The Best Fun In Writing This Column is hearing from readers who have successfully prepared easy meals based on my sharing preparation and cooking experiences.
One reader, Maureen, called in with a suggestion on freezing sliced lemons.
She wisely said to be sure and freeze the slices first on a flat sheet.
Then pop them in bags for storage.
That way they won’t end up in a frozen lump.
Nan, another reader who came here from Europe many years ago, was excited to see the article in which I referred to the wonders of the sorrel leaf.
This amazing plant is not well known in Canada which is regrettable as it can be a year round addition to fresh salads as well as winter soups.
Nan remembers this soup from her childhood days as a delicious dish even on warm summer evenings because of its refreshing “pucker” effect.
My sorrel bush is now in its third year. It is about 30” high and provides me with fresh salad leaves all summer long.
Even in the winter I regularly pick bundles of leaves off the plant for salad as well as potato-sorrel soup.
The ingredients include chopped potatoes, onions, beef or chicken stock, your favourite herbs and shredded sorrel ( or cabbage).
Stir in milk or cream after the soup has simmered for half an hour or more.
The specific amounts are purposely not included because I want you to experience the joy of making a pot of soup with whatever you have on hand.
Try tossing in some left over veggies from yesterday’s dinner.
Kale or spinach is a great replacement for sorrel. If you don’t want the kids to balk at the sight of green vegetables then cream the soup in a blender and maybe add a couple of tablespoons full of tomato paste.
Tell the little darlings it’s tomato soup. If your soup has a bit of an edgy taste try adding a teaspoon of honey.
I learned this trick from my Cowichan Valley sister, Shelagh, who is a chef.
It can bail you out of many tricky situations when something doesn’t taste quite right.
A touch of sweet can save your bacon!
Note:If you are curious about sorrel the seeds are now available through the West Coast Seed Co.