{pretty, happy, funny, real} … and Roasted Cauliflower Soup

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’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.

[image error] Loading InLinkz ...

The post {pretty, happy, funny, real} … and Roasted Cauliflower Soup appeared first on Like Mother Like Daughter.