Comforting, and nourishing with a bit of a kick, this Sweet Potato Peanut Chipotle Soup with Wilted Greens comes together fast! Vegan and GF.
These past few weeks has been a roller coaster, y’all. And I have some exciting news to share (if you’ve not heard and are antsy, scroll down. I’ll wait.) and I’ll get to that, but first a few other notes and this soup (!!).
Vanilla And Bean has been up and going for almost two years now. I’ve pretty much stuck to recipes with a few posts in between about travel and the local farms where so much Vanilla And Bean food comes from. My goal has been to make this space welcoming, where people can feel comfortable to share ideas, notes, and love of good food. Thank you for taking time to share, commenting, offering tips and kindness. I appreciate each and every note.
But there are other things on my radar with regards to Vanilla And Bean, things I’m passionate about and want to share, yet have not discussed them too much here, if at all. While these passions are tied to food, the connection may not always be clear. I want to share and emphasize these things but more importantly, I want to make sure what I’m sharing is helpful to you, my readers.
Many of you know how important buying local food is to me through supporting our local farms. And although I’ve discussed this in the past, I want to share more and frequently about the reasons why we’ve got to get behind this if we have the opportunity.
Some of you have checked Local Harvest for your nearest farm fresh produce. If you’ve not had a chance yet, please take a quick look. There may be a farm closer than you think! For a quick read on what a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is, how it works and its advantages, Local Harvest has information here. I’ve written my top 10 reasons here.
Rob and I just purchased our 2016 CSA at a discounted rate because we purchased early. Many farmers offer this, but you’ve gotta get in early! If you’re not sure about this, ask if the farm offers a discount; you may be in that early window. In exchange for our 3/4 share purchase, we’ll get enough locally grown veggies and occasionally eggs each week to cover just about all our needs. I say just about because I make green smoothies almost 7 days a week, so I supplement our share with extra greens from the farm. Our CSA farm also offers U-pick berries, beans, herbs and flowers free of extra charge to their shareholders (kiddos get a kick out of this)! This is a perk your local farm may offer as well. They also hold occasional classes on canning, preserving seeds and other topics of interest.
So here’s what we’re getting: a 3/4 share, enough for a family of 2-3 each week for 22 weeks. We paid right at $18.25 per week. I pick up our haul each week, but some farms offer delivery or pick up at a centralized location. There’s a myth floating around that organic and/or locally grown is not affordable, yet I couldn’t disagree more. More on this later.
Be sure to check into your local farm’s growing practices. Are they certified organic? Many small farms are not, but employ organic growing practices, and do not participate in supporting GMOs, the way our grandmothers and grandfathers (great too) used to do it.
The collard greens from our local farm inspired this Sweet Potato Peanut Chipotle Soup. Just when I think the fields won’t produce anything due to all the rain we’ve had, they prove me wrong every-time. Collard greens are so sweet right now and, like kale, grow sweeter after the cold of Winter has worked it’s magic on them.
A Few Notes:
Sweet Potato Peanut Chipotle Soup with Wilted Greens work well with other greens like kale, chard and spinach, keeping in mind spinach will cook quicker than collards, kale and chard. And if you’ve not given collards a try lately, I encourage you to give them a go. They’re a powerhouse of nutrients!
For the smoky-spicy chipotle in this soup, take it up or down. I’ve included one chipotle pepper in the recipe and found this to be just right. But if your sensitive to spicy, use only half a pepper just to get a taste without overwhelm. If you like red-hot spicy and want to kick it up, use a pepper and a half to even two peppers! The spicy is up to you.
This recipe comes together fast and in one pot! I served this with brown basmati rice, but it is just as delicious serving it without a grain or a different grain. Be sure to pile the toppings and garnishes on high. They add so much texture and flavor to the soup.
And now, the news…. THE NEWS (!!).
I am honored, and grateful to have been nominated in the 2016 Better Homes and Gardens Food Blog Awards. Somehow, Vanilla And Bean landed in the top 10. I am among skill and talent I never thought I’d have the opportunity to share such a space with and am grateful for just having been nominated.
*Update* Voting has closed for the BHG Food Blog Awards.
