Happy as Kings

March is blowing in with its usual force. It's blustery weather outside! The wind chimes go from moments of quiet to a full jingle of tinkling and noise! A little bit is serene. Too much is annoying! It does keep one aware of the blustery conditions, though. Clouds cover the sky. The sun shows its merry face occasionally. And we wait for spring. In addition to the yellow crocus and the white snowdrops, the purple crocus has burst into bloom. But walks around the yard reveal a slow pace for many other signs of spring. Even the lawn is still brown and dreary. Inside, though, it is cozy and bright. They say it is too early to prune the rose bushes, so a day of cutting quilt blocks is in store instead. Like Sudo, the grand-puppy, I think I'll cozy up to the warm fire during quilting breaks, pour myself a cup of tea, and be happy as a king! Happy Monday!

Peppermint Damask & Gunpowder

"It was one of those March days

when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:

when it is summer in the light,

and winter in the shade."

Charles Dickens

Early this month our local weatherman announced that this would be a colder than usual March. I think he was right. It's been chilly and cold. At least the sun shines most days and that brings a measure of cheer. It also helps to choose a cheerful teacup! My teacup today is a Royal Albert from the Old Country Roses collection. It's called Peppermint Damask, and I enjoy its minty greenness. Tendrils of wispy green leaves and a faint lattice design are sprinkled with yellow, pink, and red roses. It is classic elegance with a touch of whimsy. Today's tea is a classic green gunpowder from Guangdong province, China. It is a mild tea with a hint of smokiness that adds a distinctness that's enjoyed. Each leaf is hand-rolled into tiny pellets which unfurl into full, dark greenness. Classically delicious.

Speaking of green tea, have you read this study released earlier this week? In it researchers found that the more green tea a person drank, the more it reduced the risk of suffering a stroke. Now that's a good deal!

Piquant Pumpkin and Peanut Soup

It's that time of year! Time to use up all that pumpkin!

Piquant Pumpkin & Peanut Soup 

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 tsp. ginger, fresh, minced

1/2 tsp. cayenne

1 tsp. lemon zest

3 cups water

2 Tbsp. Bill's Best Chicknish (or other chicken-like broth seasoning)

3 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 - 16 oz. can pumpkin puree

1 - 13.5 oz. can unsweetened coconut milk

1/3 cup peanut butter

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. agave syrup

Salt to taste

1/4 cup cilantro, fresh, chopped

2 Tbsp. peanuts, roasted

Saute' onion in olive oil. When soft, add ginger and cayenne. Then stir in lemon zest, water, chicken-like seasoning, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes. 

Strain the broth into another pot and discard the solids. Return broth to a low simmer. Then whisk in pumpkin,coconut milk, peanut butter, lime juice, agave syrup, and salt. Cook until heated through. 

Serve with cilantro and peanuts.