Blueberry Soup? Is it possible?

I'm always looking for interesting cooking ideas and my younger son likes to research and find out different ideas. He isn't afraid to try anything new. He was reading something and came across Blueberry Soup and wanted me to see if I could find a recipe and, possibly, make it some day. I haven't made it, yet, but plan to get some blueberries soon and try it. Thought I'd share it. Looks like it would be refreshing on a hot day.

4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
2 quarts cold water
1/2 cup sugar
1 slice lemon
1 cinnamon stick
1 whole clove
4 tablespoons corn starch
1/4 cup cold water

If using fresh blueberries, clean and rinse the fruit. Frozen blueberries do not need cleaning. Place the prepared fruit, 2 quarts cold water, sugar, lemon and spices in a large cooking pot. Cook over a low heat at a simmer until fruit becomes soft. Combine the starch with the 1/4 cup water and stir until smooth. Add this mixture to the blueberry liquid. Continue cooking at a simmer until soup thickens slightly.

Soup can be served warm or cold. You can garnish it with a dab of yogurt, sour cream, and slightly sweetened whipped cream. A light sprinkling of either grated lemon zest or cinnamon makes it taste and look good.

I would think that small portions would be the rule as it is a distinct taste and it wasn't made to be the main course.

Quotes to Cook By . . .

The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook. ~Julia Child

"Learn to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!"
— Julia Child 

The second quote is a reality/plight of everyone today!

"Get the facts, or the facts will get you. And when you get them, get them right, or they will get you wrong."
       -- Dr. Thomas Fuller

"Making duplicate copies and computer printouts of things no one wanted even one of in the first place is giving America a new sense of purpose."
       -- Andy Rooney

"Human beings are seventy percent water, and with some the rest is collagen."
       -- Martin Mull

It always seems harder to propagate a truth . . .

A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.

Winston Churchill

The Success of Completion!

 
I finished a quilt last night! My week is ending on a bright level. The left side is the front and the right side is the back of the same quilt. My 'signature' for quilts are the appliques I incorporate on the back of every quilt I make. It is a baby quilt from a thick, warm one measuring about 40x32 inches. I'm thinking it would make a great mat for letting the baby explore from the floor.

My babies always took to bright colors so you won't find too many soft, mild colors in my palette. I have made such to order but not always by choice!

A day off from sewing. Going out to lunch with one of my best friends and four or five of her six children along with two of my own. Mexican food at everyone's favorite fast food restaurant. Fast food genre as you order it from the counter and pick it up yourself. Restaurant as they have comfortable, indoor seating. The food is right. The price is right. The company, today, is right!

Coconut Pie

Here is the ultimate in easy pies - it forms it's own crust thus saving you a step in the kitchen. I like coconut and this pie has that wonderful taste. And, if you read a previous post, you do not have to run to the store for self-rising flour.

Coconut Pie

1/2 cup self-rising flour
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
4 beaten eggs
2 cups milk (wouldn't go less than 2% milk for good results)
1/4 cup melted butter
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract - if you have it.
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1 deep, nine-inch pie pan.

First, toast the coconut a bit in the oven. You want verging on starting to turn golden not deep, dark (I forgot to keep an eye on it) burned.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

Combine all the ingredients except the coconut and blend well. Stir in the coconut. Pour into your pie pan. A light spray with vegetable oil on only the bottom of the pan might make it easier to cut and serve later. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes. Every oven runs a bit differently so check after 30 minutes. Pie is done when a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean without any sticky bits on it.

Ideas . . .

Add 1/4 cup tiny chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the batter.
Some grated orange zest adds a tropical taste that is refreshing.
Serve with a spritz of whipped cream sprinkled with some toasted coconut.
Add 1/4 cup chopped nuts to the batter.

Saving yourself a trip to the store . . .

There are so many times when I've skipped a recipe because I don't have self-rising flour on hand. In fact, I don't think I have ever even purchased said product. I guess that when I see it at the grocery store, I don't need it and when I need it, I'm not at the grocery store. Here is a pretty basic way to get the same effects of purchased self-rising flour straight from your own cupboard shelves. No standing in line at the grocery store, either!

Homemade Self-Rising Flour

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine all the ingredients and use as needed for a recipe. I haven't had to double the recipe, yet, but it doesn't seem it would be a problem.

Mother Theresa always told it like it is . . .!

“If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own power. Your self-sufficiency, your selfishness and your intellectual pride will inhibit His coming to live in your heart because God cannot fill what is already full. It is as simple as that.” 

 ~Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta