(cook)book report and other culinary news

(this is rapidly becoming quite a foody blog. hmmm...)

so, of all the recipes i wanted to try in october from my cookbook of the month, i only made three. but what i tried was great. nothing wowy zowy, but simply yummy.

my favorite was the cauliflower soup. i added sour cream, toasted hazelnuts, and a dash of nutmeg for a garnish.

here's the recipe (of course, one HAS to like cauliflower to enjoy):

Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Saffron and Ginger - (From Perfect Recipes for Having People Over, Pam Anderson)

2 Tbl olive oil

1 1/2 pounds cauliflower (about 1 small head), trimmed and cut into lrg florets

1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/8 tsp saffron, 1/8 tsp cayenne

1 large onion, diced

1 Tbl butter and pinch of sugar

3 lrg garlic cloves, sliced

3 C. chicken broth

1 1/2 C. half and half or milk

Heat oil in lrg deep skillet over med-high heat. Add cauliflower, then onion and saute, till veggies turn golden. Reduce heat to low, add butter, sugar, and garlic. Continue to cook till all veggies are a rich caramel color, about 10 more minutes. Add spices and cook till fragrant. Add broth and bring to a simmer over med-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, till veggies are soft, about 10 mintues. Transfer to blender (or use hand blender right in pan) and pureee till very smooth. Transfer back to pan. Add enough milk or half and half to thin soup to desired consistency. Season with salt/pepper to taste, heat through, ladel into bowls, add garnish and serve.

this past week, being as culinarily pregnant as it was, i also made our Chicken Pot Pies in a Pumpkin (6!) for our Sabbath dinner. i happened to remember the recipe satisfactorily (though i still wish i could find it!), and it ushered us into fall like it always does without fail.

here's our moms and pops squished around our wee table, feeling a bit roasty toasty i'm sure. :)

to top it off, i made my sister-in-law kim's recipe for Karmel Korn - the BEST recipe!!! never made carmel corn before, and i promised to bring a bucket full to the church Reformation party. well, one destroyed cookie pan, some carmel burns, and a HUGE mess later, all the church family were gleefully chomping down on carmel corn (none for me, thank you, as my 5 senses had had enough already) while watching Luther.

tonight, i must pick my cookbook for November. what cookbook are YOU doing? :)