Homemade Soups That Start With the Letter C

Recipes for cabbage, cauliflower chickpea and coconut soups.

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Cabbage Soup

Ingredients for Cabbage Soup:

• 1/4 cup ghee

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 lb. cabbage, chopped

• 1 lb. potato quartered

• 2 1/2 cup water

• 1 1/4 cup vegetable stock

• 1 tsp. cornstarch

• salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Method for Cabbage Soup:

Step-01: Heat ghee in a pan and fry the onion until soft.

Step-02: Add cabbage and stir until wilted and coated with ghee.

Step-03: Add potato, tomatoes, and water, bring to a boil, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Step-04: Add stock, return to boil and cook for 5 minutes.

Step-05: Remove from heat and mash or puree the soup.

Step-06: Blend cornstarch with a little soup then stir it into the pan and bring it to boil, stirring until slightly thickened.

Step-07: Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients Cauliflower Soup:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 2 Tbs. butter or margarine

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 potato, sliced

• 1/4 C. plain (all-purpose) flour

• 3 cup milk

• salt and pepper

Preparation Method for Cauliflower Soup:

Step-01: Place cauliflower, bay leaf, and salt into a pan and add just enough water to cover.

Step-02: Cook till the mixture boils, then reduce the flame and cook for an additional 7 minutes.

Step-03: Drain, reserving the liquid.

Step-04: Meanwhile, melt butter and fry onion and potato for 5 minutes until soft but not browned.

Step-05: Blend in flour and cook, stirring continuously for 2 minutes.

Step-06: Then add milk by stirring and cook till boiling.

Step-07: Add cauliflower, reduce heat, and simmer gently until tender.

Step-08: Puree in a blender or food processor then return to the pan and stir in enough reserved liquid to desired consistency.

Step-09: Check and adjust the seasoning to taste and reheat before serving.

Chickpea Soup

Ingredients for Chickpea Soup:

• 2/3 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight

• 3 3/4 cup water

• 1 tsp. cumin seeds

• 2 tsp. coriander seeds

• 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds

• 3 dried red chilies

• 1 Tbs. grated (shredded) coconut

• 2 Tbs. ghee

• 8 oz. tomatoes, skinned and chopped

• 1 tsp. ground turmeric

• 1 tsp. sugar

• 1 tsp. salt

Preparation Method for Chickpea Soup:

Step-01: Bring chickpeas and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until tender.

Step-02: Grind cumin, coriander and fenugreek seeds, chilies, and coconut.

Step-03: Heat ghee and fry spices for 1 minute.

Step-04: Puree chickpeas then stir in the fried spices, tomatoes, turmeric, sugar, and salt and add the remaining water.

Step-05: Cook till boiling, then cover with a lid, reduce the flame and cook on simmer for 20 minutes.

Step-06: Remove from flame, serve hot.

Coconut Soup

Ingredients for Coconut Soup:

• 2 coconuts grated,

• 2 blades of mace,

• 1 salt-spoonful of cinnamon,

• 3 pints of water,

• Juice of a lemon,

• 2 eggs,

• 1 oz. of fine wheat-meal,

• pepper and salt to taste.

Preparation Method for Coconut Soup:

Step-01: Cook the shredded coconut in water till boiling, add cinnamon, mace, and season.

Step-02: Then cook the mixture on low flame for an hour, and then strain through a sieve the mixture and then return the soup to the saucepan.

Step-03: Add wheat-meal, eggs, and lemon juice to form a paste, mix it well in the soup.

Step-04: Then allow the soup to simmer for 5 minutes, and serve hot with plain boiled rice.

♦♦

Soup recipe from Homemade25 Soup Recipes for Nutrition and Health Benefits. Be a part of the healthy eating family at viaindiankitchen.com.

January is National Soup Month But Let's Start Warming Up Now

Want to read a food quote? 

“Only the pure in heart can

make a good soup.” 

Guess who said that? 
- No it wasn't Jesus Christ. 
- No it wasn't Jacques Pepin. 

Beethoven! Yeah, the famous classical music composer, Ludwig van Beethoven said that! 

So not only was he a genius when it came to composing music, he was also smart when it came to knowing about comfort food. 