Now, go make this soup! You’re going to love it!
xo …. traci
Sweet Potato Peanut Chipotle Soup with Wilted Greens
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1/4 C Peanuts toasted 40g
- 1 Tbs Coconut Oil virgin cold pressed unrefined
- 1 C Yellow Onion diced (about 1 medium onion) 130g
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 Tbs Fresh Ginger grated* see note
- 1 Tbs + 1 tsp Fresh Garlic grated* see note
- 1/2 tsp Ground Corriander
- 3 C Sweet Potato peeled and cut into large 1/4" - 1/2" (6mm-12mm) cubes, 378g
- 4 C Vegetable Stock 932g
- 1 Chipotle Pepper in adobo sauce (+ 1/2 of another pepper for more kick)
- 3 Tbs Natural Peanut Butter
- 1 Can Diced Tomatoes with their juices 411g
- 2 C Collard Greens **see note cut into thin 1/2" ribbons. Reserve a small hand-full for garnish if desired 82g
Serve With:
- Brown Basmati Rice optional
- Toasted Peanuts
- Lime
- Fist full of Cilantro
- Raw Reserved Greens
- Tabasco to amp up the heat optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (180C) and toast the peanuts for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool.
- To a large stock-pot add the coconut oil on medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and salt, saute for about 8 minutes or until soft and transparent. Some browning is okay.
- Add ginger, garlic and coriander, stirring for no more than 1 minute to toast. The garlic and ginger will stick a bit. Add the potato and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to low, set a timer for 10 minutes and simmer until the potatoes are just fork tender.
- Scoop two cups of the potato/broth mixture out and pour it into a blender. Add the chipotle pepper. Blend the mixture into a smooth puree. Pour the puree back into the stock-pot. Stir in the peanut butter and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, stirring and mashing the peanut butter so that it incorporates into the soup. Reduce heat to low to simmer. Add the collard greens and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning adjustment.
- Serve right away, with grain of choice (I prefer Brown Basmati Rice, but it's also quite tasty with Quinoa), toasted peanuts, cilantro, and a sprinkle of fresh reserved greens. Refrigerate or freeze in a lidded container.
Notes
Susie Serenevich says
October 20, 2016 at 10:54 amI made this soup tonight… delIcious! Thanks for another great recipe.
Traci says
October 20, 2016 at 11:28 amThank you for your note Susie! I love it so much too and am thrilled you enjoyed it! :D
Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says
March 14, 2016 at 1:59 pmTraci, firstly, thank you for sharing the information about supporting CSA’s. I couldn’t agree more with this philosophy and really hope that one day, our society can get to a point where we were are only shopping from local farmers. As a consumer, it’s much more affordable. As a cook, the ingredients are much more delicious. And as a citizen of the world, it’s positive effect on the planet is astronomical. So thank you for encouraging your readers to shop local.
Secondly, I want to say a big congrats for the nomination in BHG. I totally voted for you because I love you, your recipes, photos, and everything you’re about. You deserve the nomination ( and the award, in my opinion!).
This soup is just one of the many examples of what a wonderful cook you are and creative talent in the kitchen. I can just imagine slurping up a bowl of this. I love the peanut butter you added, as well as the adobe for the kick! <3
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
March 2, 2016 at 12:26 pmThis is so cool Traci, and so deserved, your blog is amazing! I already voted when I saw this on instagram, but I just went and voted again. Also I have been waiting for this soup recipe since I saw it on insta as well, this looks sooo good! I am a fan of anything peanuty, and the flavors in the soup are calling my name!
Traci says
March 3, 2016 at 5:33 amAwh, Megan, thank you so much! If you’re a peanut fan, you’ll love this! It’s perfect for these rainy days we’re having… We’ve got new lakes all over Whidbey! :D The ducks have had so many new areas to explore!
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says
March 1, 2016 at 1:02 pmOmg, that’s huge news! Congratulations! I just voted for you – good luck! Your nomination is so well deserved (so would be a win), you always offer a wealth of knowledge on your site and your passion is evident in the beautiful dishes you create. Your flavors are sophisticated, but in a very approachable way. You definitely do justice to the beauty of locally sourced food. xo!
Traci says
March 3, 2016 at 4:32 amThank you Kathleen! Your kind words and feedback totally made my day! xo
Claudia | The Brick Kitchen says
March 1, 2016 at 1:15 amJust voted! Congratulations Traci, that is absolutely awesome news. So good to hear – extremely well deserved. CSA’s sound amazing – I need to find one here in Melbourne! LOVE the sound of this soup too – so healthy and packed with flavour! Would never have thought of using peanuts but it sounds like a perfect match with the coriander and ginger. <3
Traci says
March 3, 2016 at 4:31 amHooray! Thank you Claudia… so much! I hope you can find a CSA in Melbourne. Yeah, the peanuts are a nice balance to the spicy in this soup. SO cozy and warming! xo
[email protected] says
March 1, 2016 at 1:10 amHi Traci
Went to vote and so disappointed! No luck for us outside of US. You have my silent vote! Best of luck.
