Something new?

Due to a ridiculously large amount of carrots in our CSA this year, we've been attempting some new, creative ways to get them eaten up. I came across this recipe on the Food Network site and have to say we were pleasantly surprised. It has a very interesting combination of sweet, savory and spice. The prefect meal on a cold fall day. I recommend accompanying it with a little Italian bread loaf with sesame seeds. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Nutty Sweet Potato Soup

2007 Ellie Krieger

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed (2 cups)
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes, with their juices
• 2/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 cup chopped scallion greens (about 3 scallions) (For garnishing)
  

Directions

Heat the oil in a large soup pot over a medium-high heat. Add the onions, bell pepper and carrots and cook, stirring until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add the cayenne, black pepper, garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in the sweet potato, broth, and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

*Puree the soup in the pot using an immersion blender or in a regular blender in 2 batches and return the soup to the pot. Add the peanut butter and honey and stir, over low heat, until the peanut butter melts. Serve warm, garnished with the scallions.

*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

Walk the Walk

Today I committed to going door-to-door on election day to remind Obama supporters to vote, confirm their polling place, and make sure they have a ride to get out and vote.

I had been debating volunteering for a long time, but always talked myself out of it. Today I realized that 4 hours of discomfort and putting myself out there much out weights the alternative.