What is this {pretty, happy, funny, real} you speak of?
~ {pretty, happy, funny, real} ~
Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
I think this might be the same tree that led {phfr} last week? I love its baby leaves. I suddenly have an urge to make pom-pom garlands in all sorts of spring colors.
In just one short week, Pippo has become a bike-riding machine. Most of the time he's about half a block ahead of us on our walks, and he's just discovered he can loop back and forth instead of just sitting around, waiting for us to catch up. It's so much fun to watch.
I love that Molly insists on wearing her helmet, too, whether she's walking or riding in the stroller. It's more a matter of fashion than caution for her (she's never met a hat she didn't like).
Speaking of fashion, and caution, (and ignoring the runny nose, poor girl). Molly was given creative control over the hairstyle shown above — we call this, “All the Pigtails!”
You see the bandaid? This one tripped and fell while climbing on our stepstool, and ended up with a gash in her chin that needed a few stitches. She was very brave, considering the circumstances (aka, being held down while a stranger sewed up her face). The medic (it was at the Army hospital, so he was a strong young soldier, just to give you a sense of his physical capabilities) who was given the task of keeping her head still was sweating and sore by the time the doctor was done. They were suitably impressed by her strength. Poor baby.
Yes, Mom, I wiped out in the mud. This is not a problem.
Can't stop, won't stop.
And now for something completely different… a recipe for soup! Not the most spring-like of soups, but meatless, easy, inexpensive, and very tasty! And since there isn't actually that much time left during Lent, and no one is going to get excited about meatless meals during Eastertide, I'm going to share my newest soup recipe here among the baby photos.
Roasted Cauliflower Soup — Like Mother, Like Daughter
We've had this several times, both in this simple form and a curried version. Both are great. It's as easy as can be, but has a lot of rich, roasted flavor. The first time I made it, pre-Lent, we had crumbled bacon on top and that was, obviously, even more delicious.
First, roast your vegetables:
1 head cauliflower, washed and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 head garlic, separated into cloves but not peeled (I go ahead and roast it all, then use some of it in the soup and set the rest aside for putting on pizza or spreading on bread or other deliciousness. If you're not into that, just do a few cloves — or toss it all into the soup!)
Toss with a few tablespoons of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Spread on a roasting pan. For easy cleanup, use parchment paper (or, a silicone baking mat. I use mine all. the. time.). Roast at 400* for 30-40 minutes or until nice and caramelized.
Pick out the garlic cloves, squeeze 4 or so big cloves out of their jackets into the pot, and pop the rest into a container in the fridge for another use. Transfer all the cauliflower and onion into the soup pot. If you want to go the curried route, add 2 teaspoons of your curry powder in with the vegetables. I like to add in some extra garlic powder and coriander as well (maybe 1/2 tsp each?).
Add:
1-2 potatoes, diced. (Optional, but makes it more hearty. We've enjoyed it both ways.)
Chicken stock and/or water to generously cover, about 6 cups or more.
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer 20 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender. (If you're not using the potatoes, just simmer 10 minutes or so.)
Using an immersion blender, or a regular blender in batches, puree soup until smooth, adding more water or broth if necessary if it's too thick.
Taste and add salt, if necessary. (It almost certainly will be necessary, but how much to add depends on how salty your broth is, so it's best to just go by taste.) It's also nice to finish it off by stirring in 1/2 cup or so of cream or milk here at the end.
Serve with bread and butter, biscuits, corn muffins, grilled or toasted cheese, or your favorite soup-accompaniment.
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Julie says
I just started using parchment paper, and it has changed my life ( and my roasted veggies!.) Is there any type of silpat that is better than the others? I definitely need to get some- just want to be sure that I buy well. I will definitely be trying this recipe!
-Julie
Rosie says
You know, I’ve only ever used the one I have, but it’s a knock-off as opposed to a true silpat and it works beautifully! The ones I linked to are inexpensive but seem to have great reviews. All I can add (and this may be painfully obvious) is to make sure that whatever you get fits onto whatever baking sheet you already own!
Jenny says
Poor little girl! That must have been hard for her and you. Looking forward to trying the recipe.
Tacy Williams Beck says
That soup does look good! 😉
Chere Mama says
“All the pigtails” is a FABULOUS do! So so funny and cute.
Anabelle Hazard says
I love the “all the pigtails” look! And I am excited to try that soup because Fridays are still meatless around here outside of Lent. Thank you!
Elizabeth says
oh the cuteness!!! those pigtails, the best! fashion top in my world! so many lovely cute pictures, full of life! and well done to the brave girl with bandaid!!! <3
kristinab says
I love the pics of Nora in the big orange shirt! There’s something about babies in huge T-shirts that I find ridiculously cute, every time 🙂 And I’m impressed she got the blue one to stay up on her head at the end there!
Jill Foley says
such fun in these pics…
Katherine says
Had to say comment, because of the UVA shirt. Hello from Charlottesville!
Katherine says
Had to say comment, because of the UVA shirt. Hello from Charlottesville!
Rosie says
🙂 Capt P is an alum!
Jennie Cooper says
Love those fat little baby legs. Also…the mud? My Evie comes back in every day all coated in mud and hay and various other debris. We have to strip her down on the porch before she gets back inside. 🙂
Lisa G. says
Thank you for sharing the recipe – I will definitely try it!
Rosie says
One of my 3yos is always bringing me the *exact* chunk of hair she needs braided, and WILL NOT let me braid any more or any less, even if it’s a random chunk in the middle of her head, or one lone pigtail with a mess of hair on the other side. She *also* likes wearing her bike helmet everywhere – clearly you guys need to move to VA so they can be besties 😉
Rosie says
Ha! I guess great toddler minds think alike? (I wish the Marines would send us back to VA! Someday maybe…)
Christina says
This soup looks great! And I love the muddy babe pic… so precious!
Adele says
That soup looks amazing, I am going to buy cauliflower tomorrow just so I can try it this weekend. 🙂
Jenny says
I am looking forward to trying your soup recipe. We are taking care of a friend’s pet this weekend and when they dropped off the keys to their house they also dropped off a cauliflower. Perfect timing to go along with your post!
Lisa G. says
Rosie, I made the soup and just now had a bowl. (that, with sandwich – my full meal for today). Very simple to make and delicious. Thank you! I didn’t use the spices and put in one potato. It’s great! A blessed Easter to you and your whole family, 🙂