There's nothing like cold, snowy and blustery winter weather outside, that inspires me to make hearty, healthy, hot soups to enjoy inside. Good old comfort food is just that...oh so comforting when it's cold outside. Unfortunately some of my favorite "comfort foods" can pack on some "un" comfortable added pounds this time of year. So I have found some great soup recipes that are quick and easy and satisfy as well without all the extra calories. Since our winters seem to last forever up here in Suttons Bay, Michigan, it affords me many opportunities to try out new and healthy soup recipes. Here are a couple I will be making this week. See what you think and let me know. I would enjoy your feed back.
HEARTY KALE SOUP
2 T. olive oil
2 med. onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
6 med. potaotes, cubed (I leave the skins on and use little red poatoes)
8 c. chicken broth (I use low sodium)
1 bay leaf
1 lb kale leaves, washed and torn into smallish pieces
*Saute garlic and onions in olive oil until onions are tender
*In large pot combine potatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf and the sauteed onion and garlic. Cook until potatoes are tender.
*Add kale leaves and cook about 10 more minutes. Remove bay leaf, taste and add salt(I add Mrs Dash's extra spicy instead). Makes abour 12 cups.
I told you it was SIMPLE and healthy.
CURRIED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
1 T. canola oil
1 large onion, chopped ( about 2 cups)
2 cloves of garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
One ~ 2 1/2 lb. butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes
6 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 T. plus 2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (I omit and use Mrs. Dash)
2 T honey
4 teaspoons plain non fat yogurt for garnish
*Heat oil over med. heat in large pot. Add onion and garlic and sautee until tender, about 5-6 min. Add squash, broth, curry powder and Mrs. Dash and bring to boil. Reduce the heat to med-low and simmer until squash is tender....about 15 min. Remove soup from heat, stir, add honey and then puree until smooth in pot with an immersion blender....or divide into 2 batches if using a regular blender.
Ladle soup into serving bowls and drizzle with yogurt.
Your sense of sight, smell, and taste will be delighted by this soup. The squash gives it a rich orange color and a natural sweetness that goes perfectly with the fragrant curry spices.
CHICKEN TACO SOUP
1 can chicken breasts 13 oz
1 can diced tomatoes & chilies 11 oz
1 can diced tomatoes 28 oz
1 can green chilies 4 oz
1 can kidney beans 15 oz
1 can black beans 15 o z
1 can whole kernal corn 11 0z
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
1 pkg.ranch dressing mix
*Shred the canned chicken. Do not drain the remaining cans. Combine all the ingredients into a crock pot or soup pot. Crock pot...cook on high 2 hours or on low 4 hours. If using a soup pan just simmer on low for an hour or more to mix the flavors.
Garnish with Sour cream (low fat or reduced) shredded cheese, crumbled tortilla chips.
If you can open cans...that's the hardest part about making this soup. The flavors blend and make a tummy warming meal.
Enjoy the soups and let me know if you try them and what you think. We enjoy making them and eating them here at the Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast in Suttons Bay, Michigan.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
XC Skiing the TART TRAIL in Suttons Bay, MI
When I was awakened by the snowplows this morning.....I just knew it was going to be the perfect morning to hit the trail for some xc skiing. As much as I enjoy winter in northern Michigan, for some reason, this winter has not been my most active out doors. We spent all of January in Florida and then promptly hit the Body Balance Fitness Center in Suttons Bay to get back into our fitness routine. So, in between taking care of our winter time visitors at the Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast in Suttons Bay, working out and many other various excuses..... I just haven't enjoyed the winter weather as much as normal. This morning I made up for that.The sun was shining, the air was chilly, fresh snow had fallen, the trail was recently groomed, my husband was an equally avid adventurer, and of course Nestle Quik, our Portuguese water dog......well, she was ecstatic. There is nothing that she enjoys more than a romp in freshly fallen snow. She doesn't care when or where...just let her out of the house to play in the snow and she is a happy, happy dog.We gathered our gear. We went and we conquered. We returned with happy hearts, plenty of laughs and good memories of another fun time spent playing in the snow. Those who do not have the luxury of winter time in northern Michigan.....well you just can not appreciate what you are missing.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Winter Time Fun in Northern Michigan
We woke up early and got our morning chores completed so we were actually on route by 9:00.
We did our usual Traverse City stops; Sam's club, Meijers and Wal Mart~gathering supplies, food and sundries for a weekend houseful of guests at the Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast.
At last we were free to spend some time doing the fun things we enjoy most about winter in Michigan. With our fur friend~Nestle Quik leading the way~ we romped and stomped, running and puffing our way around the fabulous hiking trails on the Grand Traverse Commoms grounds. We figured we were out there a good hour and a half. We did not even begin to cover all of the trails. We didn't have our snow shoes or our xc skis or even our sleds...but we certainly could have. We just had on boots with our yak tracks and we had a blast.
