Move Away
September 24th, 2008
Contributing, I believe, to the general crabbiness around here — crabbiness that even I will admit has reached HILARIOUS levels, as I swear to God, sometimes I stop being pissy to just laugh at what a Crabby McCrabpants I’m being — is a head cold. A relatively minor head cold by non-pregnant standards, but I never realized what sweet relief it was to be able to pop some Dayquil and carry on with life as though nothing had happened. Sure, you might have medicine head, but it beats the pants off of dealing with unmitigated green snot and, your friend and mine, The Herp Lip.
Ah, Herp Lip. How nice of you not to forget about me during pregnancy. It’s a pleasure to be able to play host to not one, but TWO parasitic entities, one lovable, one … not.
Tomorrow, by the way, I’m taking the day off from all work-related responsibilities to attend an OB appointment, wherein I sincerely hope they can find this kid’s heartbeat, because I’m reading all about how I should be feeling kicks and whatnot down there and I DO NOT FEEL A BLESSED THING EXCEPT THE URGE TO PEE AND MAYBE THROW UP. I will also be looking at houses — five, to be specific — and am both dreading and looking forward to it.
I know this is irrational, but there’s something about renting at this stage of life that makes me feel wholly inadequate, like I’ve FAILED somewhere. This is made all the more ridiculous by the fact that a) I am a home owner, just not where I live, thanks to the wonders of the economy (with strong fundamentals!) and a pillow-soft housing market; b) Even if I WANTED to buy a second home, I wouldn’t buy one in Vermont, because while we like it here, this is not a permanent solution, so I’d be renting regardless; and c) at least the home I own is rented to someone and not in foreclosure like so many others, my God, Jonna, SHUT UP.
Anyway, in many ways, renting should make me feel like a colossal success, because I’ve been amazed at the amount of people drooling over us, simply by the fact that we’re two clean-cut, professional people with good jobs who can not only afford the rent (a novel concept), but don’t plan on throwing parties with elephants and camels on the weekends. Now, I would have assumed in this bleak housing economy where no one is buying anything that there are many people like us, but apparently I was wrong, for when I hung up with a prospective landlord this evening, the desperation of his “I SINCERELY HOPE YOU LIKE THE HOUSE” was nearly palpable, and it’s been much the same with as many others.
So we’ll, uh, see. Sunny is causing a small kink in our plans, as though we are drool-worthy tenants, we do come with an mini-beast who really does drool and occasionally sheds.
And now! Onto my latest pregnancy obsession: soup. I know! How BORING. Pie and apples have hit the road, my friends. They were wonderful while they lasted, but all good things must come to an end. And seeing as I already have the recipes for my other obsession (BROWNIES) thanks to Swistle, I find that soups and stews really are the next frontier in pregnancy foods, along with English muffins. Something about the nooks and crannies.
The problems with commercial soups are several-fold, and include: a) the meat in them is so gross even to a non-pregnant me, but add a total intolerance for anything gristly (HALP) or off-color (HOLD ME) and we have the Return of the Vomit Monster; and b) the only commercial soups that have any complexity at all and/or lack the Icky Meat factor are tomato broth-based, which OH MY GOD, NO NO. THE HEARTBURN. NO.
My favorite lately came from TwoBusy around this time last year — no, wait, oh my God, it was TWO WHOLE YEARS AGO — and I would be remiss in not paying it forward. I finished up the last in the freezer today and plan to make more tomorrow. (By the way, I usually freeze it, so I don’t use the pasta.) (Also, I know it’s got tomatoes, but there is a difference between tomato PUREE and chunks of tomatoes, you know? Or maybe you don’t.)
This is a long way of saying I welcome soup recipes that do not involve sauteed onions and peppers (GAH GAH GAH).
Happy Thursday! Wish me luck in my long, dark Day of Househunting and OB-GYNing.
*The Killers, who I love so very much still. Especially Brandon Flowers, who is rather tasty, despite the eyeliner and odd behavior.
Entry Filed under: Food follies!,Nuttin',Pregnancy,Vermont
30 Comments Add your own
1. slynnro | September 24th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I have this awesome thing called the Soup Deck:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Recipe-Deck-Soups-Stews/dp/1740895932/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222312137&sr=8-4
It has a lot of tasty treats for the pregnant and non-pregnant alike.
And because I am dumb, why can’t pregnant people have any medicine? What could happen??