Traci says
March 3, 2016 at 4:25 amOhhh thank you Di! But oh no on voting! Thwarted! Thank you for your silent note! I feel it! :D
Asha says
February 29, 2016 at 1:11 pmTraci, I am so so excited for you. I have been voting everyday for you my dear, rooting for you. You know, there’s one thing about recipes and pictures, but what’s more important is how approachable, sweet and kind you are. You are very deserving my dear friend.
A very nice message here my dear. We support our local farmers and do get fresh vegetables form them every weekend which we are very proud of. Organic practices is a very important point.
This soup is just so comforting and delicious looking and sounding. Everything about it screams warm and yummy.
Have a fab weekend my dear.
xoxo
Traci says
February 29, 2016 at 4:59 pmI soooo appreciate your votes, and your kind words Ash! It totally goes both ways my dear! What a gift each and every vote is.. thank you for taking time to do that. Hooray for local farms! I’m so happy to hear that and yes, I feel your pride. It is something to be proud of for sure! xo
[email protected] says
February 29, 2016 at 12:32 pmI’m totally rooting for you Traci! I went voted already but let me do it again girl!!! See me standing by the side of the street with a big “Go Traci” poster!!!
Love this soup. Not a big soup person but love this soup. Oh I said that already! I’m feeling a bit ditsy today… must be the cold!!! Love ya!
Traci says
February 29, 2016 at 4:56 pmYAYAAY!! I feel the love Rahkee! I see that sign my dear!! Ditsy? It’s Monday.. and it’s been a crazy one, so I’m about to get ditsy with a glass of wine! xo Wish I had a slice of that chocolate cake! :D
Kevin | Keviniscooking says
February 26, 2016 at 9:48 amThe name alone is fantastic, it just conjure up goodness. Liv sth chipotle addition, too. Gotta spice it up!
The ida of a CSA is news to me so thanks of educating me, sharing the links and congrats on your involvement and purchase.
As for that nomination CONGRATS! I voted for you! Have great weekend, you must be so proud an happy – I would! :)
Traci says
February 29, 2016 at 4:55 pmHehe! That chipotle flips my switch! Yay for CSA, right? So glad you know about it now, Kevin! Soooo important to support slow food, our local farms and organic farming practices. Thank you too for your vote. I really appreciate your support! :D
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
February 25, 2016 at 10:01 pmYAY!! I’m so happy for you Traci! That is such exciting news. I went and voted for you as soon as I saw the post on IG. :)
I hope you win!!
Also, I love everything you said about supporting local farmers. I try to make it to the farmers market but I have never joined a CSA. I’m such a planner that it makes me nervous not knowing what I’ll be getting. But we have some pretty big life changes coming up that will allow for a slower pace in our day-to-day so I”m hoping that will allow some flexibility. I really want to start growing more of my own food too.
This soup sounds unbelievable! I’m obsessed with chipotle anything and combining it with sweet potatoes and peanut is simply genius!
Traci says
February 26, 2016 at 8:54 amHeeey Sarah!! Thank you for your support and vote! I HEAR you on planning… and I still go to farmers markets for the fun and community connection. But what I like about a CSA is I’m trying new things I never would have tried before like celerac, fava beans, Jerusalem artichokes and fennel! I never had fennel until last year!! Whaaaa?? The farmers market still supplements our pantry… because sometimes I need to step outside of our CSA box. HOORAY for life changes that allow flexibility! I like the sounds of this, Sarah.. and growing your own food, now this is what I call slooooww food! So exciting!
Izzy @ She Likes Food says
February 25, 2016 at 6:43 pmTraci!!! That is the best news!!!! Congratulations! I’m so happy and excited for you! Yah :)
This soup also looks and sounds fantastic! I definitely need to get better about buying local food, it always tastes so much better and you can’t get any more seasonal than local!
Traci says
February 26, 2016 at 8:33 amThank you Izzy!! So fun for sure and I am quite beside myself to be included in this group! Find your CSA!!! DO IT, Izzy!!
Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
February 25, 2016 at 6:02 pmCongrats on the nomination! I just voted. :)
Sounds like your CSA is pretty awesome – I love that they offer complimentary U pick to CSA members too. It makes me want to subscribe to a CSA, but I just love the routine of going to the farmers market and being able to pick out all of my own fruits and vegetables. I always look forward to it every week in the summer and fall!
