Anne and Kelley made this fabulous soup during our spring break in Florida. I generally go a little heavy with the extra veggies (cauliflower tastes good in there too) and like to throw in some extra indian spices (i.e.: cumin, turmeric, etc.). It's my favorite pea soup!


2 med. onions chopped
2-3 cloves garlic
8 c. vegetable broth (4 cans or water + bullion)
2 c. dried yellow peas, rinsed
3 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, sliced
2 potatoes, cubed
1 Tbs. curry powder
dash cayenne
salt to taste
2 c. milk

• In large soup pot saute onions and garlic until translucent.
• Add all other ingredients (other than milk) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about an hour.
• Cool slightly and puree (some or all) soup in batches in food processor or blender.
• Return to pot, add milk and reheat.
• Eat, preferably in spring on a balcony bathed in evening light in Florida

Man oh man this salad is fabulous! The combination of flavors is as close to nirvana as I'll ever come. This recipe originates from Sarah, a good friend of my mom and a wonderfully creative cook.

This recipe makes a pretty good sized salad (for about 4 people depending on how much lettuce you use). I generally cut it in half for two people.


For Salad:
salad greens- fresh spinach, arugula, romaine (anything green, leafy and yummy)
blue cheese, crumbled
1/3 c. caramelized walnuts *
1-2 tart apples, thinly sliced

For Dressing:
3 Tbs. white wine vinegar (rice vinegar is also really good)
3 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
2 Tbs. sugar
2 Tbs. sesame seeds
1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. minced red onion

• Whisk salad dressing ingredients together in small bowl.
• Combine greens, blue cheese caramelized walnuts and thinly sliced apples in large salad bowl. Pour dressing on and toss thoroughly.

* Caramelized walnuts are dangerous! To make them, heat up a non-stick pan on medium/high heat. Toss in walnuts (generally quartered) and let them heat up until they are toasted (about 2.5 minutes). Sprinkle them with a good coating of sugar and let them cook (without stirring) until the sugar gets bubble and melts. This happens pretty quickly. Drizzle a little honey over the nuts, stir and remove from heat. Let cool and try not to snack them away before you need them for your