I am SO late in posting about our October event, which I hosted. (There wasn't one in November.)
In December, we opted to combine cooking night with my annual Snowman Swap - which had a fantastic turn out (HOORAY!) and, even though it was extremely cozy in our little place - it was a good time as always. So, this is really the only "make up" I have to do to finish up 2012.
Jenny brought this creamy Butternut Squash pureed soup. Yum!
I made my mom's version of Marie Calendar's Corn Bread.
Kristin made this wholesome, yummy Lentil Soup.
I made Pumpkin Basil Soup (I know it may sound weird, but it's a favorite of mine!)
Sheryl Garrison made this really fantastic Potato Sausage soup.
The little "take-home" - Halloween candies in old time medicine jars.
Once again, yummy food - and good laughs - to give us all a great night "out."
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THE RECIPES:
PUREED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
LENTIL SOUP
PUMPKIN SOUP WITH BASIL
1 large yellow onion, peeled and finely minced
1/4 cup butter
1/2 pound fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (or 1 14oz can diced tomatoes)
1/2 pound carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
3 3/4 C chicken broth, divided
1 can (16 oz) solid-pack pumpkin
salt and pepper, to taste
pinch of granulated sugar
2 Tbs minced fresh basil (or 1 Tbs dried)
3 Tbs heavy cream
grated swiss cheese, for garnish
toasted curried pumpkin seeds, or croutons, for garnish - optional
In a large soup pot, saute onion in butter for 4-5 min. Add tomatoes; simmer gently for 5-6 min, or until tomatoes become slightly mushy.
In another saucepan, simmer carrots in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth until soft. Combine cooked carrots, hot broth and pumpkin in a blender or food processor; puree until smooth, adding the remaining 1 14 cups chicken broth as necessary to achieve a thin, creamy consistency.
Add pumpkin mixture to onions and tomatoes in soup pot. Season with salt, pepper, sugar and basil. Fold in heavy cream. Heat to serving temperature, but do not boil. (1/2 t. salt, 1 1/4 t. sugar)
Pour soup into tureen. Top with grated swiss cheese and pumpkin seeds / croutons - if desired.
*Makes 6 servings
