Fresh baked: Muse in Movement

Blizzard Warnings in effect.

The weather outside is frightful, but the running is so delightful.

Fast Foodie, Even in the Snow

I spent about 2 hours running around in the snow. It was delightful, it was challenging. It is one, if not the, biggest storms that has hit Seattle in a while. It snowed on Thursday, then an even bigger dumping last night, complete with Blizzard Warning. Thus, there was plenty of snow on the ground. While I didn’t have the opportunity to get Yak-Traks or put Sheet Metal Screws, I decided that I would brave it anyways.  I ran around without aim, slipping, sliding, working hard and being silly. I was working up quite and appetite when the snow started falling really hard. I searched myself for what sounded good, warming and satisfying when it came to me. What is better on a cold day than a nice thick soup and a cheese toastie? Not much! So, I popped into the PCC on the top of the hill (thankfully, I was carrying my fastpacking backpack) and grabbed some ingredients, loaded up the pack and continued on home as the storm worsened. Inspired by the snow, I created a Chili-spiced Double Squash Soup and Double Tomato & Swiss Cheese Toastie. While the weather outside is frightful and has me snowed in, the food in here is so delightful.

Chili Spiced Double Squash Spice Soup

Chili Spiced Double Squash Soup

Ingredients:

1 can pumpkin puree
1 can butternut squash puree
4 cups stock (chicken or vegetable)
1 large leek, diced
1 large carrot, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
¼ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons agave nectar
salt
pepitas, toasted
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
⅙ avocado, diced

Directions:

In a good size stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat and add the leeks and carrots. Saute until the start to get tender. Add the stock and the squash purees and stir to combine. Add in the chili powder, cumin, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer, for a minimum of 15-20 minutes.

Using an immersion blender or in a regular blender, puree until smooth. Make sure if you use a blender that you cover the top with a dish towel and start blending on low so that the hot liquid doesn’t come flying out and scald you. Return to pan and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

In a small dry saute pan, toast pepitas until golden, keeping them moving in the pan constantly. Serve soup and garnish with toasted pepitas, diced avocados and cilantro.

Double Tomato & Swiss Sandwich

Double Tomato & Swiss Cheese Toastie

Ingredients:

3 slices tomatoes
3 slices Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons Sun-dried tomato pesto
1 pita

Directions:
Slice pita open, keeping one side attached. Spread pesto on one side, place tomato on top and cheese on top of that. Heat panini press or cast iron sandwich press to medium high. Grease both sides and place sandwich on grill. Grill (flipping once) until golden, toasty and melty.

Enjoy with a warm bowl of soup.

I really think that what I love about cold days and getting cold, is the warming up and relaxing part afterward!