2. Sundry | September 24th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Butternut squash soup! Squash, all cooked up and smooshed into a puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, some curry powder, maybe a SHITLOAD OF SALT if you’re anything like me. Throw in some crackers and voila, a full meal. Of sorts. But oh, so good.
I also love chicken noodle soup this time of year (uh, if you can stand chicken?). Simmer chicken broth with cut-up carrots and celery until the veggies are tender; I like thyme in there and the requisite Shitload of Salt and pepper. Add wide egg noodles and the meat from a roasted chicken from the supermarket, torn asunder. Cook until everything’s all soft and groovy.
3. Kristi | September 24th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Ah, the pregnancy cold. Mine lasted almost the entire duration of my pregnancy and I was adamantly opposed to any medication except the occassional Tylenol. The Neti Pot became my friend, (actually, 4 years after my youngest “baby” I still use it.)
My 2nd pregnancy I CRAVED a particular Tortellini soup. It had some tomato puree in it for color and also lots of spinach for iron. Send me an email if you want the recipe.
4. -R- | September 24th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I don’t know if you’re comfortable taking medications during pregnancy, but my doctor okayed several cold and allergy medications, so you might ask at your appointment.
Also, I did not feel any kicks until 22 weeks. 22 WEEKS. We could see the baby moving around at the 21 week ultrasound, but I still didn’t feel anything for another week.
5. Amy K | September 24th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I haven’t felt a single kick, wiggle or squirm at 16+ weeks either, so we’re in the same boat. Maybe it means we’ll both have calm, frequently napping babies (ha, right). English muffins – yes! Also, orange juice, spongy crumpets, miso soup and homemade fudge from the dairy down the street.
6. Blythe | September 24th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I love the Barefoot Contessa’s Cheddar Corn Chowder:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/cheddar-corn-chowder-recipe/index.html
(I leave out the onions. And it’s possible that I might add a bit of extra bacon sometimes. Maybe.)
Good luck with the house hunt! You will find a good place. And, not to get all gooshy, but it will be your baby’s first home, so wherever it is, it will end up being special.
7. clickmom | September 25th, 2008 at 3:25 am
Soup is just another word for SALT. Oh yes, I would just suck the salt right off a whole bag of pretzels way back when. Some kids do more stretching and yawning than kicking so pay attention to the more subtle sensations down there.
8. Christine | September 25th, 2008 at 4:52 am
Oh yesterday I made a delicious lentil soup. Basically, saute a chopped small onion, a stick of celery and a carrot or so, in a bit of oil, add garlic, when all is fragrant, add a half bag of regular old lentils, a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes (or just run your diced tomatoes through a food processor), and on a whim I added a can of black beans, cover all it with water. I seasoned with salt, pepper, cayenne, and a good amount of cumin. (If you have one, go on and throw in a hambone, but it won’t matter) In about thirty to forty minutes of simmering it’ll be done. Serve with a handful of torn cilantro and a good dollop or two of yogurt. It was a big hit last night.
Good luck with the house hunt. I still maintain you should come live in Philadelphia. If you are so inclined of course.
9. Sadie | September 25th, 2008 at 5:02 am
I was very excited to share with you my favorite soup recipe, but then I read your tomato caveat. So I guess my sausage orzo soup with spinach and tomatoes might be off the table. But man, there are a lot of good soup recipes involving potatoes and bacon and heavy cream too. And then there is always the classic white-trash comfort soup (which I still always keep in my cupboard): Top Ramen, aka Oodles of Noodles. I am partial to the beef flavor.
I would totally rent my house to you, if I didn’t already live in it. And if it wasn’t a couple states away. Good renters are a needle in a haystack.
10. TwoBusy | September 25th, 2008 at 5:18 am
I’m pretty sure the Vomit Monster makes my Top 5 list of “Least Favorite Monsters.”
11. H | September 25th, 2008 at 5:27 am
If you like black bean soup, here’s a recipe I made this week and it was delicious. It also uses my favorite kitchen tool – the crock pot. This was quite spicy so tone down the spices if need be. AND…the post bean soup farting is awesome. Our bedroom smelled like someone died in there. Anyway!
3 cans black beans (undrained)
1 to 1 1/2 c. salsa
2 c. chicken broth
1 1/2 c. pureed carrots (I cooked them a little first to soften)
1/2 tsp. hot sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. cayenne
1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
3/4 tsp. papper
Combine, cook 8-10 hrs. on low or 5-6 hrs. on high. Puree half the soup in a blender, combine with the unblended soup. Enjoy!
