We played yesterday.
We don't play often, but it is summer, and when the opportunity presents itself to have a leisurely Sunday lunch one really should take advantage.
When I learned that one of my favorite food bloggers was going to be in the neighborhood, it seemed the perfect time to inaugurate our new dining room.
The lovely Núria of Spanish Recipes, and her charming esposo, joined us for a leisurely lunch yesterday…. And it was a good thing we had a dining room as it rained for the first time in over a month.
It's a bit intimidating to make lunch for a food blogger (even one on holiday), especially one as talented as Núria.
But that thought didn't last…
We were far too busy laughing and talking and comparing notes and asking each other questions to think about anything else.
And since both husbands are pretty serious foodies themselves, I think a 'good time was had by all'.
This was our starter: (I made a very simple, very easy lunch…)
Chilled Yellow Tomato and Pepper Soup
Preparation and cooking time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 5 large yellow tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- Garnish
- 1/3 cup chopped pimiento
- 1 tbs ketchup
- 1 tbs fresh true oregano leaves
- 1 tbs snipped chives
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add onion, pepper and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, chicken stock, cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
- Purée in blender.
- Chill soup or allow to cool to room temperature.
- Purée pimiento, ketchup in blender, chill.
- When ready to serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with pimiento sauce, sprinkle with herbs and serve.
Note: Peel tomatoes by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds first. The peels slip off easily.
Oh, BTW, here's the dining room, with table (fireplace still isn't finished). This is the table that was left to us at our last house. It opens up to twice the length.
We now have our old kitchen table in the kitchen – which has been in storage for 8 years….
The re-do on the little downstairs bathroom is almost done.
The floor is finished.
I think I mentioned that mon mari wasn't happy with the "purchased" sink and counter we had in this room – it didn't fit right.
So he decided to build one.
Naturally, we had no tile left to do the countertop – but he was 'sure I could find something….'
He was right.
I'm actually very pleased with this tile. It perfectly picks up the green in the wall tiles… Kind of hard to see in the photos.
Trust me.
Now I'm going to have a cup of tea and finish off the Absolute Best Brownies that I made for dessert….
It’s all looking so finished and wonderful! What an amazing job the two of you have done – literally wrought miracles in a short time. Kudos!
It’s all so lovely, Katie. Great work on your part and his.
Soup and bathroom both look fabulous !! It must be soup weather world wide as I did a chicken and rice soup tonight for dinner.
Nice soup, and great reno’s too! Love the wood floors!
It must be so satisfying to entertain in a beautifully finished dining room and know that your years of hard work have brought you to this place – delicious soup and folks who enjoy fine food and fine dining. Hope that made sense. 🙂 The bathroom is lovely.
What a lovely soup. I’m crazy about yellow peppers and yellow tomatoes. I was surprised to see the ketchup in the garnish. Is it to add a hint sharp-sweet to the pimiento?
Oh… the chairs you have around the table are almost exactly like my French father-in-law’s. I’ve eaten many a good French meal on those chairs. 🙂
So glad that you have met a fellow blogger. It is amazing how easy it is to relate to others in the blogging community. Your dining room and bathroom are stunning.
Zoomie, thanks – it’s getting closer…. slowly….
Thanks, Mimi…. I only direct, he does the work LOL
manningroad, yes, but mine was chilled…. Bet yours was hot!
Thanks, Ina, the hubs (and I) love the wood floors, too.
Christine, perfect sense. And to think only 18 months ago that was our bedroom – totally unfinished.
Nerissa, I added the ketchup to help get the pimientos to puree. Plus I wanted a bit of tomato but not a lot of liquid. Fun about the chairs….
Penny, it really was fun. We had such a good time. And thanks!
That is the perfect soup for summertime. I love cold pepper soups. They always burst with flavors. Thanks for sharing! Gary
Wow beautiful looking soup.
You are welcome to join in my monthly food blogger event THE SOUP KITCHEN, here for entry details and current theme. New theme each month. All bloggers are welcome, hope to see you participate soon.
fantastic post to read. this soup looks restaurant worthy… gorgeous presentation!
xo
You’re welcome, Gary. I love the combo of tomato and pepper….
Debs, thanks – and thanks, I’ll do that! Love soup!
ally, thank you so much! (We enjoyed it)