Luscious inside and out

You thought this was a relish, didn’t you? Or perhaps some kind of  salsa? But, no. This is a hardy winter soup originally created a few months ago by my son as an autumn soup and it is spectacular—not only does it taste delicious, but the color is dramatic (as you can obviously see from JB’s vivid photo)–very appreciated on white and gray winter days.

For a long time, my son wanted to be a chef. At a very early age, we pulled a chair up to the stove, handed him a wooden spoon, and had him stir, mix, sauté whatever was being prepared for dinner. As soon as he was able, he was helping to chop and peel and dice. Cooking was and still is our major family activity. It is one of the important ways we connect, communicate, heal as a family. It has even become one way our son tests out new relationships–how well the significant other and he work together in the kitchen is key to the future of their deep connection. It is also a major way he has introduced us to the new love interests in his life: all of us cooking together reveals the intricacies, intimacies, and nuances of potential relationship.

This is his recipe that my husband and I made today. Trust me, it’s luscious (and spicy) inside and out.