January is National Soup Month and in other months of the year, we celebrate days for various types of soups and chowders. Yes, it's September. But why wait until the winter months when you can start enjoying warm comforting soups in the fall?

Our 20 Most Popular Soup Recipes of All Time (msn.com)

Content reblogged from My Blog Stop!













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Traditional Christmas Holiday Drinks: Eggnog and Wassail

Since I was born and raised in the USA, when it comes to traditional Christmas drinks I am only familiar with two: eggnog and wassail. I never even think about these two drinks any time of the year other than Christmas time.  Do you? 

Did you know?

• Eggnog is a creamy drink and mostly Americans and Canadians partake.
• Wassail is a fruity drink and mostly people in the USA and the UK partake.

Image credit:  HolidayGold Double Old Fashioned 4-Piece Glass Set by Lenox  

EGGNOG:
Even though it's tradition, eggnog is not a traditional drink in our home. Why? Because only one of my kids likes this drink, so he buys his own eggnog to enjoy. Me? I like the fact that eggnog can be used in lots of dessert recipes. Cookies, cakes, etc. However, because certain members of my family have dietary restrictions I can not make those desserts. But if other people make and serve them at a holiday gathering, I can indulge myself without feeling guilty.

You can buy eggnog ready-made in the grocery store or make your own. Once again because of special diets, many people choose to make their own ~ with or without raw eggs, with or without alcohol, some with ice cream, some with no cream, etc. Here is a traditional recipe.

Old Fashioned Homemade Eggnog

https://myfoodieluv.tumblr.com/post/702912862673387520/decadent-thick-old-fashioned-homemade-eggnog-is

WASSAIL:
As for wassail, in addition to it being a delightful warm drink, I discovered accidentally that it is wonderfully soothing for sore throats. That was an unexpected health benefit.

Most people buy a spice blend and make their own wassail using the juices they like and mixing the spices into the liquid. Some people have their own spice blends and swear that it is better than anybody else's blend. Everybody has different methods. I find that using a slow cooker works great and I let my daughter pick the spices she wants to put in the pot. Here is a link to a traditional recipe.

Old Fashioned Wassail - Accidental Happy Baker

https://myfoodieluv.tumblr.com/post/702912753395990528/old-fashioned-wassail-takes-apple-juice-cranberry

Original source


glitter-graphics.com

Wassail is a Wonderful Way to Celebrate Winter and the Holiday Spirit!

Did you know that a cup of warm wassail is very soothing to a sore throat? Yes. One time it was a Christmas holiday and I was under the weather. I had a sore throat and my daughter came over and made some wassail in a crock pot. I took one sip and it felt so good going down my throat. Who knew?

Sore throat or not, a drink of warm wassail is delicious, especially during the wintry months. There are so many recipe variations.

"Wassail is a beverage of hot mulled cider, drunk traditionally as an integral part of wassailing, a Medieval Christmastide English drinking ritual intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest the following year." (Source: Wikipedia)

The Christmas tree and other decorations are up and I am counting the days until December 25th. For this blog post, I simply must share a wonderful wassail recipe that a friend shared with me in response to a question I asked about celebrating the Winter Solstice. I know some people don't care too much for eggnog but most people really enjoy a delicious wassail drink.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with this Wassail Recipe by Spiderdust:  Core out of some apples (not the whole way through), stuff them with sugar, put a bunch of cloves in an orange, and then roast all of the fruit for half an hour. Put the roasted fruit in a gallon of cider with some cinnamon sticks, allspice, some pieces of crystallized ginger, a few pieces of star anise, and then grate some nutmeg over it all. Optional: Throw in some fresh or frozen cranberries. Let it simmer on low all day long. People can serve themselves as they please. The longer it simmers, the better it gets.

“Here We Come A-wassailing (or Here We Come A-caroling) is an English traditional Christmas carol and New Year song, apparently composed c. 1850.  (Source)

More Wassail Recipes:

* Original acrylic elf painting, Wassail: Santa's elves at workbench, Woodworking tools, Alphabet letter W, Gift for Dad, Fantasy Christmas ~ Found on Etsy

ACV is Good For You! Here's a Quick and Easy Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe

You've undoubtedly seen many articles circulated about the marvelous health benefits of apple cider vinegar. When some people sing its praises, they call it "nature's miracle".  Based on my ACV experience, I can only say: They ain't kidding! This stuff is really good for you!!

