Event: Spring
When: March 20th in the wee hours of the morning
I thought I was feeling better (until I got this nasty cold)… nevertheless, I’ve begun spring-cleaning my home, moving and rearranging furniture (putting away my Star Candles from Christmas.. shhhh) and taking out my sea shells. As you know from my last post, I’m still attempting to turn my home into a flower shop…
Spring Colors are everywhere it seems.. especially these bright tulip orange and daffodil yellow hues.. stunning arrays of bean green and wild-rose pink, fuchsia and periwinkle crocus, purple lavender and iris..
I can’t wait to get into my garden.. I know some of you, in other parts of the world, have already stomped on your spades and begun turning over the rain-soaked earth in your garden beds. We’re not anywhere near that but I’m already planning what I’d like to put in my front planters. These are pretty hardy for our harsh spring climate…
I think today I will also be moving some of my winter clothes to the back of the closet… just say no to black, brown and gray!! I am so excited to have colorful spring and summer clothes to wear again.
Like these ballet flats..
pretty pinks and floaty fabrics…
I just love our changing seasons in Calgary and always look forward to the colorful, springy fashions that go along with it!! My once beloved thick cable tights get stored away and replaced with.. well nothing… just bare legs! (Well.. not quite yet.. but soon I hope!)
Never mind that (years ago) someone told me I looked like Big Bird from Sesame Street when I wore a bright, all-yellow coat… and who am I to care that someone else also once commented that I looked like a Smurf when I wore turquoise!!??
These days, if I feel like dressing in any particular color I will… who knows, maybe I will find someone else wearing bright yellow or turquoise and we can share a glass of this..
Time for Some Linky Love
This morning, I’d like to give a special “shout-out” to the following bloggers who gave me some really awesome awards. Unfortunately, I have gone back to work and don’t seem to have the time that I used to in the past! So, please know that I feel so grateful to be one of the recipients of these awards, but I just don’t have the time to respond to all the questions and to follow the tasks required any more!! I do, however, have time to post some links for these luscious blogs:
Blue Jelly Beans.. it seems we share the same initials (BJB) which is totally awesome! If you visit Giovanna’s blog you’ll be transported to Spain and find treasured family recipes in both Spanish and English!
I’m sure I’ve told you about my other favorite blogger.. Sarah fills Sarah’s Place with recipes, crafts and most importantly kind, thoughtful and gentle observations.
photography of nia is an inspiration for photography and Photoshop techniques. nia is constantly discovering new blogging photographers and videos to share with us!
Then there is Choc Chip Uru’s Go Bake Yourself blog… just filled with colorful, cheerful and decadent recipes. Her comments always bring a smile to my day!
And just this morning, this beautiful compliment on my last post came in from Granny’s Parlour “the author’s poetic account of deciding who to be when faced with indecision and doubt reads like a wave that inches its way ever so gently onto shore until it reaches further.” Wow.. that one left me speechless. Granny is a product tester, gardener, chef extraordinaire and, incredibly, one of the most erudite writers I know… She’s definitely a blog to follow
♥
Given my predisposition for color today, and the upcoming Irish celebration dear to my heart.. I’ve set aside my Guinness I opened up a Guinness and decided to keep on the healthy track with this lovely Asparagus Soup. When doing a little interior decorating homework in a Better Homes and Gardens magazine, I came across this gorgeous, spring green soup recipe that sounded yummy… and it’s definitely one of the best that I’ve tried in a very long while! I think it’s the roasting step that makes it so delicious…
…think Spring Asparagus shoot springing up out of the moist dampen earth.. plucked, cold-water rinse, snapped in two, roasted and sliced up for your soup pot!
♣
Grilled Spring Asparagus Soup with Chili Croutons
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp or “squirt” of Asian chili sauce (Sriracha)
- 1 small baguette, sliced diagonally
- 2 lbs (two bunches) green asparagus
- olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 – 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp Asian chili sauce (Sraracha)
- 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
- olive oil
- freshly grated nutmeg
- Cut off the dry ends of the asparagus. Preheat barbecue grill. Holding each asparagus stalk lightly, snap in two and place in a bowl. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and toss to mix. Grill for 2 minutes per side until mostly tender and lightly roasted.
- Alternatively, cook in a frying pan (this is what I did) or roast in the oven, just until the asparagus is lightly browned.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Set aside 1/4 of the best spears. Slice the remaining asparagus stalks into 1 inch pieces.
