Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

Lately we've had a little snow and lots of freezing weather. Right now it's 3 degrees! I made split pea soup a few days ago and just reheated the last of it. Here's what I did:

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

a few tbs. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1lb split green peas, rinsed
4 cubes vegetable bouillon cubes (for 8 cups)
about 10 cups water
splash soy sauce
rosemary, black pepper, and salt to taste.
few tablespoons fresh parsley

In one pot boil the peas, 8 cups water, and the 4 cubes, covered, for about 30 minutes. I usually use Knorr Vegetable Bouillon. It's cheap and available at Kroger (or in Dolle family Christmas stockings).

Meanwhile, in another, big, stock pot cook the onion and garlic in oil over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes (covered.) Add the celery then peas/broth when soft, and the parsley. I pureed about half of this, then added the soy sauce, rosemary, pepper, and an additional 2 or so cups of water. It simmered, covered, for another 45 minutes or so, until I was ready to eat, but would've been good sooner. I topped my bowls with spoonfuls of sour cream and dunked sour dough bread.

A note about cubed bouillon:
I really like but Mark Bittman and really enjoyed a recent NYTimes article of his- Fresh Start for a New Year? Let’s Begin in the Kitchen, but I don't agree with what he has to say about cubed bouillon. I've tried making fresh vegetarian stock for soups... and sometimes they turn out to be amazing- but it's usually more chopping, cleaning, and time than it's worth.

When I first moved into my new house I imagined myself doing a lot more making than I actually have been. I had lists of projects, recipes, and plants I wanted to try, and was going to document them all here. But that hasn't been the case. And when I have taken pictures of things I'm making, I'm too lazy to upload the pictures from my camera to put them up here. But I have new year's resolutions, and news from November!

First, the news: I'm engaged, and getting married June 20! The date was finalized after weeks of indecisiveness. Dylan and I are getting married at the church I grew up attending, and the reception is going to be in my aunt and uncle's back yard. There's tons to plan and think about, so this blog might temporarily become a blog for wedding/reception ideas.

Second, the resolutions:

1. Update blog regularly, my goal right now is three times a week.

2. Exercise regularly. Again three times a week.

3. Cook more often. I've gotten into a habit of making really boring food that isn't very delicious nor is it very good for me.

4. Keep things cleaner around here.

5. Start working at least three days a week. I'm substitute teaching these days, which means I choose the days and locations that I work. I'm not taking classes anymore so there's absolutely no excuse for me to not work at LEAST three days a week. I really should work 4 or 5.

And now, I'm off to do laundry and straighten up the kitchen so I can blog about the black bean soup I'm going to make.