I love the sights and sounds of winter, I love the look of falling snow and the laughter of my toddlers building a snowman (that really ended up being a shapeless mound of snow but what do they care?). Even though I enjoy winter I'm the first to admit cabin fever (when those laughing toddlers turn to screaming monsters), and fortunately it's that cabin fever that brings out my creativity. Not wanting to brave the cold I looked up a lentil soup recipe that consisted of everything I already had in the house...yummy! Okay body warmed...check. Now for my soul...that ones harder. What's the best way to warm your soul? I love bubble baths but then I would have to clear the rubber duckies and sail boats out of the way first. I'm long over due for some good yoga, Bikram yoga would be great for warming the soul (the kind done in a sealed room kept around 105 degrees) but again its cold out and if I leave the class sweaty my hair will probably freeze to my face. I could try some reliable Hatha yoga at home but if you have achieved zen while there is a 2 and three year old in your house please let me know your secret. Okay soul, what can I do to warm you up without putting too much effort into it...I'm stumped. I check on the mini monsters (they've been quiet a little too long). As I peek in their room there's a high pitched giggle and an already in progress wrestling match taking place between my glutton for punishment cat ("Feefol the friendly kitten") vs. a crazy hair wild eyed two year old decked out in Cinderella gear ( a.k.a. Strongman Princess). It looks like they've gone 9 rounds and the cat is looking for his escape route but Thomas the Train is not going to let this happen (did I mention it was a tag team?). Soon I'm laughing so hard I'm crying...my cheeks are flushed.
Soul warmed.


Yummy Lentil Soup recipe...Vegan!

    * 1 onion, chopped
    * 1/4 cup olive oil
    * 3 carrots, diced
    * 2 stalks celery, chopped
    * 4 cloves garlic, minced
    * 1 teaspoon dried oregano, cumin, paprika, and crushed pepper flakes (optional)
    * 1 bay leaf
    * 1 teaspoon dried basil
    * 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
    * 2 cups dry lentils
    * 8 cups water
    * 1/2 cup spinach, rinsed and thinly sliced
    * 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    * salt to taste
    * ground black pepper to taste

Directions

   1. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, cumin, paprika, and basil; cook for 2 minutes.
   2. Stir in lentils, and add water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve stir in spinach, and cook until it wilts. Stir in balsamic vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper, and more vinegar if desired.