Yes I know, another foodie post.
Sorry, but this time of year I become obsessed with food.
Autumn and winter (my favorite seasons) are when I love making soup. LOTS of soup. In fact, I traditionally start bookmarking soup recipes at the end of every August. Autumn and winter are when my tastebuds seem to wake up after a hot and humid summer and long to dance with a variety of herbs and seasonings.
To be honest, I would be happy just eating various soups all the time because they are one of those food items that are all-encompassing. Think about it. Soup can be a complete meal within itself.
Anyhoo, back at the start of October, I got together with my dear friend Kelly for a coffee and catch-up date. It was the day after my birthday and Kelly mentioned that she had a small gift for me.
As soon as I got into her car, she handed me a beautifully wrapped box that was sooooooo heavy. She said, "Happy Birthday, Ron"!
I'm like, "OMG, what is this, Kelly? It weighs a ton!"
She's like, "Oh, it's just a little something I got for you."
So, before we pulled away from the curb, I tore open the wrapping and screamed, "OH. MY. GOD...it's a freaking DUTCH OVEN!!!!!!
I immediately reached over and hugged her and said, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
For all my passion for food and cooking, I have never owned a Dutch oven. So I was ecstatic!
When I got home that day, I unwrapped the Dutch oven, placed it on my stove, and then texted Kelly a photograph.
Lookie, here it is...
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Allow me to pause here and share something I never knew. I always wondered why they called it a Dutch oven.
I found this online:
"The story goes that a man from England visited the Netherlands and saw round, fairly shallow pots being made by casting molten iron in molds made from sand. That's why it's called cast iron. The Dutch part was to honor the people who were making them."
That following week, I decided to break into my new Dutch oven and make some delicious soup. I found a Bok Choy Soup recipe online and instantly knew that it was the one I was going to make. I had never cooked Bok Choy, so I investigated several YouTube tutorials and found several that were very informative.
*Note: What I immediately noticed was how fast a Dutch oven heats up and cooks. The freshly chopped garlic I sauteed took less than a minute.
So, here is a photograph of the soup simmering away in my new Dutch oven...
I must say, it was incredibly delicious. The turmeric gave this soup an extra zip! The recipe didn't call for potatoes, but I tossed one in (Yukon Gold) for some added body. I like my soup hearty and full.
And then last night, I made this delicious recipe as well...
Comforting Tuscan White Bean Chickpea Soup with kale (which I found on a new food blog I am now following)...
And I just wanted to say again, "THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE DUTCH OVEN, KELLY! I AM SO ENJOYING IT. LOVE YA', MY FRIEND! 😘
Have a grrrrreat rest of your week, everyone! 💗
*Additional fall/winter soup recipes from one of my favorite blogs, Love and Lemons. Enjoy!
Oh Ron, aren't fall and winter food recipes the best? I call it "comfort food". This is the time of year when I really get into soups, stews, bread, and all kinds of warming food. Nothing like sitting down to a big bowl of hot soup on a cold, snowy day.
ReplyDeleteI have both a Dutch oven and a Slow Cooker. I use them for different reasons. Slow cookers are great for throwing things into it, turning it on, and then coming home later in the day to a delicious meal. But nothing beats a Dutch oven if you are home and want to prep and cook something right then and there.
Your soups look so damn good! I put kale in everything. Bok choy I love when I do stir-fry.
Ideal birthday gift, Ron! Kudos to Kelly!
Enjoy your new cooking toy!
Forgot to say thank you for sharing the link. I took a quick peek before I left my comment but I'm going back later when I have more time. Those recipes look so good!
ReplyDeleteYes, Daniel, the very BEST indeed! There is nothing better than comfort food when it's cold outside.
ReplyDelete"This is the time of year when I really get into soups, stews, bread, and all kinds of warming food. Nothing like sitting down to a big bowl of hot soup on a cold, snowy day."
You sound just like me! I don't eat much bread during the summer months, but once fall and winter hit, I become a breadaholic. LOL!
Like a Dutch oven, I was always tempted to try a slow cooker. I almost bought one last year.
LOVE kale too! Bok Choy was something I had always wanted to try cooking, but like I said, I was totally unsure of HOW to prepare it. I LOVE stir-fry! I like to stir-fry my veggies and then layer them over some thing rice noodle. Faaaaaaaabulous!