We tackled the biggest hills we could find...Nestle of course beating us to the top as usual. She loves to play monkey in the middle and she is always the monkey, running back and forth between us, up and down the trails. She loves to be called and egged on from one of us to the other. Her end prize is a treat doled out from each of us at either end of her romp. She never seems to get enough. She will do this as long as we can stay out there. She tires, but she never quits. We always quit first.
It was a perfect morning, sunny and not too cold. There were others out taking advantage of the day and the trails, but the property is so large, you can have as much solitude as you like. We saw some kids with their parents using sleds on some of the really steep , slick packed hills. So fast and so fun on the trip down, but always a challenge to get back up to the top. We saw solitary snow shoe rs, some who were accompanied by their fur friends and some just enjoying the alone time.
Our plan had been to get back to Suttons Bay and then go to Body Balance to finish working out.....we didn't even need to. We had the best work out available...fresh air, running up and down snow covered trails trying to keep up with a frisky, fun loving 4 footed friend who just can't get enough of winter time fun. She gets us out in the winter and we are so glad she does.
Those who don't take advantage of the beauty of winter do not know what they are missing.
We did our usual Traverse City stops; Sam's club, Meijers and Wal Mart~gathering supplies, food and sundries for a weekend houseful of guests at the Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast.
At last we were free to spend some time doing the fun things we enjoy most about winter in Michigan. With our fur friend~Nestle Quik leading the way~ we romped and stomped, running and puffing our way around the fabulous hiking trails on the Grand Traverse Commoms grounds. We figured we were out there a good hour and a half. We did not even begin to cover all of the trails. We didn't have our snow shoes or our xc skis or even our sleds...but we certainly could have. We just had on boots with our yak tracks and we had a blast.
We tackled the biggest hills we could find...Nestle of course beating us to the top as usual. She loves to play monkey in the middle and she is always the monkey, running back and forth between us, up and down the trails. She loves to be called and egged on from one of us to the other. Her end prize is a treat doled out from each of us at either end of her romp. She never seems to get enough. She will do this as long as we can stay out there. She tires, but she never quits. We always quit first.
It was a perfect morning, sunny and not too cold. There were others out taking advantage of the day and the trails, but the property is so large, you can have as much solitude as you like. We saw some kids with their parents using sleds on some of the really steep , slick packed hills. So fast and so fun on the trip down, but always a challenge to get back up to the top. We saw solitary snow shoe rs, some who were accompanied by their fur friends and some just enjoying the alone time.
Our plan had been to get back to Suttons Bay and then go to Body Balance to finish working out.....we didn't even need to. We had the best work out available...fresh air, running up and down snow covered trails trying to keep up with a frisky, fun loving 4 footed friend who just can't get enough of winter time fun. She gets us out in the winter and we are so glad she does.
Those who don't take advantage of the beauty of winter do not know what they are missing.
Monday, February 15, 2010
How I Ended Up in Suttons Bay?
Was it always a life long dream of mine to become an inn keeper? Not on your life!!! In fact, it was a very random and impulsive decision made primarily by my husband, who just happened to love to cook. That hobby is what landed us at the Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast in the quaint, little village of Suttons Bay, Michigan.
We actually first arrived in Suttons Bay by accident. Traveling to Traverse City was a popular destination for us. On a whim we just happened to go to Northport searching for a cottage that had been owned by relatives many years ago. I'm embarrassed to say, as life long Michigan residents, neither of us had ever heard of the Leelanau Peninusla. We were pleasantly surprised!!! M~22 is the most scenic route any where, ever.
As we set off for Northport, we happened through Suttons Bay. We immediately had to stop to wander the village streets and the marina/park area. At the end of the village on our way towards Northport, we noticed this cute bed and breakfast. Jim made a mental note of it and consequently began the quest to get a reservation in the summer. Much to our chagrin it was almost impossible to book a one night stay in the summer. Not to be defeated, several summers later he wore down the previous inn keeper and secured our reservation. (Only now to do we understand why it was difficult to get a last minute reservation here in the summer.)
Upon arrival I was dropped off at Hats and Haberdashery,(now Haystacks) my new "favorite" shop in the village, while Jim went on to check in. In a short time of introductions and chit chat, he had established that the inn keeper was possibly looking to continue for 5-6 six more years before looking to do something else. Jim~impulsively said, "Here is my card, when you are ready to sell, call me as I want to buy your business". When this conversation was repeated to me I was shocked. We had never talked of this, and besides I was still teaching and well...not to worry.....she will never call us . But trick on us, she called us that winter stating she might like to sell sooner than she thought.
