Root vegetable soup

This soup may not look pretty, but it certainly tastes good. I needed to use up some root vegetables that were starting to get soft, as well as some wilting kale.

Ingredients

• 1 diced onion
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 3-4 diced carrots
• 1 diced white turnip
• Chopped kale
• Red kidney beans
• A handful of dry rice
• Vegetable stock
• Thyme & sage

1. Saute the onions, carrots, and turnip. Once browned, add the diced garlic
2. Use enough stock to just cover the vegetables. If the soup becomes too thick, you can always add more stock.
3. Add chopped kale, red beans, and dry rice
4. Season to taste, and simmer until the vegetables and rice are cooked.

 

Vegan shepherd’s pie – of a sort

My contribution to my choir’s annual potluck supper this year consisted of a vegan shepherd’s pie. I use the term shepherd’s pie loosely, as the dish I prepared takes a view liberties with the classic definition.

The Filling

• Gardein Beefless Ground
• Diced onions
• Diced garlic
• Diced zucchini
• Diced carrots
• Peas
• Salsa (I use the mild variety, but you can get as spicy as you like)
• Tomato Paste
• Dried oregano

I sauteed the onions, then added the zucchini and garlic and cooked until browned. I added the rest of the ingredients and simmered for about 45 minutes. I used the tomato paste to absorb any liquid, as the filling should not be runny.

Topping

• Potatoes
• Vegan margarine (I used Becel Vegan)
• Soy cheese
• Shredded vegan cheddar (I used Earth Island; known as Follow Your Heart in the U.S.)

Mash the potatoes with the ingredients above. Salt to taste.

Place the filling in a casserole and top with the potatoes. Bake until the top is browned.

 

 

Painter’s rags

Image source

I discovered painter’s rags a few years ago when I painted my condo. Although I bought them initially to clean up paint messes and spills, I have found that they make excellent all-purpose cleaning cloths around the house. I use them also in lieu of paper towels, which comes particularly handy with a cat who has a sensitive stomach. I’ve used them also to apply polish to my silver trays and antiques. I like the fact that they are thin, but absorbent, and dry quickly. I cannot abide the dry, raspy texture of microfibre cloths, and much prefer to use these rags. Because the rags are thin and do not fray, it’s easy to cut them into smaller pieces. Since they are lint free, they are ideal for cleaning windows and mirrors. My rags have lasted for many years. It would be better, of course, to cut up old t-shirts, but since I don’t wear these garments, these rags are the next best thing.