I'm such a sucker for a spontaneous adventure. My parents had extra tickets to a beautiful Christmas musical (Savior of the World) in Salt Lake City and invited me and the two charges to tag along. I know I mentioned all of my life's responsibilities that have been sorely neglected, but I didn't think they'd be any worse neglected if I ran away again for a few days. Seeing the lights on Temple Square in Salt Lake City was a breath-taking experience, especially followed by a stunning musical with profound significance. I'm so very glad that I went, even though I will have to continue to bite my fingernails and wonder if I'm ever to be a master of my responsibilities again. But maybe catching up is overrated. Maybe we waste our days in the rushing around, making up extra work for ourselves to do. Maybe this very moment of life is worth all of the attention of our senses. Maybe. But will you remind me that I said that tomorrow when I'm frantic again? If only I could be permanently philosophical... 
Here's a quick soup recipe that will help you catch up on your leftovers. Or not. It's equally good for catching up, or for just living in the moment. It's based on a Mexican Chicken soup recipe by Ina Garten, but it's really just a basic jumping off point for a bowl of healthful, spicy, inexpensive, delicious dinner. Mexican Vegetable Soup
Estimated Cost: $4.00 for 4 servings
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 stalk celery, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon each cumin and chili powder
1 (14 ounce) can Mexican style diced tomatoes, pureed in blender if pieces are too big
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
OPTIONAL: leftover shredded turkey (or any bite size pieces of meat), canned beans, leftover rice or pasta
For Serving: shredded cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, chopped scallions
Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add carrot, celery, onion, and garlic and saute for 10 minutes. Add cumin and chili powder, stir for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, stock and corn. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add any optional ingredients and continue to simmer until warmed through. Serve. 
Coming Tomorrow:
Christmas Around the World: England
29 comments:
...and a delicious looking soup it is, Erin. As to the rest --- the work will be there tomorrow. Hug the kids and enjoy the company of your parents. Life is very short.
You know...when all is said and done, we won't worry if we didn't get stuff done, our kids won't remember if baseboards were dusted. None of the "stuff" really matters.
Oh don't worry about your house. I am sure you and the kids enjoyed the musical and it will be a great memory for everyone. I made this soup last week :) I have some leftover in the freezer for a quick lunch.
Enjoy with your family time out as housework will always be there, it never goes away.
Your soup looks delish :)
Rosie x
Glad you got to see the lights in SLC. I love them! We go every year. Don't stress, everything will come together:) The soup looks nice. I love using up my leftovers!
I'm so sorry I did not get to see your group while you were here. What kind of world has it come to that I have to miss a family breakfast because of my children's school schedule?! The sacrifices we make for our children...
The soup looks beautiful, quick and delicious. Especially when little snow flurries are coming down like they are right now. Thanks for another great recipe!
Prudy, I love what you did with this soup. I wanted to add corn too, but didn't have any in the freezer (Can you imagine?)
We haven't made it to see the lights yet, but it is definitely going to happen soon. Glad you had a good time. Responsibility is overrated sometimes :)
The lights and the musical sound magnificent, Prudy, and I have no doubt that your time was WAY better spent enjoying them with your family instead of catching up on the other stuff. All that stuff will work itself out -- don't you worry! And the soup looks wonderful!
This soup looks delicious. It's just the kind of dinner I love to have in my artillery at Christmas time! Thankyou for sharing and I can't wait to see tommorow's post about Christmas in England.
This looks delicious Prudy. I love soup and Mexican anything, so this is calling my name.
Yummy soup! I am so craving soup all the time lately. This looks great! What a great opportunity that was for you and your kids to see that production. It is amazing, and you won't regret that. I especially try to slow down during the holidays, because it is more important to feel the spirit of Christmas, and enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. Don't worry Prudy! You are amazing...the other stuff can wait!
Luv it...a yummy soup that's cheaper than the bowl!
Lovely soup Prudy. :-)
Housework waits. Schoolwork will be there in January. Going to SLC with your parents and kidlets is too good to pass up. Glad you had fun!
Haha! I just posted my Barefoot recipe today! We're probably going to get kicked out together (wink)
Hey- at least if we were kicked out... it would be for good reasons. The Hubs surprised me with tickets to Trans Siberian Orchestra this weekend...
~Cat
thanks, that looks great. And I''m headed to SLC next week for a wedding; you made me excited to see the lights. I had forgotten about that.
That soup looks delicious and so toasty warm. Suddenly today feels so cold. Maybe it is because our dear company left us. :)
I'm with everyone else about leaving the housework alone. I used to be so fussy about that, but now, not so much as it doesn't matter to be perfect.
Love this soup!
Hi Prudy,
Tricia told me about your blog and I just love it! I am genius level status at eating food, but a novice at preparation. You may actually inspire me to investigate that large unused room sitting in the middle of my house! I was surprised to see a label for Tricia Shaw and died with laughter when I opened it and saw beans. Did she actually give you the recipe or did thinking about her make beans pop into your head? Because, frankly, either one is possible!
I'll be thinking of you again at Christmas when I play the organ with one eye on the rafters above me...just in case...you never know what may fly in!
Trina
mmmmm, yummy. can't wait to try it.
I love seeing the lights at Temple Square. Seeing Savior of the World is still on my wish list, though.
I just found your blog. Great posts! And your soup looks delicious!
It sounds delicious! Good for you for being spontaneous! You deserve some whimsy!
Your soup looks delicious! Sounds like you had a fun trip to SLC! Fun!!! Have a great day!
Looks warm and satisfying - and very adaptable for leftovers!
I wouldn't worry about being behind on chores.... it is the holiday season, it's ok to relax the schedule a little!
That soup looks absolutely delicious Erin! I will have to give this a try!
i'm glad you enjoyed your trip to salt lake city--sometimes it's absolutely worth it to abandon responsibility for awhile. :)
and obviously, this is a terrific soup. mexican flavors are hard to beat.
The soup looks really tasty! I made a similiar version using lean ground beef and beef stock that is also good.
I've given up on trying to catch up!! This soup looks delicious!
Catching up is SOOOOO overrated! I agree! I sometimes feel like I'm missing out on enjoying stuff because I'm rushing around!
Soup looks delicious! I've been in soup mood lately! My sister in law tried your Tuscan Vegetable recently and said it was wonderful, I'll be trying that soon!
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