I am beyond happy with Kelly's gift. I texted her photos after I first used it!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Have a great rest of your week!
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Oh, you are so welcome, Daniel. I added that link last minute, right before I published this post. I get the best recipes from Love and Lemons. Especially the soups and salads.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Ron, I love how you make getting your first Dutch oven sound so exciting, fascinating, and entertaining. Such a great storyteller you are! You completely sound ecstatic. I can hear it in your voice!
ReplyDeleteI used to own a Dutch oven. That is until I moved and somehow the thing got lost, misplaced, or swiped by my previous roommate. But I do need to get another one because they are such a multipurpose cooking tool.
And thanks for sharing the WHY they are called a Dutch oven because I didn't know, or even thought about it.
Your soups looked really good. And I like your soup bowl. Is it part of a dinnerware set? It looks handmade.
Glad you finally got a Dutch oven. You're going to love it. What a thoughtful friend Kelly is!
Hello there, Abby!
ReplyDeleteYes, I am completely ecstatic about my new Dutch oven. I spent the past two days looking up recipes that I can use fall and winter. I follow several foodie bloggers and YouTubers.
"I used to own a Dutch oven. That is until I moved and somehow the thing got lost, misplaced, or swiped by my previous roommate."
BUMMER! Don't you hate when you lose something and don't know HOW?!? I'll tell you, now that I have one, I can't imagine NOT having one. Love this thing!
I found that online while Googling why do they call it a Dutch oven? It was so interesting.
"And I like your soup bowl. Is it part of a dinnerware set? It looks handmade."
Thanks! I got that bowl at a Japanese store in Ardmore last Spring. They sold each piece of dinnerware separately, so that you could mix and match. Unfortunately, when I went back to purchase more, they were no longer carrying them. However, they did have new ones but they were WAY too expensive. I paid $9.99 for that bowl you see. Yet, the bowls they now carry they are charging $32.00 per bowl!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby! Have a terrific rest of your week!
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Ron, don't you love using a Dutch oven? I purchased one about two years ago and cherish it! You're so right, you've got to keep an eye because it heats up so fast. When I first got it, I burned the garlic while trying to lightly saute it.
ReplyDeleteI've even made bread in my Dutch oven. They're very versatile
Both those soups look delicious. I've a big fan of Bok choy and eat it quite frequently. It's got so many great heath benefits. More so than spinach and kale.
Congrats on your birthday gift! What a wonderful friend you have in Kelly!
Morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteYes, I absolutely LOVE this thing!
"...you've got to keep an eye because it heats up so fast. When I first got it, I burned the garlic while trying to lightly saute it."
That's exactly what happened to me. I almost burned the garlic. I wasn't used to the pot heating up the olive oil so quickly. The chopped garlic was sizzling in less than a minute. Since then, I've learned to adjust the heat.
I can't wait to start using it for other things. I read in the directions that yes, you can even make bread in them. How cool is that?
" I've a big fan of Bok choy and eat it quite frequently. It's got so many great heath benefits. More so than spinach and kale."
Yup, I saw that on a YouTube video I watched earlier this month. There was a channel I watched where they talked about how nutritious it was.
GREAT birthday gift indeed! Kelly IS a wonderful friend!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a fantastic rest of your week!
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"...they are one of those food items that are all-encompassing. Think about it. Soup can be a complete meal within itself." ----- You're right, Ron, it is! I like soup too. And during the summer months I made soups such as: Gazpacho, Tortilla, Corn Chowder, Avocado. Have you ever had bread bowl soup? It's the best of both worlds - soup and bread. Lol!
ReplyDeleteThe great thing about soup is that you can make a big batch and have it for several days. I've even frozen it.
Funny, I own a Dutch oven from Lodge as well. I also have one from Le Creuset. I got it years ago at William-Sonoma.
Enjoy your Dutch oven, Ron. Bon appetit!
Hey there, Clair!
ReplyDeleteOoooo...I've not ever seen a recipe for avocado soup. I adore avocado, so I think I would really enjoy it as a soup. I can eat an avocado every day. In fact, I DO!
" Have you ever had bread bowl soup? It's the best of both worlds - soup and bread. Lol!"
Yes I have! The first bread soup I ever had was years and years ago at a Panera Bread in Florida. I instantly fell in love because like you said, it's the best of both worlds. You can eat the bread as you're eating the soup.
I agree. Soup is great because you can have it for several days. And I think it tastes better the next day because it's have time to marinate.
