Just for reference, I feed those who appreciate being fed, those I want to show love/support to AND my children. The kitchen is where I can share two love languages, gifts, and acts of service. I feel like acts of service is an area I can work on (and thankfully neither child has that as a top two!), so I love that my obsession for food can help me in expressing my love (I linked the children's love language quiz below.) Let's remember to take people food when they have a baby or surgery or -insert huge life event good or bad that requires extra time/energy/emotion-and share a meal. Food is intimate, food expresses love, ok... it can express love. And speaking of food for those in need or overwhelmed, let's try and express our needs, to ask for help (I am admittingly horrible about this and trying to get better....work in progress.) We ALL need help sometimes, gosh I'd say most of the time (I know that's not just me!) People don't know when we don't tell them or ask them. I recently ran across the street to ask my neighbors a quick question (yay to neighbors who you can run barefoot across the street in your jammies to!) Well, the wife had just had back surgery 10 days earlier and could only tolerate 20-30 minutes out of bed. I don't even remember what my quick question was because it was so inconsequential in comparison. They invited me in for dinner that someone had brought (I of course refused but I'm also working on being a gracious recipient, not taking that joy from people, so I finally agreed to a small bowl). The dinner was delicious and a tomato bisque. I make a great tomato bisque and despite my love for cooking and sharing I don't typically say I make something great......but, I do make a GREAT tomato bisque. I politely asked if they enjoyed tomato bisque, to which they replied yes. I said I have a great recipe and I'd love to bring it to you. So 4 days later I got to run across the street (barefoot) with the pot I made the soup in and bring them tomato bisque. They have helped me so many times and I loved bringing them food. Now, it also happens that I got a text that that was the BEST SOUP they had ever had and needed the recipe. That made me light up even more that they had enjoyed it so much (and absolutely there is pride involved here, I love to hear rave reviews about my dishes and yet I can honestly say it's not why I make food for people, it's truly a bonus.)
so here is my most amazing "recipe" yah.... it's not really a recipe, sorry...I think its just two tips.....
FRESH Tomatoes (not canned, yummy fresh, different colors, mix and match types, from your neighbors? yes to it all)
I'll say 5-6 large, remove stem and quarter (don't need to do more)
I have used a ton of cherry tomatoes and pear tomatoes fresh from a garden with some giant heirloom also, don't be afraid
roughly chop a handful of fresh basil
*yes the tip is fresh tomatoes and fresh basil
cook this down with water (enough to keep it wet, not dry)
add Better than Bullion chicken stock (3 Tablespoons, bigger pot? add more) (tip #2 Better than Bouillon has great flavor and I buy the organic and it takes up very little precious space in the refrigerator)
Possibly tip #3 cook the tomatoes and bullion on med (or med/high if you are around to keep an eye on it) making sure to add water as necessary until you don't need to blend it (in a hurry, feel free to pull out the immersion blender) the cooking down of the tomatoes happens over time, they will turn to a soup on their own. Yes, I'm talking about cooking down the tomatoes for hours.
when this happens, add half and half or heavy cream slowly until a beautiful bisque color (start with 1/2 cup increments if nervous- I pour from container now)
add another handful finely chopped fresh basil and salt and pepper to taste ( heavy cream requires more salt to taste)
so the main thing is, take your time and cook those tomatoes down, use fresh basil and fresh tomatoes, and make food for someone who may be in need!
Make delicious grilled cheese with brie, or sharp cheddar and dip....yummmmm
https://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/children/
-Lo
***THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING STUFF. Yes I yelled on purpose! So fresh and so good! And I dont even like tomato soups! Love, Ro
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