What To Make On A Cold & Rainy Day...

 Well, here in the Pacific NorthWest, March has come in like a lion..., cold rainy, blustery days, we've  even experienced the occasional explosive thunder clap or two...

Neither the dogs or I enjoy going out in this weather..., in fact, I prefer to be dry and warm (ditto say the dogs,) and in particular on days like these, I enjoy being in the kitchen, making something comforting, healthy and tasty... 

Like this....

Split Pea Soup With Turkey Bacon

Here's the easy recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

.  Olive oil

.  1 large yellow onion, peeled and chopped finely

.  2 large washed, peeled, finely sliced carrots

.  1 cup of washed, chopped celery

.  4 rashers of finely chopped turkey bacon

.  1.5 cups of rinsed dried split peas

.  1 tspn. of celery salt

.  1 bay leaf

.  Sea salt &  fresh ground pepper

.  7 cups of vegetable stock

(p.s this can be made into a vegan recipe by omitting the turkey bacon, or simply substituting a smokey tempeh or field roast type meat alternative.)

METHOD:

.  Heat oil over moderate heat, add onions and cook for 5 minutes till they start to look transparent.

.  Add carrots and celery and saute for 5 more minutes.  Add celery salt, and chopped turkey bacon.

.  After a few minutes all the veggies should be looking shiney and par-cooked, add the split peas.

.  Stir the peas and veggies well then add the veggie stock and bay leaf, heat till it starts to boil then 

   turn down the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, set your timer for 40 minutes (check on it a couple

   of times, giving a gentle stir.)

.  After 40 minutes the peas should be soft and the soup almost done,  season with salt and pepper, 

   remove the bay leaf and puree the cooked veggies and stock.  ( I have a hand held blender which 

   makes this job very easy.)

.  Serve hot topped flavorful, chopped parsley (or whatever your favorite topping might be!)

BON APETIT !

Neinah