"I also have one from Le Creuset. I got it years ago at William-Sonoma."
I used to work (part-time) for William-Sonoma!
Thanks so much for stopping by this morning, Clair. Happy Wednesday!
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Ron, you used to work at Williams-Sonoma? If I worked there, I would spend my whole paycheck on buying everything!!
ReplyDeleteHere is a recipe for avocado soup - https://www.liveeatlearn.com/avocado-soup/
Clair, if you can believe this, at the time I worked there (back in 2002-2003), I was really not that into cooking. I basically took the job because I wanted to make some extra money. However, I learned a lot about cooking just from working there. It was years and years later that I developed a passion for cooking.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the avocado soup link. Can't wait to try it! X
What a GREAT present, Ron -- your friend Kelly knows you well. Your love of hearty soups is practically legendary, and this Dutch oven will beautifully serve you up some yummy delights!
ReplyDeleteIf I'm sick, a can of Campbell's or a box of Lipton's will suffice, but if I'm able, homemade soups are the way to go. You can control what you put into them and leave out the yuckies you wouldn't eat anyway. And since I was diagnosed with IBS, I have to be very careful (probably for the rest of my life, honestly) over what I put into my mouth. Not that I haven't always been a rather picky eater, but now, I *know* why I'm being picky!
Next week is supposed to be COLD (like below freezing, can you imagine?!?), so I'll bet your new Dutch oven will be simmering a lot. Enjoy -- both the soups and the cold! xx
Wow, Ron! Like you, I've never owned a Dutch Oven, nor have I ever used bok choy. I had no idea even what people used Dutch Ovens for! Can you put it in the oven? Also, do the handles get really hot on the stovetop? Your soups look divine! And I totally recognize those chips on the side because I eat them all the time and LOVE them (Food Should Taste Good multigrain chips, right??)
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I don't get too adventurous with veggies I've don't normally use. I've been trying to venture out with things like eggplant, which I now love. I know my (Chinese) DIL uses bok choy a lot in her cooking. I will have to look for it. Today, I'm making chicken fajita soup. The best part is the toppings!
And now I'm hungry again! Hope you have a SOUPER week, Ron! XO
Kelly, your friend, is so sweet! What a lovely present! She knows you well!
ReplyDeleteMy mom gave me a Le Creuset dutch oven, and I love to make soup and chili in it.
Fall is my second favorite season, after spring, and I love making soup, so I'll be scrolling through the soup recipes you shared. I like reading your comments and saw that you previously worked at Williams Sonoma. I like to go there to look for interesting little finds. They have the best candles--they smell so clean and never give me a headache. I always get one for myself twice a year, at Christmas and on my birthday.
Off to look for some new soup recipes! Have a wonderful rest of the week, my friend! 😘❤️
Hellooooooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it an awesome gift? I was totally shocked when she gave it to me, I literally screamed with delight!
",,,this Dutch oven will beautifully serve you up some yummy delights!"
Yes, it sure will. I've used it twice and so far the soup came out so tasty! I can't believe I never had one of these in the past. Oh well, live and learn.
OMG, Campbell's soup (specifically chicken noodle) was my go-to whenever I was sick. It always made me feel so much better. I also love matzo ball soup. It's great for whatever ails you.
". And since I was diagnosed with IBS, I have to be very careful (probably for the rest of my life, honestly) over what I put into my mouth. Not that I haven't always been a rather picky eater, but now, I *know* why I'm being picky!"
I know what you mean because I'm the same way. It must be that VIRGO rising I have in my astrological chart. HA! I am very picky when it comes to my food.
"Next week is supposed to be COLD (like below freezing, can you imagine?!?), so I'll bet your new Dutch oven will be simmering a lot. Enjoy -- both the soups and the cold! "
OMG, yes, same here. It's supposed to get very cold next week and I can't wait. This weekend it's supposed to reach 83 degrees on Saturday, and that is WAY to hot for October. Can't wait for same really good cold fall and winter weather.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaabulous rest of your week!
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"I totally recognize those chips on the side because I eat them all the time and LOVE them (Food Should Taste Good multigrain chips, right??)"
ReplyDelete*clapping wildly*
OMG, yes, yes, yes! You are absolutely correct!!!!!! And I freaking LOVE those things! But I'm a pig because I can eat a whole bag in one night while watching a movie and sipping by wine. I love dipping them into garlic hummus.
