 can (14 oz) chicken broth
1 1/2 cups of milk
1 clove of garlic, chopped (3 cloves, minced) ***I "heart" garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup light sour cream (1/2 cup half and half, 1/2 cup cream cheese)
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded cheddar cheese

Remove skins from potatoes. Coarsely chop potatoes.

In 4 qt. sauce pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towel to drain. Crumble and set aside. Discard all but 1/2 tsp of bacon drippings from pan.

Meanwhile, chop celery. Thinly slice onions. Add chicken broth, milk, potatoes, celery, onions, garlic, salt and pepper to drippings in pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in sour cream and reserved bacon. Heat for 5 more minutes. Ladle soup into four bowls and sprinkle with cheese.

Reading Lolita in Tehran

I think it's extremely important to read books about different regions of the world. This helps give insight to how people live in different cultures and can be extremely interesting. Within the past six months to a year I have read the Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Three Cups of Tea and this book, Reading Lolita in Tehran. All of these are great books, though I will say this one is probably my least favorite of those mentioned. I was in the wonderful bookstore utopia, also known as the Half Price Bookstore, one day looking for Three Cups of Tea. The cashier was a very bookish sort and highly recommended Reading Lolita in Tehran if I enjoyed Three Cups of Tea. So, a few days later when I returned I purchased the audiobook version of said novel. After I had acquired the book I happened to mention it to Donna, David's mom, to see if she had read it. Of course she had. But, she told me to be prepared to be saddened while reading. Greaaaaat. But, I thought it couldn't be sadder than Khaled Hosseini's stories in the above mentioned novels. So, I set about listening to the novel in my car, like I always do.

The purpose of this novel is to serve as a memoir for an Iranian female professor, Azar Nafisi, including her time as a literature professor at the University of Tehran as well as at the University of Allameh Tabatabei. More importantly the memoir details the relationships she develops with different women in her classes, the secret class she conducts after being expelled and the way all of the women cope and manage with the changing society and day-to-day life around them. Nafisi is extremely intelligent and grew up in a time when Iranian women were allowed to become educated and display freedom in their ideas and dress. However, during the course of this book the Iranian Revolution begins and you learn from the author about the oppression, newly appointed revolutionary guards as well as new rules imposed on society.

There were a couple scenes that were hard for me to get through. Virginity tests executed on one of Nafisi's students (while with other female friends) was one scene that bothered me. Another excerpt that disturbed me regarded a friend of one of the student's fingernails being clipped so short that her cuticles bled...this a punishment for nails that were too long and "westernized-looking." Does that turn anyone else's stomach? Another sad detail of this book was that all the students' names were changed. This was because Nafisi wanted to protect the students these stories entailed. Nafisi even mentions how she cross-referenced some of the stories amongst different girls. Why? To throw off anyone reading her book trying to figure out who these girls were so they could be brought in and "punished" for whatever reason. There was one exception though-the students that are now dead. How sad that she could only share their names because there was no way for them to be punished for their actions. All of these instances within the book make me grateful to live in the society I do and realize how small and petty some everyday frustrations. Why be irritated about being cut off in traffic when at least you can paint your fingernails? I go for a pedicure once a month with my mom. When she fell and broke her hip a couple winters ago she wasn't able to reach her feet...this became a fun tradition born from her ill luck. This would not have been possible in the Iran that Nafisi describes in her memoir.

While there are many disturbing entries within the memoir, there is a lot of "good stuff" in it too. The camaraderie felt among the girls is heart-warming and despite the restrictions, many of the girls find ways around these morality regulations. One girl always paints her fingernails bright red, but to keep from being jailed, flogged or otherwise punished she wears black gloves in public, even when it's hot outside. Also, while reading you can very much tell that Nafisi is a great professor. There are times when she appears to go off on tangents about different books and explain her thought process about how she interprets and teaches them. In fact, it makes me want to read the ones I hadn't before. Obviously, I read The Great Gatsby and Pride and Prejudice in high school. But, although it appears sick and twisted the book, Lolita (by Vladimir Nabokov) that encompasses part of the title of this book intrigues me a little, perhaps enough to read it. There are a few others, but I won't get too deep into my thoughts over what I want to read next as stimulated by this book. I only have about 20 or so other books to read first.