12. Style Bard | September 25th, 2008 at 6:04 am
I’m no help at all with recipes, since I absolutely can’t cook, but my favorite homemade soup is Corn Chowder, although we don’t do it cheddar-style like Blythe’s suggestion. I do like it with Fontina cheese/mushroom grilled sandwiches.
Another one of my faaaaave soups is Amy’s organic butternut squash, which is healthy and lowfat. Although you don’t care so much about the fat, so maybe go for Wolfgang Puck’s or something where it’s even more creamy, buttery and delicious.
My dad also does a great homemade chicken pot pie, but he makes it without bottom crust so it’s like stew with a delicious topping, eaten with a spoon.
13. Lawyerish | September 25th, 2008 at 6:10 am
I was going to recommend Sundry’s butternut squash soup, but she beat me to it! NB: you should buy pre-cut squash or make Adam cut off the peel and chop up the squash, because that part takes FOREVER and is irritating.
14. moo | September 25th, 2008 at 6:14 am
I know exactly how you feel re: renting. Like you have FAILED as an American because you do not Live The American Dream. Well, we don’t have a downpayment, so the American Dream is out for us. And I have to reconcile myself to that. And yet … I somehow can’t be too sad, for when the fridge breaks, it’s not ME who has to shell out $800 to get a new one! Woo hoo!
And may I recommend http://www.companyscomin.com/ … they sell homemade soup mixes that are AMAZING. Our favorite is the New Mexico Green Chili Soup. We omit the chilis and add cheese tortillini instead. Delicious!
15. Jess | September 25th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Everything I’ve read about the housing market says that now is the perfect time to rent. Seriously. You guys are just ahead of the curve.
16. She Likes Purple | September 25th, 2008 at 7:06 am
I’m 19 weeks (today!) and I’m feeling movements but no kicks. I just keep WAITING. And at every appointment I’m sure the heartbeat won’t be there. So far, thankfully, it has been.
If it makes you feel ANY better a dear friend is pregnant with twins and didn’t feel them until week 21 or so. The placenta was just in a place that absorbed all the movement before she could feel.
I’m still obsessed with apples (and peanut butter) and, recently, Cinnabon cinnamon rolls.
17. nonsoccermom | September 25th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Good luck at your appointment and with the house-hunting!
Sadly, I have no soup recipes for you, as I do not like soup at all. Ick. Well, except for broccoli-cheese soup, of course, because I think everyone likes that.
18. Jen W. | September 25th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Butternut squash, butttttternuuuut squuuuuaaaaaassshhhh. SO GOOD. I have a fabulous recipe if you would like it.
19. Kate @ Life As I Life It | September 25th, 2008 at 8:50 am
I made a yummy soup last night – similar to Sundry’s squash soup, only I used steamed sweet potatoes/yams. I carmelized an onion, threw in a couple cloves of garlic at the end & 1 Tbsp of curry powder, then whacked in all in a soup pot with chicken stock & light coconut milk. I whizzed it all up with my hand blender (aka boat motor), threw in a squidge of brown sugar, a tiny bit of cinnamon, salt & pepper and voila! Yummy. You could totally use less curry if it doesn’t set well with you – mine was a mild sweet curry so really was just a hit of flavor.
p.s. I *heart* The Killers too. They have a new album coming out the end of November, btw.
20. Shelly | September 25th, 2008 at 9:30 am
can you handle RAW onion? Grating it? Giada DeLaurentis has a really great italian wedding soup recipe on Food TV.
The soup it totally innocuous, but one must make meatballs….including onion—so I tread lightly here–knowing full well that even the MENTION of certain things can set a preggers woman into the pukes………
I’ve had this soup alot, and my famiy really likes it.
21. Shelly | September 25th, 2008 at 9:35 am
How I wish you could deal with the peppers and onions………CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP is so fabulous…..and light—-light chicken broth base with tomatoes (chunks, girlfriend), but alas there’s alot of onion and pepper.
You can cheat and use the rotisserie chickens and store bought tortilla chips…….
I’m still racking my brain for other stuff……….I’ll probably make you think I’m stalking (again) with my ideas…..sorry!
22. Jamie | September 25th, 2008 at 10:21 am
God, I hate househunting. I’m thinking good thoughts for you!
