Books, Tomato Soup, and Yoga

Today I am thankful for:

1. Books. I do not know what I would do without books. I love learning and processing what I learn with others. One way my husband and I were made for each other … our shared love for books. This is my current night table reading:

2. Tomato Soup. Since I was a little girl, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup have been a favorite. I enjoy making homemade for my kids because I can avoid the corn syrup in most of the canned tomato soup. I also feel like I can sneak several colors of veggies in under their radar. Bonus!

Homemade Tomato Soup

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 small carrots, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 16 oz can chicken broth
• 1 28 oz can fire roasted whole tomatoes
• 2 tsp. dried basil (or a handful of fresh…. mmmm)
• Salt and pepper to taste (I like about 1/2 tsp  or so salt)

1. Heat olive oil in saucepan, over medium-low heat.
2. Saute onion with a little salt and pepper for about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic for a minute, and then add celery and carrots.
4. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes. A
5. Add bay leaves, chicken broth, fire roasted tomatoes with juice, basil, salt, and pepper. If using fresh basil… wait to add until the last 5 mintues and remove bay leaves (so the two don’t get confused).
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer until vegetables are very tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
8. Remove bay leaves.
9. Puree with hand held immersion blender until smooth.

3. Outdoor yoga. Yoga has taught me to be gentle and kind with myself … more accepting of my limitations. We got to practice outside today in the cool breeze of the morning. Beautiful. Slow down. Calming. Quiet.

What are you thankful for today?