If someone were to ask me if I would recommend this book for reading...I would say yes. BUT, I would tell them to be prepared and get in to the right mindset before they start. While I was reading this book I spoke with a friend that had just completed Push. Both of us were having problems getting through our books without being disturbed. Like I said before though, it is important to read such writings. Why again? Because it brings a little bit of perspective into your own life and helps you realize the blessings you do have...and let's you know that perhaps instead of squandering time on the negatives in life, it's better to truly enjoy the positives.

All that being said, it will be a little while before I read another female-oppressed novel...after reading this novel and The 19th Wife at the same time, phew! I was welcoming New Moon with wide open arms!

Dave's Faves, Numero Uno

I was speaking with a friend the other day and she gave me a great idea. We were discussing how much I love to cook and she commented on how lucky David is to get to enjoy my cooking/baking experimentations. Well, I let her in on a little secret...David's not exactly thrilled every time I try a new recipe. He's always afraid of the outcome. And trust me, I'll probably only share the ones that end up being successes. Soooo, if I don't like it and he doesn't like it, you probably won't see me post about it. During my conversation with my friend a cute little saying, Dave's Faves, came up. I thought it was great idea and worthy of incorporating into my blog. So, from now on if a dish is one of "Dave's Faves" I will label it as such. Then, if you're looking for a "man-friendly" recipe, you'll be able to find one easily enough.

To start off this Dave's Faves segment I want to begin with a recipe he requests ALL THE TIME. This man cannot make it through the morning without breakfast and he is always asking me to make these muffins, Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins. They're super easy for me to whip up on a Sunday night, plus the batch will last him the whole workweek. I saw this recipe on Barefoot Contessa one day and had to try them. These are deeeeeelish and the batter is perhaps even better. I always sneak a swipe of the bowl once I'm done and David always finishes off the rest. I know it's got raw eggs in it, but hey...doesn't this batter just look appealing?? Make them and just try to not sample the batter, I dare you.

One recommendation I will make, prepare only half the recipe unless you're planning on company. This is the entire batch in the oven...and I only made half the recipe. Just a suggestion. I know the recipe calls for 3 large eggs, but when I make a half batch I simply use 2 medium eggs. And follow Ina's recommendation as far as the ice cream scoop; they really do make a nice sized muffin that way. These are a little on the smaller size, but only because I used a medium cookie scoop on them.

And here is the finished product. I normally use the cupcake papers, but I was out this time. That's OK though, these turned out fine and taste the same as always! However, I would suggest using the papers in the future, otherwise the blueberries can fall out the bottom of the muffin when you get them out of the pan. This happened on a couple in this batch.

Happy muffin baking!

Yea...I'll Admit It

So, I'm a fan. I'll admit it, I've become enraptured by this series. And is it bad that I'm wanting to go ahead and read all my books I already have just so I can get to Eclipse that much faster? ::sigh:: Yea, it kinda is. I know. But, I'll tell you the exact same thing that everyone else has that's read these books. They are addicting and completely and totally suck you in. I started this book on Friday night around 7:30pm. By 1:00am early Sunday morning I was done. It's that good. If you haven't started reading the Twilight series...well, you should. I was like most that were opposed to begin with. I mean, seriously? C'mon, give me a break. Vampires? Scary movies are not my thing and if I'm going to watch a romantic movie I'd much rather watch something like Dirty Dancing, The Notebook, Pretty Woman, How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days or Sweet Home Alabama. Just to name a few. But, I had a friend, who shall remain nameless...OK, so it was more than just one friend. Anyway! I was TOLD to read the books. Yes, told, not asked. In fact, when I didn't comply I was even called names...well, a name. One that is not a historically complimentary name. In fact, one that Dr. Bailey was called throughout the first two seasons of Grey's Anatomy. And yes, I love that show. I don't talk during that show. I used to not answer phone calls during that show. Thank goodness for DVR. My friends and family are much happier now. David thinks it's a game. To try and distract me from Grey's, that is. It doesn't work. Ever. But, I digress...

