The Soup of the Brave

My friend and coworker Taylor and I often share what we are planning to make for dinner each night. With similar tastes in food and openness to trying to new things, we end up making many of each other's recipes. 

Last week, she hit me with a doozy: 

TOMATO PEANUT BUTTER SOUP

I thought it sounded unappetizing and had no interest in copycating this one. UNTIL, she brought it in for lunch the next day and let me try it. I went home and whipped up a batch of my own and became a believer. 

Shout out to Taylor for pushing me out of my comfort zone and giving me another warm soup recipe. 

If you are reading this and think it sounds awesome, more power to you. If you are reading this with a scrunched up face in disgust, I hear you. But seriously, try it. See if it makes a believer out of you too. 

Also, tune in tomorrow for a guest post from one of my favorite people!

On to the recipe:

(Click here to be taken to the original Food Network recipe.)

Heat 1Tbls of EVOO in a pot over medium-high heat.

Finely chop:

1 small onion

1 green bell pepper

1 celery stalk 

(Save the leaves for topping.)

 Add to pan and stir for 5 minutes.

Add:

1 clove of garlic 

(See my favorite cubed version here.)

1/2tsp curry powder

1/2tsp paprika

1/8tsp cayenne pepper 

(I added 1/4 to give it a little more of a kick.)

1tsp salt

Stir together for 2 minutes.

Add:

1-15oz can of crushed tomatoes

4 cups of chicken broth 

(NOTE: I've been loving this as a less expensive option. 

Buying stocks and broths can add up when you love soup as much as I do.)

1tsp of packed brown sugar

1 cup of water

Whisk in:

1/3 cup of smooth peanut butter

Bring pot to a boil. Then, allow to simmer over low heat for approximately 30 minutes until soup begins to thicken, stirring occasionally. 

Blend all ingredients together. You can use an immersion blender or actual blender. 

Sorry no photo of this step. I was too caught up in trying not to burn myself in the transferring process. :)

Chop the celery leaves.

  

Ladle soup into bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, top with cracked black pepper, and celery leaves. 

Prepare to be amazed. 

If you are brave enough to try it, please let me know what you think!

images: hilaryclair, recipe: Food Network

Why, hello Kate!

I absolutely adore Kate Spade. 

With her impeccable style and colorful whimsy, how could you not?

And come on, she loves bows. (Heart be still.)

Enough in fact that her new Edina store front is a la her geometric bow. 

When I received an email to the grand opening party, it was an obvious RSVP. 

Yes, please and thank you very much!

My husband was awesome enough to brave the crazy lovely crowds of girls people to be my date. 

Ever the stud of a husband that man is.

I felt like royalty. 

Bubbly. Butler passed hors d'oeuvres. So.much.pretty.

I think it's safe to say that I lovingly caressed every item in that store. 

We pushed our way through through people strolled through each and every inch. 

I asked the manager if I could take pictures to share with my blog followers. (Such a rule follower.)

See below for my snapshots. 

Happy weekend!

xo, H

  

A purse version of a card catalog drawer! (Made me think of my librarian friend, B.)

Obsessed with this wallpaper.

I love the gold glitter shoes. 

I have to constantly remind myself that I have a few decades on six years old and can no longer pull all things sparkle off. 

Doesn't stop me from trying.

One of my favorite things in the store. Cutest booties with bows and gold heels. Charge it, please!

Yours truly. 

images: hilaryclair

October

I picked up these acorns while on a run with my mother-in-law.

October has always been my favorite month. 

In our house, it means fall, birthday, and orchard. 

Aside from the spicy scents and the sweet celebrations, I love the simple things about it. 

The smell of a rainy morning.

The simpleness of baby pumpkins and gourds. 

This year, I have embraced fall more than ever before. (Blame it on Pinterest.)

If a recipe doesn't have the word "pumpkin", "squash" or "soup" in it, color me uninterested.

I'm currently planning my third trip to the orchard. 

Either a candle is lit or a homemade pot of oranges and spices is simmering on the stove. At.all.times.

Dear, Fall, 

Last forever and always?

Please and thank you very much. 

Love,

Hilary 

No surface has been missed in the fallifying process this year.

 Mulling spices make my heart happy. This Williams-Sonoma version has become a quick favorite. 

images: hilaryclair