Sunday Mornings at Home
Good morning, everyone! Welcome to Sunday Mornings at Home!
A weekly lifestyle post where I cover a hodge podge (don’t you just love the phrase… hodge podge?) of topics!
And today, I have a soup recipe that both Mr. B and I flipped out over the flavor!
But, I also have a couple of serious topics…though I still desire to keep this optimistic and hopeful.
So, get cozy…with a morning cup of comfort…and let’s start in the kitchen for Sunday Mornings at Home.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME: MY FRENCH ONION SOUP
I have said for a long time that I was going to learn how to make French Onion Soup.
So, I studied a few recipes and looked at differences, which led last week to me attempting to make my own version.
It really was outstanding (if I say so myself!)…here is specifically what I did to make soup for two!
- I used Sweet Yellow Onions (as opposed to just yellow onions). I took four large onions and sliced them.
- Then I placed them into a soup pot with3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
I cooked this on medium heat, stirring often until the onions caramelized and were soft and supple.
3. Then I added: one teaspoon of sea salt; 1/4 cup of white wine; one 32 ounce box of beef stock (the one I used from Central Market was very good); 2 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon of pepper;* and one tablespoon of bourbon.
You read that right…it has wine and bourbon in it. Several recipes call for sherry, but what I had on hand was Mr. B’s bourbon and it was so good I will always make it with bourbon now.
I stirred this together well and allowed it to simmer for thirty minutes.
This bread…oh my…this bread just makes it special over a traditional baguette.
I saw it at Trader Joe’s and decided to test it out for the soup. I didn’t know if the flavor would be too much…it added such nice depth in the flavor.
I sliced the bread into thick slices and placed the slices on a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
I lightly brushed the slices with olive oil.
Then I put them in a 450 degree oven to toast. I watch it, so I am not certain how long it took.
When lightly toasted, I removed it and covered each slice with Gruyere cheese (which I shredded and used about 1 1/2 cups)
Then back in the oven under the broiler. This bread was so good we ate what we did not put in the soup…excellent with the cheese.
Of course, the bread and cheese go on top of a piping bowl of onion soup.
*For Mr. B, I add fresh peppercorn. The man just doesn’t seem to get enough. Though I like pepper, I never want as much as he does, so his is seasoned separately with the spice.
I cannot say enough how good, easy and quick this is. We will enjoy it when “soup weather” officially arrives.
But, despite outside heat, we ate every bite.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME: A WARNING
Grandmothers! I want to keep you informed and may repeat this in the Wednesday post.
I am sharing it with my daughter’s approval.
One of my grandsons has recently been selected for a travel soccer team…which is a big commitment of time.
She desired to give him a way to call them if needed and to let them know when practice is over…he is eight years old.
She did her research and talked to other mothers and decided the GABB PHONE FOR CHILDREN was good for this and still protected him.
The only numbers she programmed into the phone for him was his parents and me.
He got in touch with me right away and she told me to save the number into my contacts with his name…which I did.
So, I was very surprised when later in the day I heard from someone named Emily.
She wanted to know who I was…and called me about an hour later on Face Time…which I answered thinking it would be my grandson.
She said, This is my number! (She was very rude) and told me not to use it.
I notified my daughter immediately. She checked the phone and other calls had come into that phone from numbers she did not recognize.
I found a review from USA Today on the phone which starts off very favorable and almost sounds like an advertisement.
But, down in the article is a section: THERE IS NO ABILITY TO BLOCK CALLS FROM NON-APPROVED NUMBERS! (Bingo…and we wonder how predators get so much access if children can)
When my daughter called the company, they kind of shrugged and said…it happens.
I just wanted to share this story in case your family members begin to look at the GABB phone…Information is power.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME: ADDRESSING YOUR CONCERN
I want to assure those of you who are concerned, that I am well aware that the earth is warming.
However, please remember two things.
First, this is a controversial topic and I try not to address controversies on my blog. In today’s world, many topics divide us and can become ugly.
This is not a political blog, and there are many levels to this conversation about warming.
I was just standing in the very location where immense flooding happen in Alaska last week…the Mendenhall River, which reached its highest levels on record.
This is one of the pictures of the Mendenhall Glacier I took from the visitor center….obviously, it has changed.
Back home, we are in a long stretch of over 105 degree days in a row. I know there are changes happening.
Secondly, one of the ways I deal with this ever changing world is to live one day at a time….then I do not allow it to steal my joy.
