April 16, 2012

Tasty Tuesday: Spring Pea Soup


Discover the newest cookbook on Clever Girl's shelves: Very Fond of Food, by Sophie Dahl.  We love the format that takes you through a whole year of eating seasonally, and keeping things simple.  Great photos also encourage one to try something new... 
Take Pea Soup--this is a perfect brunch or light lunch dish, that celebrates all of the fresh bounty of Spring.  Give it a try and see what you think!
Pea, Pesto and Arugula Soup
Gather the Goods...this serves 4, and you will need:
  • A large handful of fresh basil leaves
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
  • A few tablespoons of pine nuts
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup/25 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 small zucchini, chopped
  • 31/2 Cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 package (1 pound) frozen peas
A large handful of arugula  Place all of the pesto ingredients in a blender or food processor and whiz up until you have a green, bubbly sauce, adding a splash of water if the pesto is a little thick. Taste, season, and adjust anything that needs adjusting.


In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and soften the onion. Add the zucchini, then pour in the stock and simmer on low for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the peas and arugula, bring back to a boil, and cook for another 3 or 4minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Let the soup cool for 15 minutes or so and then, in careful batches, mix in a blender until you have a velvety purée. Reheat in the saucepan or serve cold, as it works either way. You can either run 4 tablespoons of pesto through the soup when you’re serving or reheating, if you are. Or, if serving cold, add it to the blender when you are puréeing the batches.


{P.S. Don't forget, the Western Springs Farmers Market starts Thursday, May 3rd.}


April 4, 2012

Happy Birthday to Us!

April 4, 2012
Happy 4th Birthday, to Clever Girl!
It was just 48 short months ago that we opened our doors in Western Springs, and we couldn't be more pleased.  Thank you to all of our wonderful staff, customers and friends that have been so fun to work with and share all of our great merchandise with.  We say there is something new here every day, and that certainly has been the case!

We look forward to many more years in the town we call home, and in the community we love...

Related Posts with Thumbnails