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a versatile product with a myriad of uses. The health benefits include controlling blood sugar and aiding digestion. It can be used for household cleaning, such as disinfecting and deodorizing. As a pamper-yourself beauty treatment, for detoxifying and relaxing, add a cup of ACV to your bath water. Do you have a problem with annoying fruit flies? A small bowl of apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap makes an inexpensive and excellent fly trap. Diluted apple cider vinegar can even repel fleas on your pets. 

But mainly, it's great for food and cooking. Here are the three (3) best ways to use apple cider vinegar (ACV):

1. As a base for homemade salad dressings.
2. To add flavor and help tenderize meat in marinades.
3. To pickle or preserve vegetables or fruits.

Don't you love it when something is good for you, it tastes good, and you can use it on more food that's good for you ... like a healthy salad?

Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
(Easy Recipe found at Olive Nation)
Ingredients:
2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar Powder
2 TBSP Water
2 TBSP Honey
1 TBSP Dijon Mustard
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/4 Tsp Pepper
1/4 Cup Olive Oil


Directions: Whisk first 6 ingredients together in a bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil until combined. Ready! (You could use a salad dressing mixer and get the same results.)

Image: Norpro Salad Dressing Maker with Mixer

Image credit

 

Goli Nutrition World's First Apple Cider Vinegar Gummy Vitamins, 1 Pack - (60 Count, Organic, Vegan, Gluten-free, Non-Gmo, With "The Mother", Vitamin B9, B12, Beetroot, Pomegranate) by Goli Nutrition Inc. ~ https://t.co/69POLChg37 via @amazon @GoliGummy @Rx4Wellness2018 pic.twitter.com/cxskiTF9EV

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) (@cmoneyspinner) February 27, 2020

Top 8 Reasons to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Everyday#applecidervinegar #applehttps://t.co/WHEpt9gioG pic.twitter.com/c2nTQVWITv

— News Web Zone (@Newswebzone) February 27, 2020

Advice 4 #HealthyEating & #HealthyLiving ~ #CoconutOil, #Honey, & #AppleCiderVinegar = the Dynamic Trio. Tasty, Healthy & Affordable. Buy online or at the local #grocery store. https://t.co/VPmqEmLJk6 #healthyandbeauty #healthandwellness #groceryshopping @Rx4Wellness2018 pic.twitter.com/UcA1eRQHGH

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) (@cmoneyspinner) February 27, 2020

Food Blurb: Basil, the Sacred Herb

Basil has a revered status in various cultures, and some refer to it as “the sacred herb”. It serves as a symbol of spirituality, protection, and even divinity. References to basil's sacred nature are found in religious texts, historical manuscripts, and cultural literature.

Image credit: Basil Kitchen Herb Watercolor Wall Art

For example:

• In Hinduism, basil is considered sacred to the god Vishnu.

• In Greek Orthodox Christianity, basil is used to prepare holy water during the Feast of the Epiphany, symbolizing the blessing of the waters.

• In medieval European folklore and superstitions, basil was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

In traditional medicine, basil is praised for its potential health benefits. It is rich in essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. People who prefer holistic herbal remedies use basil to treat address ailments such as, digestive issues and respiratory conditions,

Last, but not least, basil is a culinary delight. Its leaves are very aromatic leaves and the herb has a distinctive flavor. Basil's popularity extends to many countries and culinary traditions:

• Italy and Greece: Basil is a fundamental herb in the Mediterranean diet. It is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, and complements the Mediterranean flavors commonly found in Greek food.

• India: Basil, known as tulsi in Hindi, is used in Indian cuisine, as well as, religious rituals and Ayurvedic medicine.

• Thailand and Vietnam: Thai cuisine incorporates basil in dishes such as Thai basil chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) and green curry. The herb is also common in Vietnamese cuisine, and featured in dishes like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup).

That short list includes just a few examples. But is it any wonder that basil is found in spice cabinets and herb gardens all over the world? 

