Sometimes the stars align just right, conditions all come together, and the stage is set for the perfect storm. No, not the kind that produces torrential rain or snow….but, that’s part of it. On Monday morning, I awoke to this
A beautiful winter wonderland in a place more accustomed to power-threatening sleet than pretty white soft stuff.
Our house which lately has resembled the “Do Drop Inn” looked like this… not just empty….peacefully, joyfully quiet :)
Beloved closed up early and came home with plans to rest up for the big game. And while we are not Auburn fans, I always root for the SEC.
After a quick kitchen inventory, I knew I had the ingredients to complete both the recipe for a perfect evening and a perfect-for- the-occasion soup.
Dinner for two in front of the fire….and the flat screen tv :)
The fire’s reflection caught in mom’s old Community silverplate—White Orchid.
Is there anything better than a warm fire, warm soup, and a warm hand to hold?
Beef and Cabbage Soup
1 1/2 pound ground chuck
1 small head cabbage, cut into large pieces
1 large onion, chopped
28 ounces water (use the tomato can)
2 cans red kidney beans (dark or light)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 tablespoons beef soup base
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon black pepper
28 ounces stewed or crushed tomatoes (we prefer the larger stewed)
Brown beef with onions and celery. Add all other ingredients and extra water if needed. Simmer covered for at least one hour.
Serve with the best-ever cornbread recipe here.
Simple, huh?
I am joining my friends Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and Michael Lee West for Foodie Friday. You can find them by clicking on their buttons on the sidebar!
I know I have been sporadic in my posting and even more so in my visiting. Both sets of wedding plans are well under way. I am working on a whole new room and a surpise I hope to share with you soon :) Thanks for hanging in there with me!~~Susan
I have been missing reading your posts. I too have been busy. But, I kinda played catch up today. Sounds like a busy 2011. But, loved the ornaments. Just don't know if I have a steady enough hand. Soup looked warm & delicious to help offset the winter weather. :)
ReplyDeleteOur little bit of wintery mix still has not all melted here in MS, it has been so cold.
I figured you have been a very busy lady these days. :-D
ReplyDeleteThe soup sounds and looks yummy. Thanks for sharing the recipe - I just may have to make some.
The snow was pretty and I enjoyed looking at it from inside on Monday, but I am ready for it to go away now. I am so looking forward to Spring.
Stay warm!
Glenda
With our temperatures plummeting below zero tonight, your soup looks so good. Hope you're staying in and staying warm. hugs ~lynne~
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see you! And that soup looks delicious, Susan. I'm so happy Auburn won, and that made game night better for all of us who love the SEC. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat ladle is beautiful, and how special that it belonged to your mother. Very, very pretty.
Sending you warm hugs across the miles. I hope that any ice will go away soon. The snow looks very pretty.
Looking forward to seeing pictures of your big events with your kids as they happen.
XO,
Sheila :-)
Beautiful pics! Nothing I like better than soup, always looking for more ways to use cabbage and beans! Can't wait to make this-thanks:@)
ReplyDeleteMy goodness. Two weddings!! The snow looks lovey. Nothing better than soup on a cold day. Warms you from the inside out. Glad your team won.
ReplyDeleteLooks delish... Nice post. Made me all warm and fuzzy! Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteIn front of the fire sounds good and that soup is the perfect winter soup!
ReplyDeleteYou really have your hands full and I appreciate your posting this recipe...it looks delicious and I am definitely going to try it. Your photos are so cozy!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
I'm always looking for new soup recipes. I could eat soup every day in the winter (or the summer)! This looks simple and delicious. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty setting, and perfect cold weather food!!! It's nice when you get a little snow like that...Just enough to call it pretty without it being a total disruptive nuisance!!! Have a wonderful, peaceful week!
ReplyDeleteSoup sounds so good. It's five degrees here and I just can't warm up, though looking at your photos did help. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh that looks so delicious. Perfect for a cold weather. Your casual tablescape is very inviting...Christine
ReplyDeleteNothing better than a hearty soup on a cold winter's night! I think soup's are what keep me going during the cold weather -- this looks delightful!
ReplyDeleteThat looks very comfy and cozy. We all to often eat in our recliners. A habit I would like to break but hubby is quite comfortable with. Sweet post. Stay safe and warm.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect evening! Football, a cozy fire, and hot soup!
ReplyDeleteThat soup sounds wonderful! I loved the fire as a backdrop.. sounds like a perfect evening!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing what sound like a perfect evening to me. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back!
ReplyDeleteYou call that snow? LOL
Oh yeah! I love soup especially in the cold weather! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm having the very first GIVEAWAY on my blog. Please stop by to submit your entry. Good Luck! http://utry.it/2011/01/happy-birthday-to-meand-very-first.html#comments
Greetings! I have not stopped by for quite some time; I am going to try to visit my earliest Followers whom I haven't visited in a long time. And what a nice recipe to see! It looks delicious. And your snow picture (and nest) are so pretty. Thanks for sharing the photos and recipe!
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
Gloria
Thanks for your kind comments. You know, I love weddings and everything about celebrating covenant relationships. If I could figure out how to come help with the rehearsal dinners, I would. I was both MOB and MOG. My son was married in Nacogdoches, so I'm familiar with planning a rehearsal dinner from a distance. I'd love to hear about your plans for your two events as you go along. If it makes you feel any better, my sister had four girls get married (each one a large wedding) in a period of 18 months! Can you even imagine? Love, Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteSusan, I've never had beef and cabbage soup. That looks like something we would love. I'll be trying this recipe soon. Now, I just need to come up with a cozy and pretty setting like you have for your game meal. (That was some game!) Thanks for the recipe. laurie
ReplyDeleteSusan, thanks so much for your sweet comments. I think of you often and hope it's all going well with your wedding activity. We miss you, but I understand what it is to be knee-deep in projects. So I've got a light on for you till you return...
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila :-)