We have made our annual Winter trek to Florida this month. We fell in love with New Smyrna Beach last year and were lucky to find this charming rental property for this year and, hopefully, for many years to come. The house has a lot of character with two fireplaces and lots of room. It is within walking distance to town and the beach.
The only down side so far has been the cold weather. We have had freezing temperatures and have made use of both fireplaces.
The fireplace in the Master Bedroom is wonderful and a cosy place to curl up with a good book.
Another way to warm up is with this Slow Cooker Creamy Lentil Soup. It was featured in the latest issue of Cooking Light Magazine and was part of a 3 day detox article for clean eating after the holidays. We have stuck to the recipes and have felt better for it. We’ve even lost a few pounds.
I am enjoying my new kitchen. It has a gas stove, which I prefer, and every kind of pot, pan, casserole and gadget imaginable.
When the weather warms up, I am sure that we will enjoy this screened in porch.
In the meantime, we will stay warm by the fire and eat warming soup. The soup is made creamy by an infusion of pureed chickpeas. I know it is probably colder where most of you are located, so let’s hope the January thaw will make an early appearance.
SLOW COOKER CREAMY LENTIL SOUP (Cooking Light Magazine)
Cooking Spray
4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup uncooked green lentils
1 cup chopped yellow onion
3/4 cup chopped carrots
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
5 thyme sprigs
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-oz.) can unsalted chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup water
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 cups thinly sliced lacinato kale
1/2 tsp. sherry or red wine vinegar
Coat a 5-6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place broth and next 8 ingredients (through garlic) in slow cooker; stir well. Cover and cook on LOW 7 hours.
Process chickpeas, 3/4 cup water, oil, and lemon juice in a blender until smooth. Add chickpea mixture and kale to slow cooker; stir well. Cover and cook on LOW 30 minutes. Stir in vinegar.
Servings 5, Calories 312.
Cute vacay rental! The soup sounds wonderful. It is in the 50’s here, but by Sunday back into the low 30’s.
Strange winter, no? Looking forward to warmer weather. Stay busy sewing Penny. Can hardly wait to see your curtains.
I love that place..I love it!♥Distracting me from the soup LOL..
The soup looks great too:)
I love it too Monique. Wait till you see the side yard.
So excited about coming to see you in this charming place. Would you believe it’s in the 60’s here in VA, but the cold front tomorrow ushers in temps in the 30’s for next week with much lower wind chills? I’m getting out of “Dodge” & heading your way just in time. That porch looks like a great place to read!
Looking forward to seeing you Darla. Safe travels.
You have certainly found a cute house for your stay. We once thought about New Smyrna Beach when we made our move but decided just a little further south would make for a little warmer weather in winter. It was cold here in Vero Beach as well, then got warm and now we have cool weather and a bowl of that soup would be very much appreciated.
New Smyrna is charming Karen, but know what you mean about going a little bit south. This is an unusually cool time.
Looks like a fine place and a good soup – too bad you’re getting to use the fireplaces, but still better than up here. We have a friend RVing in New Symrna. Enjoy your time and hope it warms soon for you.
Thanks Larry. I have no complaints about the fires, but wish it were warmer.
That is one of the most perfect vacation homes I’ve seen. Such warm and inviting colors. We have snow and frigid temperatures. Your soup would be most welcome on our table.
Best,
Bonnie
We’ve had two nights of freezing temperatures. Suppose to warm up next week. Good to hear from you Bonnie.
That looks like a wonderful place to spend the chilly months! I love the whimsy and colorful patio. It seemed like the south would be spared the cold but sadly, I see it hasn’t. I’m sure it will warm up again soon. I love lentil soup!
Still cool Susan, but it is warming up slowly. Haven’t been down to the beach yet but looking forward to it. Stay warm up north.
This soup is perfect for this cold weather????
Hope you are camping in someplace warm.
I just love your pictures, yes a fireplace in the master bedroom! Wonderful. Thank you, also for the recipe, this is a must winter meal for us!
Thanks so much Cecilia. Love your pet blog.