home cooking

This weekend I rekindled my love affair with home cooking. Funny how when one is relaxed, time in the kitchen becomes a delight (rather than a chore)! Sunday morning, I made myself a cup of tea, grabbed some of my favorite cook books off the shelf and jumped back into bed. After planning a week's worth of meals, I threw on some clothes and headed to the market. In the bag: new potatoes, fresh sage, butternut squash, cauliflower, baby spinach, local mozzarella, and a half gallon of apple cider. Spinach quiche was the first item on the menu (much to the delight of my stitching group). And later this week: potato chowder (courtesy of Heidi Swanson) ~ a recipe too good not to share:

Rustic Potato Chowder

8-10 slices bacon (or fake bacon)
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 onions, chopped
3 shallots, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
4 cups unpeeled new potatoes
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
4 cups milk
1 cup Gruyère cheese (optional)

In a large pot, cook bacon until brown and crisp. Cool and chop into small pieces. Set aside. In same pot, heat the olive oil and add onions, shallots, and garlic, until soft. Add potatoes and salt, and sauté for about 2 minutes, then add mustard and milk. Bring to boil and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the soup thickens and the potatoes are soft throughout. Whisk in cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra bacon, fresh chives, and/or chive blossoms.

(from Cook 1.0)

Oh, but the highlight of the weekend had nothing to do with food ~ I was treated to a special tour of the Slayton House! Just gorgeous.