chicken soup for the soul

today was a cold, rainy, relaxing sunday.  my bones were chilled. i needed some hot soup. chicken soup, actually. hold the matzo balls (this time).
if soup is your thing, give this recipe a try. it is simple but delish.
first: find a reliable recipe. i believe most of the women in my family use the one pictured here. i used it, too.

second helpings, please! a staple in jewish homes.

find a LARGE stock pot. add cold water and chicken thighs (or legs...or a soup bone, etc.). let it boil while you prep the rest. make sure to skim the fat off the top. 

now for the veggie prep!

carrots

onion

celery

throw it all in the pot and let it simmer for a few hours.  don't forget the S & P!!

hour 2.  take our the chieken before you serve.

yummy final product. add in some of the cooked chicken for protein.

serve with a side of fresh challah (for dunking!)

 enjoy! i hope this soup warms your soul!!
happy sunday!

festive foods

lots of fun with the new camera this week..learning to shoot with the dslr and am really enjoying myself. i find the colours are so bright and, using the macro setting, i am able to see so much detail.
i am, however, being accused of shooting 'too close' to all my subjects, but that is what i love!


this post shows some of the delicious homemade foods i indulged in over the past two weeks.
if you're interested in a recipe, just let me know!

parnsip, potato and carrots

yummy salad with sliced nuts,
 cranberries, avocado and all the
good stuff

mom's famous sweet noodle kugel

beef brisket. favourite.

**white wine recommendation (a rarity on this blog)

moving on to brunch now....at least once a week at our house

fresh berries to go on the blintz carrerole, or to be enjoyed in yogurt

hot bagels and bilka buns

and, back to dinner again

homemade experimental butternut squash soup.
noted some improvement for the future

bruschetta toppings (tomato, avocado, onion, garlic)

presentation. drizzled with balsamic glaze.

some of the good eats the holidays offered.
happy cooking!
-talia

holiday....celebrate!

a quick catch-up post!

chanukah has now come and gone....but the smell of latkes in my house and drippy wax on the table remain. 

i bought a new dslr camera, with pics to come. but in the meantime, some snapshots from the season.

all this downtime has allowed for some relaxing crafternoons!

made these little reindeer hot chocolate packs as 'last day of school' gifts for my students. aren't they cute?!

finally.... melting snowmen for a chanukah party. very sweet (seriously, the icing could make your teeth hurt). 

recipe and tutorial:
http://www.trulycustomcakery.com/tutorials/25.html

hope you are having a merry holiday season!