Is it spring yet? I keep seeing these kind of comments and status updates posting on Facebook. They make me smile a little each time I read one, as the thought has been frequently crossing my own mind lately, but I’ve been trying really hard not to complain.
I’m just going to be honest…winter is not my favorite season. The cold settles into my bones and I literally ache from the chill. Most days from now until April I’ll have a warm mug of something nearby. It helps, but so do the 3+ layers I’m wearing. No, I’m not kidding.
This year, I made the decision to be more positive about the cold, gray months, to look for ways to enjoy this season that challenges me greatly. So far, it has helped. I’ve run more miles outside than any winter before (wearing the right gear is so key), found a cheerful stocking cap that keeps me warm both inside my house and out, and I’ve gotten out with my camera to capture the boys having fun in the snow. Am I ready to call my new winter attitude a success? Mmm….probably too soon to say. With the end of January and February stretching out before me it feels like we’re just getting started. I see many more mugs of tea, chai and cocoa in my future. Oh, and don’t forget those extra layers, they really do help.
Two years, ago I began roasting and freezing many of the tomatoes we grew, so that they could be added to sauces and soups over the winter. Each time I’d pull a bag from the freezer I would be reminded of the warm sun and the beautiful garden where the tomatoes were grown. It was like having a little bit of summer in the middle of our cold season. This last summer, we froze 50 lbs of tomatoes purchased from our CSA. I’m sorry to say we are going through them rather quickly, they bring so much flavor to everything we add them to. Next summer we’ll definitely have to freeze more!
Most of our tomatoes have ended up in this very soup, if not used for pizza or marinara sauce. It has a wonderful way of warming you up, even on the coldest of winter days.
Creamy Tomato Soup
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups roasted tomatoes, with their juices, or 1-28 ounce can with juices
1 cup water
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons basil pesto
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded (I used a mild white cheddar)
Kosher salt & freshly ground pepper
This soup sounds wonderful – just perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Kathryn, it’s been on heavy rotation this winter.
A rich tomato soup like this sounds just about perfect for blustery days! I would totally go for the classic grilled cheese on the side too.
Of course! Grilled cheese is perfect on the side with tomato soup!
I would love to see a pic of your stocking cap and your layers and your boys in the snow.
I have trouble pushing through these winter months too. I’m very cold so much of the time!
Right there with you Laura! Lots of layers, a quilt or two and a warm mug of tea/cocoa are helping me muddle though.
I almost made tomato soup for lunch today, but was pressed for time.
I roasted a ton of tomatoes and froze them as well.
We live in a drafty old farmhouse. It’s so crazy cold inside. I seriously wonder about the fact that it is colder in my kitchen than in my fridge in the mornings. I am almost always in three layers inside as well and I was just thinking an hour ago that I needed to find a hat for inside.
I popped in via a google recipe search. I’ll be looking around and coming back I’m sure!
Kimberly, so glad to have you here. I hate to say, that with a temperature of 5 degrees today, I’m wearing all 3 layers AND a down vest.
Spring and warmth cannot come soon enough.
In my winter world there is nothing better than reaching for a jar of jam, salsa, pickles or tomato sauce that was prepared during the summer months – we love freezing blueberries and strawberries to enjoy in smoothies and pancakes, I love being able to still eat fairly local during the winter. This past weekend I did find a Winter Jewel – our local Winters Farmers Market – I couldn’t believe how creative our Farmers have become regarding growing greens and other hearty veggies during these cold months – it was amazing, I was in heaven and made me “dislike” winter a little less
Heather, that all sounds so wonderful.
I just recently came across a place here that has an indoor farmers’ market through the winter. I am anxious to check it out.
I love your site design oh so much and I love this recipe as much too
Thank you so much Kristen!