So! New Moon. It's great. Did I mention I read it in less than a 36 hour period? All 500 pages of it. So, if you haven't read it, or started to read the series...do. I don't think I need to give you background, do I? Teenage girl...in love with a vampire...there's werewolves in this book. Yes, it's very teeny-bopperish, but hey, we all need that kind of thing from time to time. It's why things like SpongeBob exist. I could have said Beavis and Butthead, Wayne's World or Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, but that might have dated me. Eh, oh well. Oh, and for the record, I totally am not into the idea of wearing pale make-up or fake teeth or any of that silly, trendy stuff that people are doing over these books. I simply find it a good story that compels you to read further. Aaaand after watching the first movie, Twilight, I'll be heading to the theater this coming Friday to watch this book transformed onto the silver screen. Can't wait!

Plum...Errr, I Mean PUMPKIN Crazy

I know this will be two posts in one day, but well...I've read three books over the past few days and if I just posted about those, then this would pretty much be "Book Week." And wellllll, I made some fun pumpkin stuff this weekend and I want to share. So! That being said, let's get started!

A few weeks ago I decided to make an attempt at pumpkin puree. I had a really nice step-by-step guide over at the Pioneer Woman. It was a little bit of work, but it make my whole house smell quite scrumptious and it really wasn't that hard overall. When I was done I had 3 1/2 bags (one cup each) of nice pumpkin puree to freeze. AND with the pumpkin shortage this year, little did I know how handy those bags would become.

Fast forward to last Wednesday night. After having a "farewell-for-the-holiday" dinner with my man at Chili's (2 for $20 is a very enticing promo), my mother joined me at my house. There are two things I'm known for during the holidays: devilled eggs and green bean casserole. Most of the time I end up making a ham, my dad's contribution, but for the most part that's it. ALWAYS there are tons of sweets... Soooo...it's not really needed for me to bring a pie or anything. On the other hand, my mom and step-dad always go to my step-aunt's house for Thanksgiving. Aaaaand, they're always at a loss about what to bring (aaaaand yes, I have a lot of step-relatives-I like to keep it confusing). So, this was probably the best way for me to get my "I-need-to-make-a-Thanksgiving-pie" feeling out of my system. As I've said before, once I've figured out how to do something I just want to keep doing it or making it until I've perfected it. Hence, my invitation for my mom to come over and make a pumpkin pie with me the day before Thanksgiving. We had fun while I made the crust, then the filling and then plopped it in the oven. I made the traditional recipe from the Libby's can, but instead of adding the 15 oz. can of Libby's pumpkin I added 15 oz. of my delish pumpkin puree. The pie did have to bake for an additional 10-20 minutes (I wasn't monitoring it that closely)...I'm not sure if that's normal for using the puree as opposed to the canned stuff, but it needed that extra time. Who wants an extra jiggly pumpkin pie? Not me! Although, the next day there was only one slice left and after polishing off the pie I must say it turned out just as delicious, if not more so, than the canned stuff. It was a little more stringy, but that's just the nature of pumpkin and as the Pioneer Woman said on her website-it didn't hurt anything. Here's a pic of the beautiful, and more importantly-tasty, creation.

Now, while my mother and I were waiting for the pie to bake there was a catastrophe. Why...there was a little over a cup left of my pumpkin puree. Egads! I just HAAAAD to use it up, now didn't I? Haha, why not? We were having fun, why not bake some more! So, I pulled out this recipe that I had printed off from the Pioneer Woman as well. Have you checked her website yet? If not, you should. Ree's got some goooooood recipes over there, and this one is no exception. Moist Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting. Doesn't it just sound good? So, while waiting on the pie I whipped these up and OH MY...these are sinfully good. I sent half of them home with my mom...then she came over to visit on Saturday and asked if there were any left. Yea baby. So good, you're still asking about them three days later. Try them. Now.

Mine aren't as pretty as Ree's. Mostly because I don't have an icing tip set or anything like that. But hey, sometimes things don't have to be pretty if they're this darn GOOD! Notice how there are two muffins missing from the bottom corner sides of this pic? Yea, my mom and I couldn't wait to take a pic...

And to answer your question...no, there aren't any left. They were all scarfed up.

Stay tuned tomorrow for, yet another, book review! Hmmm...will it be New Moon or Reading Lolita in Tehran...hmmm, I don't know. You'll just have to wait and see!

