Fresh Dill and Parsley

Sweet Potato Soup

Have I told you about my latest crush? It's the sweet potato. Shhh! Don’t tell the sweet potato! I don’t know what it is about this root vegetable that caused me to fall head over heels. Is it the pretty orange color? Is it the sweet, wholesome taste? Is it the nutrients it is packed with? Well, who knows, love is irrational. It just happened.  

Speaking of nutrients, I cannot help myself and absolutely have to mention them. You see, sweet potatoes are a “power food". Rich in fiber but with less carbohydrates than the white potato, sweet potatoes contribute to healthy gums, strong connective tissue and help heal wounds. Key nutrients include beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, vitamins C, B6 and B3. (From Prescription for Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch). Yes, eat up, eat up!

Lettuce Soup

When one of my close friends told me about this soup, I was intrigued, to say the least.  How come I’ve never heard of this dish before when we come from the same country? The fact that we are from different regions of the country is a possible explanation. My friend's mom got this recipe from a Hungarian lady so this dish could be Hungarian but I don't know that for sure. What I do know is that this dish is unique, very tasty and very easy to make. When I asked my friend how to make it, she couldn’t tell me the quantities since she cooks “by eye", just like me. I only started measuring the ingredients for my recipes thanks to this blog. The best solution, we decided, was for us to cook it together. One rainy afternoon (we've have a good number of rainy afternoons in New England this summer), she joined me in the kitchen and we had a fun time cooking this recipe. It’s waaay more fun cooking with a friend than by yourself, even if you argue. :) So whenever you have the opportunity, ask a friend or your significant other to join you in the kitchen.