Tomato Basil Bisque

2 Cans of Italian style whole peeled tomatoes (28 ounce each)
1-2 Cloves Garlic (chopped)
1 Peeled Carrot (chopped)
1/2 large or 1 Whole Onion (chopped)
1 Stalk Celery (chopped)
1 cup Chicken or Veggie Stock/Broth (can or carton is fine)
Smoked Paprika (to taste)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
pinch of sugar
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 whole package of Fresh Basil Leaves- chopped (or a good packed handful)

Heat a good drizzle of olive oil in a pot and then add all of the chopped veggies.

Throw in a little salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir and cook until they are just barley starting to brown a bit.

Add in the basil and broth or stock, let it reduce down just a little bit.

Add the tomatoes and the pinch of sugar, then let the pot come back up to a good simmer. Continue to simmer for about 30- 40 minutes when all the veggies are soft and the tomatoes are very soft.

Turn off the heat and let the pot cool down for about 30 minutes or so so.

Puree the soup by using a stick blender; or working in batches, a regular blender will do. If using a regular blender be sure to leave plenty of room for expansion and do not use an air tight or un vented lid.

Return the soup to the pot and add slowly whisk the cream in. Season with more salt, pepper, and paprika bring it back up to a good hot temp slowly...do not let it boil after adding the cream.

Procrastinantion, Weight Loss, and Grief

It's been nearly a year since I last blogged and I'm wondering myself, what is it about today that's broken this on going cycle of procrastination? Not just the procrastination of writing the blog, I mean, It's not like I've been sticking to any of my fitness goals either. I would love to sit here and type how I've been so busy with working out and shopping for smaller sized clothing that I just couldn't make the time to write about all the progress I was making, but that's as far stretched from the truth as my jeans are across my fat ass!

Still, I shouldn't be so hard on myself. I did manage one positive step towards my better health in the past 11 months by quitting smoking. When ever I get to beating myself up (which is often these days) I feel somewhat better to remind myself of the fact that I not only quit, but I didn't gain an ounce since quitting back in October.

So, as far as my weight goes I guess I can say; nothing gained, nothing lost. Where does that leave me? About 15 weeks away from my 45th birthday and not even an ounce less than 11 months ago when I last wrote. If nothing else, I know I'm good at maintaining and 15 weeks away from now is still, well...15 weeks away from now.

I am a bit surprised to find that my numbers on the scale aren't up because I actually feel heavier at times since I lost my dad last month. I wonder how much space would a pound of grief take up and how many ounces can one loose in tears? I have found comfort in food that is fortunately through my working with it and not eating it. There is something I find quite soothing in the monotony of kitchen prep. Who needs therapy when you have a mallet and a case veal, and can use it in an environment where no one will mind a sudden outburst of obscenities?

I feel lighter just thinking about that and I feel lighter having typed these words up on the screen where they make some kind of sense and have order verses swimming around chaotically inside my head. Maybe I can keep my emotions in check today and be nicer to my wonderful and understanding husband, who has been like the unfortunate veal under my mallet lately. I'm sorry honey, I love you and thank you!