I get up each morning and look at what is ahead and consider how I have lived and dealt with the heat in the past.
Before I charge into the day, I pray over the day.
So, I am not going to dwell on these happenings or address them here. I handled the pandemic the same way….with hope and joy for each day.
There are plenty of political or even climate blogs you can read, but we come here to receive a daily shot of joy and encouragement.
Thank you to all who have been concerned! This is the sweetest audience.
If anyone wants to send their point-of-view to my email, please do. But it will not be discussed here.
I appreciate each and every one…so have a glorious Sunday…and hopefully, I will see you tomorrow as we go to Seattle….
KEEP SMILING, ALL!
By Pamela Lutrell
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Email is over50feeling40@gmail.com.
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Thank you for addressing the GABB phone, Pam. I know that I’ll be on my twin “grans” contact list as they begin kindergarten next month, but they are only 5, just had their birthday. I’m not sure if my daughter has even considered phones for them(contact list will be at school office). But as you say information is powerful!
She only considered this for use from the soccer practices, but when other calls can go to the phone without a filter…that is concerning. Just wanted everyone to be aware.
Good morning! I really appreciate that you do not get political. Thank you for sharing positive, uplifting thoughts! We need more in this world today 😊
Pam I read your blog for ideas on fashion, life as we age and of course your great recipes. I really liked what you shared when you were on WW. It has been helpful to me.
I especially want to say thank you for keeping your blog out of politics. I’m getting so tired of comments people seem to make everywhere nowadays. There seems to always be a way to talk about something controversial. I also like how you pray before you start your day. I’m also trying to do that daily. It helps!!
Thank you Pam! I am uplifted by your Grace filled post.
Pam, count me in as one who prefers you not to be political too. I read widely and have access to plenty of that content; it’s not what I come here for. As a vegetarian, I’m pleased that my carbon footprint is so small, but I don’t criticize other people’s choices. After all, I buy a lot of cotton clothing :). But I agree, we can only live one day at a time. I shared pictures with family of the Hubbard glacier from my own Alaskan cruise, and got the comment that it was a “shame” I got to see calving, as it was a sign of global warming (the person who commented didn’t realize that the Hubbard glacier is in fact advancing). I would not object, however, if sometimes you shared tips on reducing our carbon footprint in some way, with natural cleaning products, or frugality tips, or recycling, etc. I think this can be important, similar to the way you share healthy recipes.
Oh the heat! I deal with it by making my appointments in the a.m. and trying not to get out much in the afternoons. I have plenty to keep me busy at home… and while I too try to live in the moment, one day at a time, I do look forward to the cooler Autumn weather! Happy Sunday!
Pam, your messages are always informative, uplifting and fun. Thank you for that.
Hi Pam, thank you for your daily message of positivity. It is so nice to read your blog without any sly political commentary. I love the topics you cover and look forward every morning to your smiling face and “voice.” Carry on!
Love that you have made your blog and positive and affirming way to start that day. Thank you for staying out of politics. And thank you for warning parents and grandparents about the potential dangers of that phone for children. Have a blessed Sunday.
I agree, Carol…doing my best.
Yes it does help, Paula! I am so excited you are joining me in prayer each morning.
Thank you for letting me know, Lynn.
Thanks for sharing, Linda.
I am with you, Dixie. Any regular readers may remember that I have always struggled with August and September. By now, I am ready for a change of weather and it comes so slowly. So I hear you…Today, there are a few clouds in the sky and that gives me hope of changes to come…I actually get weary of clear blue skies this time of year!
You are welcome, Marcia. Each day is a gift I desire to enjoy…even when sweating!
Thanks so much, Janet.
The phone story is one I felt compelled to share…we must protect our vulnerable children.
I bought a Raz phone for my husband who has dementia. He’s had it for about 3 months. I program it and he taps a photo of the person he wants to call. He can only call or receive calls from that approved list. No internet, no spam callers. He can have between 3 and 20 contacts. It’s worked well for us and would probably work for kids as well. The downside- it’s a big phone and in a fold over carrier to avoid pocket calls. It’s awkward to carry in a pocket because of the size. I hope this helps elders and young families as well.
I appreciate that there are certain topics that you choose not to focus on! I would be happy to read something about sustainability as it applies to fashion, but otherwise, I’ll look elsewhere if I want to read about politics, climate change, etc.
I make French Onion Soup when the weather gets cool and we love it! I use thyme instead of bay leaves and add a clove or two of minced (grated) fresh garlic. I think it’s the addition of white wine,like you used, that makes the difference.
