Thursday, December 2, 2010

Lookee What I Got!

Lookee what I got!

After what seemed an excruciatingly long wait, my box of beautiful ceramics arrived from somewhere near Poughkeepsie in New York State.

Peter Barrett, that food blogger and food writer whose erudition and creativity leaves the rest of us slack-jawed in his dust, is also an artist, a painter and consummate potter. Oh, Peter, is there anything you can't do? And do surpassingly well?

Not only did he design and handmake these little bowls, which made my kabocha squash soup look incredible, he also sells them.

I bought four, ostensibly for Christmas gifts, but I'm finding I want to keep them for myself. If you'd like some for yourself, or for gifts for the fortunate ones on your Christmas list, click over to his blog and contact the boy.

If I wasn't too old for squealing, I'd be squealing with delight and clapping my hands - oh, lookee what I got!

Kabocha-Apple Soup

1 medium kabocha squash, cut in slices
3-4 apples, peeled and cored (I used Macintosh, my favorites)
1 onion, chopped
1 quart chicken broth
1-2 teaspoons thyme
1 Tablespoons butter

Roast the squash slices in a 350 degree oven in a single layer until they are browned on one side and very soft. This can be done a day or two ahead. Remove and set aside to cool. When cool, cut off the peel and discard.

In a large pot, sauté the onion in the butter until softened, then add thyme and cook until fragrant. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Let the soup cool before blending in a blender. Reheat over a low flame and serve piping hot. Ladle into bowls - preferably handmade bowls by Peter Barrett. You can sprinkle it with croutons, ham minced fine, browned sausage bits - whatever - but it's fine all by itself.

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11 Comments:

Blogger cookiecrumb said...

I'm mad at Peter right now (not for the first time), but I love that bowl.

Thursday, December 02, 2010  
Blogger Zoomie said...

Cookiecrumb, because of his snarky comment about the Ritz crackers? He was kidding.

Thursday, December 02, 2010  
Blogger cookiecrumb said...

Kudzu wanted his address so she could mail him a box of dog turds. I won't tell you what else she said.

Thursday, December 02, 2010  
Blogger Zoomie said...

Cookiecrumb, Kudzu is a staunch friend. I've got the turds if you need some, but I really do think he was kidding.

Thursday, December 02, 2010  
Anonymous Peter said...

This is great. Everyone will want my bowls now. My new slogan will be "Turd-free since Thursday!"

Thursday, December 02, 2010  
Anonymous Peter said...

But thank you kindly for you order, support, and the tag which I do not deserve. I'm glad you're happy with them.

Thursday, December 02, 2010  
Blogger Nancy Ewart said...

Gorgeous bowls - although I think that all of us are up in arms in support of cookiecrumb. I thought that Peter's comment was a bit too snarky but what do I know? I try to be careful on the Internet because nobody can see if you are smiling. What's the saying - on the Internet, nobody knows if you are a dog. But those bowls are not dogs. I'm a sucker for clean elegant lines and the way you've positioned the food within the bowl is very striking. I'm glad to learn that I'm not the only one who buys presents for other people and then, can't stand to give them away.

Thursday, December 02, 2010  
Blogger Zoomie said...

Peter, you've caused a storm. Go apologize to Cookiecrumb before the dog turds arrive in the mail.

Nancy, good advice to be careful on the interwebs. Humor, especially dark humor, is hard to manage with no visuals.

Friday, December 03, 2010  
Blogger Katie Zeller said...

That is a gorgeous bowl. I wouldn't give it up either....

Friday, December 03, 2010  
Blogger cookiecrumb said...

I apologize for bringing it up on your site, Zooms. Still, it has been an interesting conversation.
And thanks for the dog turds offer. I'm all set here.

Friday, December 03, 2010  
Blogger Zoomie said...

KatieZ, I have a feeling I _should_ give them away, just because I so don't want to. But I can use them for a few days first, right? :-)

Cookiecrumb, no worries. It has been fun. Sorry you don't need any additional turds - I have some East Bay beauties for you.

Friday, December 03, 2010  

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