WE held off making final arrangements for another 2 summers, but eventually ended up selling our home down state as we acquired the Korner Kottage to become it's new innkeepers in April 2006.
We have learned "enormously" about inn keeping since our first, naive summer season as inn keepers. We have the inn keeping "thing" down to a well oiled machine by now. We have been pleasantly surprised by how well we seem to fit into this world of nurturing and care giving.
It has enriched our lives in a way that is frankly, indescribable. Yes, it was weird the first few times we had complete strangers staying in our home. But now, it is an opportunity to meet new faces, and just another set of guests, who arrive as strangers but depart as friends.
We live like company is always coming and are better off for it. To share our home with strangers walking through our door is a gift we just can not explain. It is a wonderful experience that has expanded and enriched our life experiences. We get to witness the best of mankind here. We honestly have not had a difficult guest....ever. Besides, it's a wonderful excuse to have a bouquet of fresh flowers on the table year round.
We actually first arrived in Suttons Bay by accident. Traveling to Traverse City was a popular destination for us. On a whim we just happened to go to Northport searching for a cottage that had been owned by relatives many years ago. I'm embarrassed to say, as life long Michigan residents, neither of us had ever heard of the Leelanau Peninusla. We were pleasantly surprised!!! M~22 is the most scenic route any where, ever.
As we set off for Northport, we happened through Suttons Bay. We immediately had to stop to wander the village streets and the marina/park area. At the end of the village on our way towards Northport, we noticed this cute bed and breakfast. Jim made a mental note of it and consequently began the quest to get a reservation in the summer. Much to our chagrin it was almost impossible to book a one night stay in the summer. Not to be defeated, several summers later he wore down the previous inn keeper and secured our reservation. (Only now to do we understand why it was difficult to get a last minute reservation here in the summer.)
Upon arrival I was dropped off at Hats and Haberdashery,(now Haystacks) my new "favorite" shop in the village, while Jim went on to check in. In a short time of introductions and chit chat, he had established that the inn keeper was possibly looking to continue for 5-6 six more years before looking to do something else. Jim~impulsively said, "Here is my card, when you are ready to sell, call me as I want to buy your business". When this conversation was repeated to me I was shocked. We had never talked of this, and besides I was still teaching and well...not to worry.....she will never call us . But trick on us, she called us that winter stating she might like to sell sooner than she thought.
WE held off making final arrangements for another 2 summers, but eventually ended up selling our home down state as we acquired the Korner Kottage to become it's new innkeepers in April 2006.
We have learned "enormously" about inn keeping since our first, naive summer season as inn keepers. We have the inn keeping "thing" down to a well oiled machine by now. We have been pleasantly surprised by how well we seem to fit into this world of nurturing and care giving.
It has enriched our lives in a way that is frankly, indescribable. Yes, it was weird the first few times we had complete strangers staying in our home. But now, it is an opportunity to meet new faces, and just another set of guests, who arrive as strangers but depart as friends.
We live like company is always coming and are better off for it. To share our home with strangers walking through our door is a gift we just can not explain. It is a wonderful experience that has expanded and enriched our life experiences. We get to witness the best of mankind here. We honestly have not had a difficult guest....ever. Besides, it's a wonderful excuse to have a bouquet of fresh flowers on the table year round.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
We're Back At It at the Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast
It's a beautiful sunny day in the village of Suttons Bay, Michigan. Our month in Florida seems like a distant memory already sad to say. But we've been very productive since we've returned to winter in Michigan.
I've made good on my New Year's goals of incorporating healthy oatmeal into my breakfast routine. I'm pleasantly surprised to admit publicly that after all the years I've given it such a bad rap.....the taste and texture is actually growing on me. Of course the taste is so greatly enhanced by adding just a few sprinkles of our Korner Kottage Krunch granola . All in all I am honestly accomplishing this goal. Not that I eat it every day, but at least a couple mornings a week.
Another goal I've made and keeping is working out regularly at our local Body Balance gym. I've been going almost daily~well 5~6 times per week. I've have back at it only 2 weeks and seeing and feeling noticeable results. Oh it feels so good to get back in shape. I was pleasantly surprised to discover our gym offering Zumba, a dance style exercise one evening a week. It's such high energy, fun and a real work out.....total booty kicking fun.
Our weekends have found us busy at the bed and breakfast with a full house which is always nice having some company (guests) around in the off season. People still want to come "up north" for the snow, the wineries, the shopping and of course the foodies always find us here. This weekend (Feb. 12/15) is Traverse City's Cherry Capital Winter Wonderland Festival with all sorts of outside and inside winter activities being planned. It's good to know that no matter what season you come for a visit, there is always plenty to do.