Just a few quick notes about the mythology behind the wonderful herb basil.

~ Basil comes from the Greek word "basilikos", which means "herb worthy of a king". 

~ Hindus regard basil as a sacred plant. Historians say basil originated in India and was brought to the West. 

~ Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were aware of this plant's medicinal qualities and as a flavoring for food. 

~ Pliny, a famous Roman citizen, friend to the emperor, a writer, philosopher, and a naturalist, was convinced that basil was a powerful aphrodisiac. Consequently, basil became a symbol for love and lovers. 

~ In the Middles Ages, in Europe, basil was used for exorcism, to drive out devils. But the Italians eventually figured out it made a great pesto! 

~ Napoleon Bonaparte believed the scent of basil made him smarter, so he would sniff it before preparing plans for battle. Interesting huh? 

REF: Sacred Plant of Eternal Love and Healing: The Mythology and Magic of Basil | Ancient Origins ~ www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/sacred-plant-eternal-love-and-healing-mythology-and-magic-basil-009395

Which Clam Chowder is on Your Menu?

Do you like clam chowder? New York OR New England? Manhattan or Boston?  Red OR White?

I prefer the white or New England clam chowder. But I'll eat either one that's served to me.

New York vs. New England: Who has the better clam chowder?

Quick Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe | Allrecipes

~ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/256170/quick-manhattan-clam-chowder/

New England Clam Chowder - Spend With Pennies

~ https://www.spendwithpennies.com/new-england-clam-chowder/

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NOTES:

Sometimes people call New England clam chowder Boston clam chowder. So if you hear somebody say Boston clam chowder, it's just New England clam chowder by a different name. But I've never called it Boston chowder.  Also, I have never called Manhattan clam chowder, New York chowder.  Come to find out there is a Long Island clam chowder which combines "two types of clam chowder: New England and Manhattan" and results in a "creamy, tomato-based clam chowder".  

Some recipes don't add corn. But I add corn to mine.  I thought I was being clever.  Plus I knew my kids liked corn.  However, a little food history research revealed that earlier chowder recipes also added corn.

If you don't have clams, you can make it vegetarian (and then you'll really appreciate the addition of corn to the recipe).

• "Chowder is a type of soup or stew often prepared with milk or cream and thickened with broken crackers, crushed ship biscuit, or a roux. Variations of chowder can be seafood or vegetable."  (Wikipedia)
• "The word chowder is a corruption of the French chaudière (“cauldron”), and chowder may have originated among Breton fishermen who brought the custom to Newfoundland, whence it spread to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New England."  (Brittanica)
• " ... a soup is usually made with stock or broth and can have vegetables, meat or fish as ingredients and is generally not very thick. A chowder may have the same ingredients, but is more chunky, creamy and thick, much like a stew." (Soup vs Chowder)

Considering A History of Chowder: Four Centuries of a New England Meal. - British Food in America

History Of Chowder, Clam Chowder, Whats Cooking America

Which clam chowder is on your menu?

Weight Loss Tips : Can I Drop 10 lbs in 10 Days? YES!

Meet Lynnis Woods-Mullins. 
Made friends with this wonderful lady via Facebook over 5 years ago. She made a major career change in her 50s and never looked back. (See video below.) She's a role model for women in business and it gives me great pleasure to shine the spotlight on her blog ~ PraiseWorks Health and Wellness ~ which focuses on holistic living and wellness tips. 

I am sharing some of her posts below which focus mainly on proper dieting. Her blog has lots more health and wellness advice. It's the first day of a new year and I'm looking forward to continuing my association with her. Her charm and glow give me inspiration and motivation to keep on keeping on!  2018 and beyond!!

Can I Drop 10 lbs in 10 Days?

What Are You Doing To Drop The LBS?

How to Increase Your Energy -Avoid the Mid-Day Energy Slump!  ~  Do you ever have the mid-day energy slump? The time of day where your energy just begins to slowly leave your body and all you want to do is sleep? What is happening is your blood sugar is down and you need a quick up to replenish your energy in a healthy way -without drinking a cup of coffee or some other energy drink.  (Post includes great recipe for Energy Green Tea Mango Smoothie.)

PraiseWorks - My Story