Tastefully Tueday...

Over Christmas we took a vacation to Colonial Williamsburg.  We stopped our first night at the Kings Arms Tavern where I got to try Peanut Soup for the first time, it was an instant new favorite.  The taste is not what you would think, it is a very savory soup and easy to make.  It is especially good with poultry so I can't wait to make it with Cornish game hens.  This is the official historic recipe for the dish from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, they have other great historic recipes if you are looking for something that has truly passed the test of time.

Cream of Peanut Soup

¼ cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
3 tablespoons flour
8 cups Chicken Stock (or low-salt canned chicken stock)
2 cups smooth peanut butter
1 ¾ cups light cream or half-and-half
Finely chopped salted peanuts, for garnish

In a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery and cook, stirring often, until softened, three-five minutes.

Stir in flour and cook two minutes longer.

Pour in the chicken stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until slightly reduced and thickened, about 15 minutes. Pour into a sieve set over a large bowl and strain, pushing hard on the solids to extract as much flavor as possible. Return the liquid to the sauce pan or pot.

Whisk the peanut butter and the cream into the liquid. Warm over low heat, whisking often, for about five minutes. Do not boil.

Serve warm, garnished with the chopped peanuts.

$1.00 off any two cartons of Swanson Stock or Broth
$1.50 off two Planters Peanut Butter of any size or variety
$0.50 off Stonyfield Organic Half and Half (need to sign up at their site)

Today's no cook idea is from Denny's, get 20% off your ENTIRE check, this is a great way to get the office together for lunch!  The coupon expires January 28th so you need to hurry for this great deal.  Just print the coupon and bring it in with you, as always please remember to tip your server based on the full amount of the bill, not the discounted amount.

Hope you are having a great week so far.

C.Q.