We (Jim and I) are still into the reading mode ~ a by product of vacation. We've decided to tackle some of the old classics that we read YEARS ago but that are worthy of rereading. I'm in the process of Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, and Atlas Shrugged. I've already finished Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, The Pearl, Cannery Row and Of Mice and Men. Boy if you ever start feeling sorry for yourself these days...just reread some of his works and you will reevaluate your circumstances. Next, I'll be digging into some of Charles Dickens ,if I don't run out of time before we really get busy again.
Another of our winter evening past times is playing games...board games, cribbage, cross word puzzles and our new favorite~Banana Grams. We took it to Florida and got everyone hooked. We took it home for the holidays and got more family hooked and now we're getting our friends here addicted. If you've not tried it you should it a whirl. It's easy, fun and makes your brain actually get a little work out. Your kids can play it as well.
Here's hoping every one else is having some success accomplishing their goals for 2010, whatever they may be. Here's another Oatmeal recipe we've been enjoying while on this journey of eating healthy.
Sweet English Breakfast Porridge~shared from Inn Cuisine
Yield: 4~6 cups
*4 cups water
*2 teaspoon salt (I omit)
*2 1/2 cups uncooked oats
*3 tablespoons butter (I use about 1/2 of this amount)
*1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (more or less if desired)
*1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (more or less if desired)
*1 cup packed brown sugar
*1/4 cup maple sugar (we use locally made)
*1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
In a medium, heavy~bottomed saucepan, bring water and salt to a rolling boil. Stir in the oats; stirring constantly, cook over medium heat for one minute. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well until thoroughly incorporated. spoon into individual bowls and top with additional cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar and/or maple syrup if desired.
****This is NOT the way I eat my normal morning oatmeal. But this is a real sweet treat.....
I've made good on my New Year's goals of incorporating healthy oatmeal into my breakfast routine. I'm pleasantly surprised to admit publicly that after all the years I've given it such a bad rap.....the taste and texture is actually growing on me. Of course the taste is so greatly enhanced by adding just a few sprinkles of our Korner Kottage Krunch granola . All in all I am honestly accomplishing this goal. Not that I eat it every day, but at least a couple mornings a week.
Another goal I've made and keeping is working out regularly at our local Body Balance gym. I've been going almost daily~well 5~6 times per week. I've have back at it only 2 weeks and seeing and feeling noticeable results. Oh it feels so good to get back in shape. I was pleasantly surprised to discover our gym offering Zumba, a dance style exercise one evening a week. It's such high energy, fun and a real work out.....total booty kicking fun.
Our weekends have found us busy at the bed and breakfast with a full house which is always nice having some company (guests) around in the off season. People still want to come "up north" for the snow, the wineries, the shopping and of course the foodies always find us here. This weekend (Feb. 12/15) is Traverse City's Cherry Capital Winter Wonderland Festival with all sorts of outside and inside winter activities being planned. It's good to know that no matter what season you come for a visit, there is always plenty to do.
We (Jim and I) are still into the reading mode ~ a by product of vacation. We've decided to tackle some of the old classics that we read YEARS ago but that are worthy of rereading. I'm in the process of Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, and Atlas Shrugged. I've already finished Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, The Pearl, Cannery Row and Of Mice and Men. Boy if you ever start feeling sorry for yourself these days...just reread some of his works and you will reevaluate your circumstances. Next, I'll be digging into some of Charles Dickens ,if I don't run out of time before we really get busy again.
Another of our winter evening past times is playing games...board games, cribbage, cross word puzzles and our new favorite~Banana Grams. We took it to Florida and got everyone hooked. We took it home for the holidays and got more family hooked and now we're getting our friends here addicted. If you've not tried it you should it a whirl. It's easy, fun and makes your brain actually get a little work out. Your kids can play it as well.
Here's hoping every one else is having some success accomplishing their goals for 2010, whatever they may be. Here's another Oatmeal recipe we've been enjoying while on this journey of eating healthy.
Sweet English Breakfast Porridge~shared from Inn Cuisine
Yield: 4~6 cups
*4 cups water
*2 teaspoon salt (I omit)
*2 1/2 cups uncooked oats
*3 tablespoons butter (I use about 1/2 of this amount)
*1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (more or less if desired)
*1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (more or less if desired)
*1 cup packed brown sugar
*1/4 cup maple sugar (we use locally made)
*1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
In a medium, heavy~bottomed saucepan, bring water and salt to a rolling boil. Stir in the oats; stirring constantly, cook over medium heat for one minute. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well until thoroughly incorporated. spoon into individual bowls and top with additional cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar and/or maple syrup if desired.
****This is NOT the way I eat my normal morning oatmeal. But this is a real sweet treat.....
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