The 19th Wife

I want to preface this book review by giving a little background. There are a lot of places I look when deciding on what book to read next. And constantly, it seems, I have a stack of books on my dresser in order of what to read next. One place I am perpetually looking for reading ideas is through David's mother. She is a former teacher/special education librarian. So, not only is she an awesome cook and baker, she reads constantly. Kinda like me. Are you starting to see how we get along so well? She's also obsessed with audiobooks...but, rather than listen to them in the car, she listens to hers while she's quilting and cooking. We're both awesome multi-taskers. Haha, or something. Anyway! Donna (that's her name if I haven't mentioned it before) belongs to a book club and this was their book for one meeting. I have to admit that I was a little sheepish about reading a book about polygamy. I mean, seriously? Totally not my thing. I remember Donna telling me that it really gave her insight to how a polygamous family lives and functions...and I have to agree. This book is extremely insightful. Also, it was a New York Times Bestseller...and once you read it you'll know why!

First off, I want to say this book kind of confused me at first. I couldn't tell what was going on because it jumps back and forth between two stories. One story is a fictional story about a modern day murder in a polygamous family (the 19th wife is the accused). The second story is the basic history of the Church of Latter Day Saints/Mormon Church, how the church morphs and splits and who the infamous "19th Wife" is, Ann Eliza Young, and her story. Once I had figured this out, I decided I liked the modern day story best. It had a little more action, wasn't quite so dry and was written more like a novel. Then, about halfway through the book I changed my mind. The true story was really good too! However, when I say true, I want to clarify something. In the epilogue of this book the author explains that this book is truly fictional, while Ann Eliza Young and her story are true. The reason he wants to stress this is because the society in which she lived her life is very secretive. Even today if you want to try and write a nonfiction book about this type of society, you will be met with ill discourse and, quite probably, be ran out of town. This, in fact, happened to the author! He even writes a parallel story that occurs to the fictional character in the book. So! That being said, this is a kinda-nonfiction book...if you can say that. The premise of the true story is correct, but Mr. Ebershoff had to fill in cracks in the story so that it all meshes together into a full story and makes sense.

One thing I want to say about this book though...do you ever have those books where you feel like it's taking you forever to get through it? This was one of those books for me. And it's not because it's unexciting or slow because I couldn't hardly put it down once I was halfway through! But, this book isn't small, my copy is 507 pages and it's not the size of a normal paperback or hardback-like the New Moon I read over the weekend in less than a 36 hour period. So, don't expect to just whip on through this book. However, if you want a good book for a long road trip or even one that you don't mind reading for a while, I highly recommend it! Like I said earlier in this post, very insightful and a great read!

Thanksgiving Eve Book Pre-Discussion

Today I fully intended to have posted about either of these two books. I'm very near completing both of them, just not quite done yet. After thinking about it this morning, however, I decided that perhaps neither of these novels are completely appropriate for discussion on Thanksgiving Eve. Then as I started writing this blog, I realized you could actually take the opposite argument. Next week I'll go into more detail about the storylines for each of these books and why I feel this way. Today I just want to state how thankful I am to live in a society that is not in extreme turmoil nor is oppressive (as oppossed to the societies in each of these books). Each of these books are extremely well written and have excellent storylines and I look forward to writing more about each next week.

Since I can't give either of these novels a full book review currently I want to take a moment to share my current schedule for book reading. David's sister's boyfriend, Evan, (I know, confusing, still with me?) explained his system to me earlier this year and I thought it was a good idea. Evan alternates non-fiction reading with fiction reading. So, if he has just completed a fiction novel, he will then make sure the next book he picks up is non-fiction. I'm also trying to do this because I feel it can help mold one into a more well-rounded reader. If you're constantly reading Danielle Steele or autobiographies then perhaps you're never exposed to the variety and different writing styles of another genre. While this is a great idea I also want to add another genre of book to this repertoire. Classics. I have a huge collection of classics in beautiful leather-bound volumes. A lot I have read, but a lot I have not. So, from here on out I will try to stick to this schedule as much as possible. My next read will be New Moon, obviously fiction. In fact, I'm on a deadline because my friend, Susan, wants to see the movie next week and I must finish it prior to our movie date. However, don't be surprised if I read another fiction or so behind it as the two books above as well as my previous read were all non-fiction. And as I'll explain next week, one of the above has drained me a little while reading.

Until then I will be busy spending time with family and friends amongst plates of scrumptious food! Tonight I will be baking a pie with my mother and tomorrow morning, bright and early, I will be preparing a green bean casserole and deviled eggs. In the meantime, I hope everyone has an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday and stays safe over the long weekend!