Have a glorious day!
Thanks for understanding, Elaine. I do occasionally address sustainability in fashion and will probably continue to do that. There are small ways I do brooch the subject, but because there are so many conflicting ways to deal with it, I prefer to let others do that.
Thanks Donna…I will never argue not to do garlic…I love garlic and sometimes find myself putting it in almost everything. Thanks for sharing how you cook the soup.
Pamela, I am so grateful to have found you! You are a positive influence in my life. I am 78 and disabled but you bring hope and yes joy into every day for me. Thank you.
Thank you for being here, Sydney…or is your name Molly? You are important to this world and I am glad you join in with us here.
Thank you Pamela for you joyful and positive blog. I am 78 and disabled but every morning I start with your words. We need hope in this world and you bring this to me. Keep smiling and the whole world smiles with you!
Thank you for the positive energy your blog always generates. I agree there are many other forums where politics, climate, etc. can be discussed. How disappointing that the choice your daughter carefully made didn’t work out, & the company’s reaction was ever more disappointing. Thank you for sharing this information. Count me as one who also starts the day with hope, joy & prayer.
Thank you for your post regarding these controversial situations. I, too, have my concerns but there is an another place for that, and this is not it!
I sincerely appreciate your uplifting and informative blogs. I especially look forward to your posts about everything, I think it’s on your Wednesday blog.
And this soup recipe looks marvelous! I am watching my salt intake and just about every packaged or canned product has way too much salt for me.
As soon as I get my new teeth, I’ll try this and let you know how it goes.
Again, thank you for your honesty and frank post.
I am just glad that we discovered the truth about this phone before it was too late and one of my grandsons perhaps accepted a call he shouldn’t. Maybe we were suppose to go through this in order to expose these types of phones and help others.
Thanks Becky.
I hope all goes well with your teeth, Rhoda. This soup is delicious and very soft eating.
Thank you for your uplifting messages! I have been on a cruise to Alaska twice now and would go every year. There is always something beautiful you’ve never experienced. I love following you with your fashion and food. My husband and I made some bottles of vanilla to give away at Christmas. We look forward to seeing what new and fun stuff you have to share. And thanks for reminding me of my favorite scripture verse today!
Hi Beverley…I so agree with you about Alaska…it was amazing. There are so many things we did not get to do and would love to go back sometime. I am excited to have you here and join in today. Thank you for the kind words.
Pamela, thank you for this positive and uplifting post! While I agree that climate change is a huge issue facing our country, this isn’t the place to discuss it. On a brighter note, here in Fort Worth they are predicting that Tuesday and Wednesday will bring us temps in the high 90’s and a north wind! Even two days of respite from the unending triple-digit temps will be so welcome. Praying it will go far enough south for you to enjoy it, as well! Here’s to our mutual survival of the next six weeks, and to remaining positive and put-together throughout what remains of summer weather!
I am so jealous! They said the “cool” front that North Texas will feel will not make it down to us. Really praying that will happen soon.
Pam, thank you for keeping this a space for Joy, not angst! As a full time caregiver for two family members, I come here for calm and relaxation. I do keep up with current affairs, but don’t want to be confronted with the problems of the world 24 hours a day. Your blog resonates with me and brightens my day. Please keep it just the way it is.
Thank you so much for the info about the GABB phone. One of my daughters is considering getting it for a son who will start having after school activities this year. It doesn’t sound awesome.
Brutal heat this summer.
What a fun take on French onion soup! Your own twist sounds delish! I’m with Mr B about abundant freshly-ground pepper on most everything. I LOVE my longtime battery-run Peugeot pepper grinder you simply grab with one hand. It lights and grinds to your taste. For years I’ve given this as gifts and still love my original. Bonus, it looks sleek on your counter in its own tiny nesting dish. Interesting how some of us are black pepper fanatics. Wonder whether it’s a left-right brain thing, such as liking cilantro. Every day is an adventure. Much to study and learn!
Thanks for keeping the political issues out of your blog. Blessings for the positive messages you send our way.
I will try the onion soup shortly and really like the bread idea. The best always
Thank you, thank you for no politics….Your writing is “delicious” as well as your onion soup recipe which I will attempt to make…but I don’t have bourbon…no liquor in my house. Think it will taste as good?
I am not sure, Margie. It is worth a try or perhaps get some cooking sherry and add that in place of the bourbon. Let me know what you think!