"I had no idea even what people used Dutch Ovens for! Can you put it in the oven? Also, do the handles get really hot on the stovetop? "
Me as well. I mean, I had heard of them and seen them in the store. I've been contemplating getting one, but I always forget. However, when Kelly bestowed one on me for my birthday, I went INSANE with excitement.
Yes, you can put it in the oven. You can even make bread in it. And yes, the handles do get hot. Not too hot, but hot. I've not burned myself yet. LOL!
I think because I am strictly a vegetarian, I'm more inclined to try different veggies. I've always wanted to try Bok Choy, so I decided to give it a go with my first use of the Dutch oven. I really think you would like it. It's kind of like eating steamed celery (the stems) and spinach (the leaves) all at once. Since then, I've used it in my stir-fry recipes. And speaking of trying something new. I (over the summer) tried zucchini and enjoyed it. You have to really season it though, or it can taste bland.
"Today, I'm making chicken fajita soup. The best part is the toppings!"
Oooooooo, that sounds FABULOUS!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And I literally LOL when I read "have a SOUPER week, Ron!" LOVE your play on words. Brilliant!
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Helloooooooooo there, Kari!
ReplyDeleteI know, isn't Kelly a sweetheart getting me my very first Dutch oven? I acted like a little kid when I opened it. I got soooooooooo excited!!
"My mom gave me a Le Creuset dutch oven, and I love to make soup and chili in it."
Aren't they fabulous? I had to learn how HOT they get (and how fast), when I was sauteing my chopped garlic. I almost burned it. LOL!
That website/blog link has some AMAZING fall recipes. She categorizes all her recipes by each season. I discovered her recipes about two years ago.
" saw that you previously worked at Williams Sonoma. I like to go there to look for interesting little finds. They have the best candles--they smell so clean and never give me a headache. I always get one for myself twice a year, at Christmas and on my birthday."
OMG, yes, I know the WS candles you speak of because I used to enjoy sniffing them while I was working. I loved their Meyer Lemon candle!!!! Williams-Sonoma used to give us a 45% discount!
Always delight to read your comments, my friend. Much thanks for stopping by, and have spectacular rest of your week!
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Ron, I've used a Dutch oven for so many things -- to cook chicken, chowder, stews, bread, soups (minestrone and others), and even pasta dishes. I'm glad you posted this today because I need to bring out my Dutch oven and start using it again, especially this time of year. One of the perks of using a Dutch oven is its ability to retain heat well over a long period.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you Ron, autumn and winter are my faves. I like spring, but it's too short and barely happens anymore. Summer? Well, you know how I feel about summer. Lol!
Your soups look so good! And is that bread I see you dipping into that soup? Don't you love bread with soup?
Soups certainly are a complete meal within itself. I like all soups, but particularly soup that's got stuff in it. I prefer them more than creamy soups.
What a thoughful and sweet friend you have in Kelly! What a doll!
Are you enjoying this cooler weather? You know I am!
Happy Dutch over cooking, Ron! xox
Hey there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to use mine for different things as well. I think the next thing I'm going to try, is using it for pasta. In fact, I may do that tomorrow night.
"One of the perks of using a Dutch oven is its ability to retain heat well over a long period."
Yes, I am quickly finding that out. It's almost like have a stove and an oven simultaneously.
Yup, you saw right....that's BREAD! I picked up a baguette, heated it, and then cut it into small pieces. I also dipped it in to some garlic hummus first. Bread with soup is NARVANA.
Me too! I much prefer chunky-style soups. They seem more hearty.
"What a thoughtful and sweet friend you have in Kelly! What a doll!"
I know, she's a sweetheart!
OMG yes, I am soooooooooooo enjoying this cooler weather. However, did you see that this weekend (Saturday) it's going up into the 80s?!?! I'm hoping we don't have a lame winter like last year. I want A LOT of snow this year!
Have a fabulous rest of the week, my friend. Thanks for stopping by!
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" my tastebuds seem to wake up after a hot and humid summer and long to dance with a variety of herbs and seasonings. " - I love how you expressed that!
ReplyDeleteRon, KILLER looking soups! We don't have a Dutch oven, but we do have a Crock-pot which makes excellent soups and stews. You're right, soups (and stews) are a complete meal within itself.