23. Lynn | September 25th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I didn’t feel any kicks and such with my three pregnancies until at least week 20…so no need to panic.
I love soup too. My health-food store sells lots of organic kinds (sweet potato, squash, potato-leek) in tetra-packs, and it’s delicious.
If you don’ t have such a store in your little corner of Vermont, here are a couple of recipes I like:
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup (for the crockpot)
1 large butternut squash, peeled, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups chicken stock (we are vegetarians so I just use water)
1 cup apple juice
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. Strain soup, keeping all liquid. Transfer about half of the solids to a blender and add around 1 cup of liquid; puree until smooth. Repeat with the other half of the solids. Return puree to broth and mix in the slow cooker; add additional salt and pepper if desired, to taste. Serve with swiss cheese.
Leek and Potato Soup (for the crockpot)
3 small leeks, white part only, coarsely chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
5 medium potatoes, peel and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
5 cups chicken stock (or veggie stock)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup whipping cream
Combine all ingredients except cream in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. In a blender, puree soup in batches. Transfer to a large bowl and chill thoroughly. Stir in the cream (DO NOT DO THIS HOT). Enjoy it cold, or reheat very slowly if you prefer it warm.
24. Lara | September 25th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Mmmm, soup! I don’t think I’ve made many homemade soup, but this one was pretty tasty: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Jeans-Homemade-Chicken-Noodle-Soup/Detail.aspx (and perfect for a cold, thanks to the ginger! I used lots and lots of extra ginger in mine, though.) Mmmm.
25. Mauigirl52 | September 25th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I’m sure all will be well at the OB. You have way too many pregnancy symptoms for anything to be wrong!
Enjoy your soup!
26. metalia | September 26th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Ooh! I have an AMAZINGLY easy butternut squash/apple/onion soup that is delicious. Let me know if you want the recipe. Also? I’ve also been hearing EXCELLENT things about these: http://www.campbellsv8soup.com/
Which, hi, pre-made and delicious? Count me in.
27. Kristin | September 26th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
So I had to go back and re-read your post after I read the comments because, uh, weren’t you looking for recipes that did not involve onions? Ah yes, you did. I’m sorry that I, like most of your other commenters, don’t have an onion-less recipe to offer you. But I hear you on the heartburn. I almost fainted one night when I was in the pool, my hearburn was so bad.
And now, back to the debates! I love Obama, but he really is a skinny little dude, isn’t he?
28. page | September 26th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I am following your blog closely- god, THANK YOU for all of the little tidbits and things I would not learn otherwise- we’re talking baby, but no happy pee stick dances yet.
Pacific foods makes this soup, this SOUP! that I cannot stop ingesting. DO not let the name frighten you, as it is soooo yummy. Cashew Carrot Ginger. If you can, I suggest giving it a taste.
Good luck with the houses and have fun at the ultrasound! All will be well!
29. andrea | September 27th, 2008 at 12:08 am
YES, I can give you a great soup recipe. And it’s so easy. No chopping at all is needed. Could it get any easier?
Smash a few garlic cloves (ie. hit them hard with the flat side of a heavy knife) and throw them into a saucepan with olive oil and fresh (just tear the leaves) or dried oregano). Warm through. Add two small/one big (I think your big tins are approx 28 ounces? 800g, in any case) diced tomatoes. Simmer for 20 mins. Add two small (400g – 14 ounce) tins of drained chickpeas and about 700ml of hot vegetable or chicken stock. Bring the the boil and simmer for as long as you feel like. Meanwhile, cook half a packet or so of a small pasta – we use small shells. Add to the soup when it’s ready. Serve. I love it with fetta cheese, but that’s generally a pregnancy no-no. A lovely alternative is some Greek yoghurt. Or some sharp cheddar or parmesan could be good.
Protein, carbs, taste, no onions or peppers, tinned tomatoes rather than tomato puree, and NO CHOPPING. Enjoy.
PS. Metalia? I like the sound of the pumpkin & apple soup. Could you post it, by any chance?
30. Orange Peacock | September 28th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I don’t know if anyone’s mentioned this yet, but I remember when Sundry posted her squash soup recipe a couple of years ago, it was a BITCH to get the squash out of the, um, squash. Make sure you buy it pre-cut and packaged, or otherwise just cut the whole dang thing in half, pop it in the oven until it’s soft, and scoop its guts out. So much easier than dealing with rind-drama.
Other than that, I got nothing.
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