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.