I bet you were so happy to get your very own Dutch oven. What an ideal gift for a passionate foodie like you!
Thanks for sharing the fall/winter recipes links. Definitely going to check it out.
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteThanks, buddy! I had a blast using my Dutch oven. I can't wait to use it more over the next 4-5 month!
I've always wanted to get a Crock-pot, but never got one because I have such limited space in my apartment, I didn't know where the hell I would store it in my kitchenette. But I hear they're FABULOUS!
Do check out the recipes. Not only are they delicious, but quick and easy to make.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt. Have a most excellent rest of your week!
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That's a wonderful gift, and very thoughtful because of how much you love making and eating soup!
ReplyDeleteThey all look soooo delicious and healthy!
Soup is probably one of my favorite things to make. Stew and chili are good too. I did make beef/bean chili w/corn not too long ago. Chicken/veggie and plain veggie I've done too. Haven't had extra time I guess for a while to get into new recipes so just throwing whatever I have into a pot right now. Ooh, I do love kale in soup! I have baby bok choy in the fridge now so that will probably go into a soup pot any day now. And usually have frozen veggies to put in if I don't have many fresh ones in the house.
The weather today and tomorrow though... wtf! Soup is fine for anytime, I eat it all year, but 83 tomorrow... come on, knock it off Mother Nature! haha
Have a wonderful weekend, Ron!
Goooood morning, Mary!
ReplyDelete".....and very thoughtful because of how much you love making and eating soup!"
Yes, exactly! And I got so excited when I saw what it was, I acted like a giddy little kid. LOL!
"Stew and chili are good too. I did make beef/bean chili w/corn not too long ago. Chicken/veggie and plain veggie I've done too."
Sounds deeeeeeeeelicious! I love chili too, so I do need to try making it in my Dutch oven this winter.
And that's often what I do when making things. I will just throw in anything I have in my pantry and fridge, and concoct my own recipes. I'm really bad at following recipes to the T. I prefer adding or subtracting, and making my own thing.
"The weather today and tomorrow though... wtf! Soup is fine for anytime, I eat it all year, but 83 tomorrow... come on, knock it off Mother Nature! haha"
THANK YOU! Did you see that today (Saturday) it's going to reach 83 degrees? WTF is right! However, I did see that next week we'll be getting OUR kind of weather (into the 40s). I have feeling this winter is going to be like last year, NADA.
Thanks for stopping by, neighbor! Stay cool and have a great weekend!
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What a great gift and such a useful one as well, kudos to your friend, Kelly! And, right you are, Ron, that this is the best time of year for soups...and also homemade bread. I have a Lodge Dutch oven too, but not enamel coated, and use it for baking artisan bread. I agree with you about soup being a fulfilling meal.
ReplyDeleteHey there D!
ReplyDeleteKudos to Kelly indeed! Such a thoughtful gift! And I've been using it A LOT!
"that this is the best time of year for soups...and also homemade bread. I have a Lodge Dutch oven too, but not enamel coated, and use it for baking artisan bread. I agree with you about soup being a fulfilling meal."
Wow, I didn't know they made Dutch ovens without the enamel coating?! Supposedly, reading the manual this one came with, baking bread is also an option.
Aren't soups the BEST? And I never tire of them because the recipes are endless.
Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Hope you're having a great weekend and enjoying this season!
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Ron, I couldn't LIVE without my Dutch oven. I barely ever use my other pots for cooking because a Dutch over is so multitasking.
ReplyDeleteKudos to Kelly for gifting you your first Dutch oven! You're no longer a VIRGIN. LOL!!!!!
Both of those soups look amazing. I love kale, so I use it a lot in my soups and salads. And it's so good for you!
Hope you finally got some nice cold Ronnie weather for autumn.
Have a wonderful week, Ron! xoxo
Hola, Denise!
ReplyDeleteI know, I feel the same way about my Dutch oven. I no longer use my other two pots because it's so versatile.
"Kudos to Kelly for gifting you your first Dutch oven! You're no longer a VIRGIN. LOL!!!!!"
ROFLMAO! Cracked me up!!!!
Isn't kale fabulous? I love it, however, I can only eat it cooked. I've tried it raw (in salads) and I can't get past the texture. And yes, it so good for you.
Yup, we FINALLY got some nice cold Ronnie weather. Although last week, we had some very unusually warm and humid days. I saw people with shorts and T-shirts.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Have a wonderful week too!
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