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter then add the onion and cook until lightly browned and softened, about five minutes. Add the salt. Then add the flour, stir and cook until lightly browned. Stir in the coriander.
- Finally, whisk in the chicken broth then add the asian chili sauce and the chopped asparagus. Bring the soup to a simmer, stirring while the asparagus cooks through and the broth thickens. Cool slightly.
- Use a food processor or immersion blender to blend and purée soup until it is smooth. Add the sour cream and stir, heating over a medium-low until heated through.
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with reserved asparagus spears. Sprinkle with nutmeg, if using. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Melt the butter in a pot or in the microwave. Stir in the chili sauce to taste.
- Brush each bread slice lightly with the butter mixture on one side.
- Lightly toast in the oven under the broiler.
- Serve with the soup.
- Makes 4 large servings.
Slurping green spring in the form of your soup sounds so delicious today! And the thought of warm bare legs again makes me nearly delirious! What a pretty post today Smidge (as IF that’s anything new!) 😉
Lol, you’re too cute, spree… Slurping spring, indeed! Love it!
Chilli croutons? Those sound great by themselves!:)
You can definitely share that bottle of champagne with me. I love colors that bring out life and I don’t care whether it’s spring or winter, I refuse to succumb to muted hues. I even have a yellow pea coat and match it with kelly green scarf I found in a thrift store. It just brightens up my day even when we’re buried in feet of snow.
yay for spring! Also, I want to ask you, what flowering plants are easy to take care of? I would like to plant something but start small. Nothing too fussy, maybe a small plant box I can hang on our deck banisters. 🙂 thanks! In the summer, I’ll be moving back in with my mom and I have the whole backyard to myself.
You’ve reminded me that I should go thrifting soon! It’s been a while and that’s such a great place to find bright colors to add to my wardrobe!! I will discuss your question with my mom.. She’s the gardener extraordinaire! I do know that these pretty pansies, while hearty in early spring, do die off very early and your planter would be left without any flowers mid-summer. So I use a few but between longer flowering plants. What climate do you live in??
I’m in Western NY right now, near buffalo. It’s a little cooler than New Jersey. Anything is fine, as long as it lasts me during Spring. 🙂
Thanks!
I’ve tried to search for your zone, I think you’re a zone 4? I found a website with pretty spring containers, but some of those look a little iffy.http://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans-ideas/spring-container-gardens/
I think to be sure your best bet is to ask at the garden center where you buy your plants.. they would definitely know. The other option is to make them small and move them in at night:)
“Erudite?” – You are far too kind. Thank you for the shout out. I think we pretty much made each other’s day and are even, though perhaps you are more even than I am so we’ll have to do this again!! 🙂 Also enjoyed this colorful spring post. It so happens my birthday is March 22, and this year I have plenty of choices for proper birthday treat inspiration thanks to my fellow bloggers. Have a great Sunday!
Lol, yes, let’s keep doing this again and again:) Happy Birthday in advance, although I’m sure you will have posted something special for your day!! Xo Smidge
This soup looks wonderful and embodies spring. I can’t wait until fresh asparagus is in the market here…must try this. Love your flower shots…so pretty!
Thanks, Betsy.. I thought so too and am so glad to have made it!
A terrific way to welcome a new season. We haven’t had much of a winter but feel ready for Spring and all the lovely colors and tastes and smells it brings! Your asparagus is enticing.
Thank you so much… I’m desperately trying to rush spring along!!
You are an artist dear Barbara… Whatever you make stands in artistic way… I love to visit your blog, I love to read your poeticl spirit into your words… This is beautiful and romantic touches for me… I loved the photographs… The colours fascinated me. Spring I think is your heart too. Because you kept these beautiful touches in all winter days too… I felt like that. Thank you, have a nice week and wonderful spring days… With my love, nia
nia, thanks so much for your beautiful comments this morning!! xoxo
This soup looks delicious – need to start making soups with my Vita Mix. Loving your post – thanks for sharing:)
That Vita Mix would be so awesome, I wish I had one!!
What a perfect spring dish!
Thanks!
This post IS spring! And very welcome, for sure.
I just love your flowers. I’d give anything to be able to take care of flowers the right way 😉 I must try harder this year, because I love the environment they create. All of these colors really do put me in a spring state of mind. It’s a good place to be, too. I think the soup fits perfectly into that state of mind. Asparagus is one of my favorites, but I’ve never tried a soup with it. This looks really good Smidge. Thank you for the recipe!
Linky Love is cool! You’ve given me some new places to explore….thanks! And thanks for the linky to me too.
