Tomato-Basil Parmesan Soup

This recipe (found in the current issue of BYU Magazine) sounds so delicious. The only problem I can see with it is the 1/2 cup of butter used for the thickening roux. I may have to play around with this to see if I can reduce the amount of butter and make it healthier. If I can find a spare minute...

2 (14 oz) cans of diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup finely diced onion
1/2 bay leaf
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 Tbsp dried basil
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups half and half, warmed
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

In a large slow cooker, combine the first 8 ingredients listed above. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

About an hour before serving prepare a roux: Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour; stir constantly with a whisk for 5 to 7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup of hot soup from the slow cooker. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Pour all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, and salt and pepper. Cover and cook for another hour until ready to serve.

Scripture of the Day: Helaman 12:1

Saturday Morning Cartoons #48

Really, this should be labeled

'Saturday Night Cartoons'!

It's nearly 10 pm and I am finally

getting around to my post.

Sometimes life happens :-).

Scripture of the Day: D&C 124:20

Dear student with the facial piercings,

Although I applaud your strong personality and individuality, may I offer a small suggestion? While talking to others, it may be a good idea to refrain from moving your lower lip piercings around from the inside with your tongue. It is rather distracting for whomever you may be speaking to at the time (at least it was for me) to see the studs shifting in and out through your skin. Just a thought.

Sincerely,

Professor Irvine


Scripture of the Day: 2 Nephi 22:2

A Surprise Response

Yesterday in church I got a nice surprise. The bishopric counselor called the Primary presidency up in front of the Primary children and read a letter the bishop had received last week. This past summer we had followed Elder Andersen's counsel to read the Book of John. Then, a month ago we had sent to Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles a package full of pictures the primary kids had drawn of their favorite stories of Jesus from the Book of John. The letter the bishop received was in response to our package. This is the text of the letter:


September 30, 2010

Dear Harris 2nd Ward Primary,

Thank you so much for the wonderful letter you sent. How impressive that you accepted the challenge to read the Book fo John. I especially loved looking at all of the beautiful pictures you drew of your favorite stories of Jesus. Your pictures reminded me of how many wonderful stories of Jesus are found in the scriptures. Thank you so very much!

May the Lord bless you as you continue to learn and grow closer to Him.

Kindest personal regards,

Neil L. Andersen


We made copies of the letter for all the kids to take home, but I have the original letter and will save it.

Scripture of the Day: Mosiah 4:6

Saturday Morning Cartoons #46

Happy Saturday!

This week was extra busy with:
Patch's birthday
Patch's visit to urgent care (dislocated finger)
Fall break -- no school for the kids (not me)
and
The last few days of subbing

So glad this week is over!!

Scripture of the Day: Nahum 1:7

Do you 'carrot' all?

Tonight we went to Serranos for dinner to celebrate Patch's birthday (pictures of that to come). Anyway, while there I asked the waiter if they could bring me some carrot sticks to eat so I wouldn't be tempted to eat the chips. Sitting there trying not to eat chips and salsa is SO hard. The waiter told me they don't serve carrots--not even in their salads. I was disappointed and resigned myself to using as much willpower as possible.

In the meantime we waited for my parents and Steve's mom to show up for the meal. I colored a picture with Emily, sipped my water, took a few pictures, and (I confess) ate three chips. I also noticed that two elderly women in the booth opposite us paid their bill and left.

My parents showed up a few minutes later and we were talking about Patch's birthday when one of the elderly women from the booth opposite us came back in the restaurant and came up to my table with a bag of baby carrots she had bought at the neighboring grocery store. She handed them to me and said, "I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to support you in your effort to make healthy choices."

I was really touched by this small, but very considerate, gesture and thanked her for her thoughtfulness. I don't recall a stranger ever being so kind to me before. My mom was embarrassed for me, but I truly did not mind. I simply opened the bag of carrots and munched happily away.

Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 26:4

Saturday Morning Cartoons #46

This cartoon is one I used for a lecture that covered Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

I thought it was cute, but I'm not sure my students did ;-).

Have a great weekend!

Scripture of the Day: Psalms 4:5