In winter, one of the most satisfying foods to eat is soup. Wrapped in a fuzzy blanket, sitting by the fire with a cup of soup in your hands, while the weather outside is cold, dark and cozy feeling. Soup is one of those wonderful foods, that is very versatile, delicious and healthy. This recipe was inspired by Food52. They posted a creamy celery soup recipe, and we tweaked it by adding greens, carrots, turnip, chicken, and cut out some of the milk/cream. Absolutely amazing tasting and satisfying. I had this soup every day for lunch or dinner for about 5 days, then it was all gone. Bummer…

I’m frequently asked what my favorite season is. Is it Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall? I use to say Winter, but then I’d always find something wonderful about the next season and the next. Now I say all seasons, they each have their own beauty and uniqueness. Winter brings love and family and the cold, snowy days. It gently covers the ground, trees and plants with a beautiful white blanket. Children appear with sleds, dogs jump in snow piles, and people are out, bundled up in their warm clothes, enjoying the beauty Winter brings. Hot chocolate, and warm spiced drinks are enjoyed around a fire with friends and family, while mittens are hung above the fireplace to dry. It’s a wonderful time of year, cozy, and filled with love.

Spring brings joy. Trees begin to bud, waiting to burst with color, flowers start to poke their heads out of the ground, entering the world once again, ready to spring up out of the ground and raise their leaves and petals to the sky. They fill the air with a sweet smelling aroma, making you inhale and smile. Birds are out chirping and building nests. There is so much joy in spring. Plants are ready to grow, sprout and show off their amazing color. The world comes to life, it truly is a season where we see God’s beauty. Each flower, plant, tree is painted with their own color and scented with an aroma that makes people smile.

Summer brings laughter. Children are out giggling and playing in the warm summer sun, splashing in rivers and running through fountains of water. Families are together, mothers, fathers and their children. Mothers handing their kids an ice cream cone bigger than their own head, with a smile spread wide across their little faces. Fathers carrying their son/daughter on their shoulders, running around in a park or through a fountain. People are out being active, hiking, riding bikes, and going to farmers markets. Nightly swims and first kisses. Summer is the season for happiness and lots of laughter.

Fall brings peace and gratitude. I think of Fall as natures grand finale, the time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for their own grand finale. It’s the season where everything winds down, loved ones come together, and people are thankful. Fall is absolutely amazing, leaves become orange, red, yellow and burst out. Falling to the ground with such grace, coating sidewalks and roads with vibrant color. You can’t help but pick up an arm full of leaves and toss them in the air, watching the colors and shaped leaves float down around your feet. It’s another beautiful time of year where God’s creativeness comes to life.

Each season has it’s own special foods that are consumed, and if we eat organic and buy in season our bodies are getting the necessary foods for each season. Silently thanking us for the foods it wants/needs for each season. I believe in eating in season, it’s very healthy for our bodies and allows us to stay in tune with each season, soaking up what our bodies need.

Notice the beauty each new season brings, feel it, surround yourself in it, and watch nature come to life.

Now while we are still in Winter, here’s a yummy soup to enjoy!

INGREDIENTS: About 8 servings

• 2 cups organic chopped celery
• 1/2 cup organic chopped onion
• 1 cup organic diced potato
• 2 cups organic mixed greens
• 6 tablespoons organic grass fed butter (or Earth Balance for non dairy)
• 4 cups organic low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup organic chopped carrots
• 1 cups organic chopped turnip
• 1 or 2 cooked organic chicken breasts (depending on how much chicken you want)
• 2 teaspoons dill weed
• sea salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

• In a pan with a lid melt the butter, then add the celery, onion and potatoes. Simmer for about 10 minutes, covered. Then add the stock and dill weed.
• Pour into a blender and blend until creamy. We used a Vitamix.
• Pour into a strainer over a pan to remove any last celery bits.
• Put over medium heat and add the carrots and jicama. Let it sit at a slow boil until the carrots and jicama are slightly soft. Season with salt and pepper and more dill weed if needed.
• Before serving, add the mixed greens. Stir into the soup until they are thoroughly combined.
• Then pour into bowls (I prefer to use mugs) and enjoy! We made gluten free oat muffins to have on the side.

Enjoy what Winter has to offer, and what Spring is about to bring!

With love, joy, peace, and laughter,

Emma <3