Feel better soon dear!
Oh, Sarah.. I’m sure trying!! I need to be well to do my volunteer work on Fridays and I’ve already missed last week!!
For what it’s worth my dear, mine lasted 4 days or so. And after reading your comment earlier, it really does sound like you have the exact bug I had. Oh yes! You have to get better for next weeks volunteer work! People need you!
A big yes to spring colours in the garden, for clothes and for food. Fresh zingy greens, hot pinks, bright yellows. Bring ’em on!
Lovely pictures as always, Barbara! I always derive pleasure at just going through the entire presentation. It is romance, beauty and poetry combined. 😉
What a beautiful post – writing, recipe and photos 🙂
And thank you very much for such a sweet shout out 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Great photos and links. And, your chili croutons sound delicious.
Thanks:)
I used to hate asparagus, but now I love it and am so excited for our two patches to do their thing this spring!
Oh, my goodness… My next recipe will be fantastic for your asparagus! You’re sooo lucky to have a big garden to grow this in!!
There were two patches at this house when we bought it 6.5 years ago. It’s been so great! Every year we indulge for about 2 weeks!
What a great soup for this time of the year! And I could snack on those croutons long after the dinner dishes have been put away. I had better get 2 baguettes. Feel better, Smidge .. er … Barb! 🙂
Lol… I will… Um, John! 🙂
I always had myself down as the cookie monster (if you know sesame street you’ll know…)
Hahaha, yes.. I definitely am well acquainted with the Cookie Monster!!
I am one of those people who doesn’t eat asparagus, but I liked learning about chili croutons — thanks!
You’re very welcome, Sharyn… You might not like the next recipe either, but it can be adapted;)
I think this recipe is exactly what I am going to use for the asparagus that is wilting in my fridge. Thank you for the inspiration, Jen
You’re so welcome:)
I love asparagus and this soup sounds so darn good!
I am so so so ready for spring, too! And, like you, I kinda go overboard with the bright colors and flowers – it just makes me so happy! Love the outdoor sunny pics of your gorgeous soup!
Apparently, when I talk about spring, I go a little crazy with the exclamation points, too. 🙂
I can’t tell you how much I love your blog!!! It is just so amazing and inspirational. Your pics are beutiful, recipes are superb, and tips are so spot on!~ Thanks for always brightening my day!
I’m with you Smidge! I love, love, love all of the color that’s popping up for spring. And I can’t wait to pull out my white pants again. I love pairing my white pants with various bright colors. Yay for spring!!!! 🙂
wishing you an awesome spring Smidge! We are still in the throes of summer here – lucky us 🙂
Just beautiful – photos, recipes, writing, the whole ‘atmosphere’ of your blog! Have a wonderful week filled with sunshine and Spring! 🙂
I love asparagus! nom nom nom. And this sounds amazing! =)
Hi, I just remembered that I tagged you in a post last evening and forgot to tell you. But having seen this post, although I’ll leave the link, I completely understand if you don’t take part. Have a nice day! 🙂
http://hippyh.wordpress.com/2012/03/11/it-girl/
I just love that dress.. and those flowers are just incredible and so beautiful. Spring is in the air and I can’t wait to break out my spring attire. I love the asparagus soup as well.. green and delicious
Do you really have all those shoes? Wow, I’m impressed! The asparagus soup looks and sounds divine. It’s almost asparagus season in Toronto, and you can bet I will be making a soup with them!
I love, love, love COLOR! Keep it coming, Smidge, and I hope your cold goes away soon so you can enjoy it 🙂 ~Ruth
Mr Chocolate recently told me he didn’t much care for asparagus… came as a bit of a surprise as I love the stuff and serve it up any chance I can get! I chose to ignore it 😉
Hope going back to work is ok for you, and you find some extra time for yourself hidden away somewhere.
Come on spring!! This soup looks great! I love the vibrant color!
I hope you are feeing better soon Smidge! I think the sight of spring flowers and yummy spring asparagus soup will help get you on the path to recovery soon. Take care, BAM
Ah, what a beautiful post. Am so happy Spring is here 🙂 Fantastic soup recipe, green food always seems to fill one with energy and vitality I think….
I’m so, so pleased every time others recognize your worth too–you are a jewel and so multifaceted a jewel at that, that it sometimes takes my breath away.
xoxoxo,
Kathryn
Surely you would have felt better if not cooking this lovely dish, then consuming it ?
I absolutely love the idea of the chilli croutons !