Curtis Aikens Abc Soup Recipes

Steps:

• A is for vitamin A. We all know that Vitamin A is found in carrots, but it's also found in green vegetables like Asparagus and Artichokes 1/4 to 1/2 pound asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces 6 artichoke bottoms (hearts) cut into quarters
• B is for Broccoli. Former President Bush was famous for not enjoying broccoli, but his wife Barbara loved it, and she was dedicated to the cause of reading, all across this country. I hope you'll join me in thanking Barbara Bush for all of her work with literacy. 2 heads of broccoli (and their trimmed stalks) cut into pieces
• C is for Carrots, yummy! I love carrots; they're sweet, crunchy and good for the eyes, teeth and bones. 3 carrots, peeled and cut into pieces
• D is for Daikon, a vegetable used a lot in Asian cuisine. It adds a wonderful flavor to soup. 1 medium daikon, peeled and cut into pieces
• E is for Eggplant, not usually found in soups, but eggplant works, especially if you can find the small green Thai eggplant. You don't even have to peel them, just remove their caps. If you don't find Thai eggplant, purple eggplant will do nicely! 12 small Thai eggplant or 1 purple eggplant, peeled, diced and slightly sauteed in olive oil
• F is for Fungi; that means mushrooms! Any mushrooms will work; White button or Shiitake or Oyster. 2 handfuls of mushrooms, chopped and sauteed with a little bit of olive oil
• G is for Ginger. A fabulous root spice, the best of which comes from our 50th state, Hawaii. 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Ginger root, peeled and very finely chopped.
• H is for HOT. If you like your soups spicy hot, you can add Habanero peppers, which is the hottest pepper of all. Not everyone appreciates Habanero; in this soup they are optional and should be handled by grown ups only! 2 to 3 Habaneros, seeded and finely diced
• I is for Ingredients. This is what cooks call all of the things that go into a recipe. I have never found a vegetable that starts with the letter I. If you can think of one, please let me know!!
• J is for Jicama, a delicious root vegetable, which is quite popular in the tropical regions of the world, and looks very much like a potato. 1/4 cup jicama, peeled and diced
• K is for Kohlrabi, a great vegetable that comes in red, green and sometimes white. The leafy top and globe shaped bottom are all good to eat. A few diced kohlrabi leaves or 1/8 cup kohlrabi bottom, peeled and diced
• L is for Lemongrass, which is used a lot in Asia. If you can't find it, you can substitute a little lemon juice, or a little of its peel. 1 tablespoon minced lemongrass or 1/2 teaspoon yellow lemon peel, grated
• M is for Maize, the Native American word for corn Kernels of 3 ears of corn
• N is for Nutmeg, a wonderful spice that smells good too! 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Steps:

• Spread two slices of your favorite bread with peanut butter. Lay one or two slices of cheese on one slice of bread. Then, take several slices of apple, pat dry, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar (or just cinnamon to keep the sugar content down). Lay the apple slices on the other slice of bread. Put them together, cut in half and ENJOY!!!
• You can vary this recipe by adding raisins, dried cranberries, different cheeses or apples, creamy peanut butter, etc. Very versatile - and very nutritious!
• **Ahead of time, thinly slice a fresh, crisp apple. Place the apple slices in a small container and cover entirely with water and 2 tsp. lemon juice (or less, to taste). The lemon juice will help keep apple from turning brown.

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor puree strawberries. Pour into a large bowl and add half and half, sour cream, sugar and lemon juice. Stir until well combined. Chill.
• Serve with garnish of mint leaves

Steps:

• In a large stockpot, saute the onions in the vegetable oil over medium heat until translucent (about 5 to 8 minutes). Add the carrots and chicken stock, cover the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the celery and simmer another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Turn off the heat and stir in the pasta. Cover the pot and let sit for 20 minutes.

Steps:

• In a large soup pot, heat the oil and saute the onion until softened. Add the broccoli and saute for one minute. Add the stock and salt and cook covered until broccoli is tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Puree in a blender until smooth, thin with heated milk.
• TIP:
• LOOKS LIKE BROCCOLI.... BROCCOLI RABE
• Trim off the bottom, tough stems of the broccoli rabe, wash well. Slice stems into 1/2-inch pieces and saute with whole peeled garlic cloves in olive oil. After 5 minutes add florets, saute until slightly tender, add a pinch of Italian red pepper and serve over pasta

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the water, carrots, onion and lentils; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables and lentils are tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.