A few changes, running, and corn chowder

I decided to make a few more changes. Some cute boy told me he was tired of the piano music. Frankly I was too. I actually added songs with words. You must be thinking, I thought you didn't like it. I still I'm not a huge fan of music with words when I'm reading, but I know some people are. I thought if you don't like it, you can just hit the mute button like I do. If you do have a few minutes though, listen to the words to the first two songs. They bring tears to my eyes, but fill my heart with so much joy! I love them! I played inspirational music all morning for the children. Ian asked me "Is this church music?" I also removed the "what's at our table this week", and replaced it with photos of what we have been creating in the kitchen.

On another note. Some of you may have noticed or heard that my mr. amazing has dropped a few pounds. In honor of that, I challenged him that afternoon to a run. He agreed, but as the hour approached I said, "maybe we should walk?" He was fine with that. So, out the door we went for our power walk, then I said "let's run!" Run we did. As my feet were pounding the pavement and my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest I said "You remember how to do CPR, right?" He laughed. He stopped for a little while, "I'll just watch you from back here." Uh, huh... I bet you will. Susie heard about it and said let's do a 5K for children's cancer this summer! What!?!?! Kim you still on board for "Mom's that run, but don't like to." I love that name. Bri said he would do it, and he would train with me. I'm actually kind of excited, but very, very scared!!!! I know for running experts this is nothing, but for me this is huge!! I'm so not a runner. I can do a brisk walk, but run no! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! I really have to think this through.

Now let's move on to something a little more...therapeutic. I love making soup/stew. Once the weather cools down, we usually have it once a week. The chopping and sauteing relax me. Once the soup has been put together the aroma that fills our home is so soothing. I had an abundance of corn from the farmer's market in my fridge, and decided to make some corn chowder. This recipe is somewhat involved so allow the time for that. I actually made the stock one day and the chowder the next.

Corn Chowder

Inspired by Tyler Florence

2 tbs. Extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion diced

1 large carrot, peeled, and diced

4 garlic cloves minced

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1/4 cup flour

6 cups homemade vegetable stock or canned

2 cups skim milk

2 large Yukon gold potatoes

4 ears of corn

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Directions:

In a large stock pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrot and saute for a few minutes. Then add the onion, garlic, and thyme sprigs cook until the vegetables are soft about 10 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for a minute. Gradually add the stock, and bring to a boil. Add the milk and potatoes and bring to a boil, and boil hard for 7 minutes. Cut the kernels off the cob and add to the chowder. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and simmer for 12 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Serve warm.

Homemade Vegetable Stock:

1 ear of corn with kernels

3 ears of corn kernels removed

1 large carrot peeled, and cut into a few chunks

1 large shallot ends removed, but peel left on.

4 garlic gloves ends removed, but peel left on.

salt and pepper

water

Place all the vegetables in a large stock pot. Cover with water and add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, skim off foam and simmer for 2- 2 1/2 hours. Strain out vegetables. Cool and use in your favorite soups. Freeze any additional stock.

xoxo

Rach