Soup's On

OK, one more soup recipe for now...who can resist hearty soup? Where we are it is cold and usually dry inside because of the heat being on and then damp outside because there is snow or slush. We wouldn't have it any other way - we're four season people.

Here's my mom's 1943 cookbook recipe for Cream of Potato Soup, adapted for 2010.

Cream of Potato

5 c thinly sliced potatoes (I used red and left the skins on)

1 medium onion, sliced

2 t. salt (really use to taste)

3 T. butter

1 2/3 c. evaporated milk

1 c. water (or to taste)

1 T. finely chopped parsley*

Put potatoes and onion into large saucepan and barely cover with cold water. Add salt, cover tightly, and bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until potatoes are perfectly tender. Mash potatoes** in their liquid. Add butter and evaporated milk, and enough water to give the desired thickness. Reheat to scalding, remove from heat, add chopped parsley. Serve immediately. 5 serviings.

* We didn't have any parsley so I used a pinch of mixed herbs and then 2 pinches of rosemary.

** I did not mash to the point of what mashed potatoes are like but just smooshed them. That left them still in water so I did not add water.  Before serving I added a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. I think it would be great with a touch of blue cheese on it. Or add your favorite toppings and croutons!

How is this Paws to Love related? Aw, come on - when did you ever know a dog who didn't hang out optimistically in a kitchen when given the chance? The smells, the possibility of droppings - what greater joy can they have when they are asked to be in a passive state?