In the lull between New Year’s and Valentine’s Day, it can be a gloomy season. The sun still sets early, and the temperatures are low on the thermometer; however, sometimes Mother Nature can add some fun in the form of a snowstorm.
I know snowstorms mean shoveling and scraping, but they also mean fun for kids. What snowstorm is complete without the building of a snowman on the front lawn? And what snowman is complete without a carrot nose?
When the snowman is built, all of the snowballs have been thrown, and the walkways are cleared, it is time to return indoors for some dry clothes and warmth. I can’t think of any better way to add warmth than with a pot of homemade soup. Since you have carrots on hand from the snowman building, why not make a soup with them?
This soup, which is courtesy of Think Tasty (a food and restaurant publication), is a delight. Its orange color and hint of sweetness are cheery additions to your dinner table. Although it is creamy, it is healthy, as it is made with skim milk instead of cream. Served with biscuits or dinner rolls, it is sure to please.
Creamy (Yet Lowfat) Carrot Soup
3 cups carrots, peeled & diced
1/2 Tb. butter
1 onion, diced
1 Tb. fresh thyme, diced
2-1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup skim milk
salt & pepper
Sour cream*
Maple syrup*
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add carrots, and boil for 8-10 minutes, or until they are fork tender. Drain, and set carrots aside. Return pot to medium heat, and add butter. Once butter is melted, add onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add thyme, and sauté for 1 minute longer. Remove pot from heat. Place half of carrots and half of onion mixture in a blender with half of the broth. Pureé until creamy. Repeat with other half of carrots, onions, and broth. Return all pureéd ingredients to pot and warm over medium heat. Add milk, and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Makes 6 side dish servings or 2-3 main dish servings.
*When serving, each dish can be topped with sour cream or maple syrup for additional flavor.
