Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Winter months are perfect for trying out a variety of soup recipes. This one is a hit not only with Review adults, but also children whoinn manyfor notpeople usually like looking vegetable soups. This away of with Hayhurst to get soup is great alone, with some warm home-made bread or even as a side with a grilled cheese sandwich. Ingredients: 5 ½ Tbsp. butter, divided 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots (about 3) 1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks) 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small) 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth 3 ½ cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes (2 lrg.) ¼ tsp. dried thyme 6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 cups milk ½ cup heavy cream 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese Directions: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 ½ Tbsp. of the butter. Add carrots, celery and onion and sauté 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds longer. Stir in chicken broth, potatoes and thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium, cover with lid and cook 15 minutes. Stir in broccoli and cook 5 minutes longer or until veggies are tender. Meanwhile, melt remaining 4 Tbsp. butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, whisking constantly for one minute. While whisking vigorously, slowly pour in milk (whisk well until no lumps remain). Cook stirring constantly until mixture begins to gently boil and thicken. Stir in heavy cream. Remove from heat and once all veggies are tender, pour into the soup and stir. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted. Serve warm.
Yield: About 6 servings
Winter Get-Away at Hayhurst This time of year, after the hurriedness of the holidays and the cold winter months, sometimes it’s just nice to get away. Consider Hayhurst Bed and Breakfast. Located in Pine, Idaho, this quiet retreat is just what you need to relax and enjoy the beauty of Idaho’s winter. The stunning juniper and pine woodwork throughout the lodge, paired with the cozy room décor, and features such as a river rock fireplace, hot tub, sauna, and work out room, make for a welcoming retreat. Top off your stay with a delicious home-made breakfast to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. You’ll be ready to hit the near-by hot springs or take in some of the local winter sport offerings. The evening might find you relaxing in the expansive gathering room watching a movie on TV, a game at the poker or pool tables, or enjoying a warm beverage at the custom bar. The lodge is open year round with seven individual rooms and a separate cottage. Be sure to call Gary and Denise Freeman at (208)653-2135 for information and reservations.
Auld Lang Syne The title is one of the most commonly sung songs on New Year’s Eve, but most people don’t even know the majority of words to this song, or what they mean. The tradition of singing it at the New Year began after Guy Lombardo sang it initially at the Roosevelt hotel in New York City in 1929 and then every year from the 1930’s until 1976 at the Waldorf Astoria. This song was first published in 1796 by the poet Robert Burns. He had transcribed it after hearing it sung by an old man from his homeland of Scotland. The title literally translates as “old long since” and means “times gone by”. The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember people of the past with fondness. The lesser known verses translate to lament how friends who once use to “run about the hills and pull up daisies” have become divided over time and distance. Yet there is always time for old friends to get together – if not in person, then in memory, and have a good-will drink. Whether we know the words to this song by heart or not, the sentiment is a great one to remember this time of year. As we begin the New Year, may we always remember those people with whom we’ve made great memories. Maybe even start the year off by sending out a quick note to those friends we may not have seen in a while or call them and catch up. And next New Year when you hear this song being sung you can be confident you know what it’s all about. Details from Borgna Brunner at infoplease.com
Please remember to keep the heat in your apartment at a minimum of 60 degrees. DO NOT turn the heat off if you are vacating the apartment. Cars must be parked back from the curb so the walks can be cleared of snow when necessary.