Traci says
February 26, 2016 at 8:30 amThaaank you Chelsea and for your vote! Hooray! U-pick is so nice and fun! A fresh bouquet of flowers each week is lovely. I love going to the market too, on Saturday’s, connecting with community and seeing what’s new. So I do that too because sometimes our CSA doesn’t have what I need for a recipe, so I do supplement when needed. Farmers markets are so much fun! :D
[email protected] says
February 25, 2016 at 4:44 pmSo happy I have the chance to tell you again how thrilled I am for you! I was sharing your wonderful news with my husband last night – of course he knows who Traci at Vanilla and Bean is, and he ask why I thought you were nominated – all I could say was I feel you have taken every aspect of your blog to the highest level – well, not highest – because I can imagine the sky is the limit for you. You have the science behind the art..your site is smart and gorgeous and this honor couldn’t come to a more deserving lady. Brava, my dear! XO
Traci says
February 26, 2016 at 7:55 amAnnie… you’ve been such a pillar of support and cheerleader for so long. I truly appreciate your love my dear! I’m blushing ‘of course he knows who Traci at …’ Thank you so much, Annie. Terribly sweet. I’m quite beside myself with all this.. just being in the line up is huge to me! MWAH! xo
Lynn | The Road to Honey says
February 25, 2016 at 3:53 pmWoah! Congratulations girlie. . .that is some big news. You must be so proud that all your hard work is not going unnoticed AND is in fact being recognized by such respected publications. Fingers crossed that you take the win.
And this soup. . .what a beauty. I would venture to guess that my carnivorous hubby wouldn’t even notice that it’s missing his beloved meat. I love that you get it right from the source. I need to explore this in my neck of the woods.
Traci says
February 26, 2016 at 7:35 amYayayay!! Lynn! Thank you, sweets! I’m kinda beside myself.. a little overwhelmed just to be in this line up! OMGeeee! Thank you for your sweet support and love my dear. My carnivorous hubby doesn’t like sweet potatoes and he gaffed at this.. then he tasted it. He had to eat his words, LOL!! I was laughing when he went back for more.. like having a 5 YO in the house! LOL! Yes, yes, Lynn… find you local CSA!! DO IT!!
Denise Jones says
February 25, 2016 at 2:48 pmI’ve been following your website for several months. Your recipes are so well developed and your photography is amazing. Most of all, you come across as the kindest of souls and it only adds to how inviting your site is. Congratulations on this nomination. My vote is in!
Traci says
February 26, 2016 at 7:32 amHiii Denise! Thank you for following, sharing your thoughts and support! I’m blushing in gratitude :D !
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
February 25, 2016 at 2:26 pmOkay, first thing first, CONGRATULATIONS, Traci!!!!! I seriously could not be happier for you! Obviously BH&G KNOWS great content when they see it, because I LOVE you and your blog! They couldn’t have nominated a kinder, more deserving person if they tried! Over the moon happy for you and doing a little dance in support over here! YES I am voting for you!!
Next, I couldn’t agree more about supporting local farms, especially since we moved to NC and there are farms everywhere! There is nothing like the taste of locally fresh food – SO good! LOVE this soup, my dear! This has everything I love in one place! AND it’s spicy! Yaaaaaahs! I want to steal and slurp up all those bowls in your gorgeous photographs! Pinned! Cheers, dear! XO
Traci says
February 26, 2016 at 7:30 amYayaaa!! Chey! Thank you my dear… OMGeee I’m just beside myself. I love you too sweets! And I’m blushing at the same time, feeling the love!! xo I’ll dance with you! yayay for local farms! If you ever make it up here, we’ll go on a farm tour and then cook all that we find! I’d love that! Thank you for your sweet support Chey and you pins.. always!! xo
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
February 25, 2016 at 9:34 amSo exciting, Traci! And much deserved. The space you’ve created here is so fantastic, that I think you should get a million awards! This soup is just what my body needs right now (I’m recovering from being sick – boo). Think I’ll make it tomorrow!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 10:16 amAwh, Liz! Thank you for your million awards! Back at you my dear! Thank you always, for your support and encouragement. Oh noooo on being sick. What a pain.. but yes, this is one that will kick what ever ails ya. SO kick up that chipotle; your endorphins will whip your immune sys into shape! xo
deb says
February 25, 2016 at 9:08 amFingers crossed! You’ve got my vote!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 10:14 amThank you so much Deb! :D xo
Jennifer Caldwell says
February 25, 2016 at 9:03 amWhat a delicious-looking, nutritious, and FUN soup! Thanks for sharing, dear sister. Adapted from Cafe Flora – how exciting! I can’t wait to try. And am so very happy for you in the blog nom. You’ve tirelessly and painstakingly dedicated yourself to this craft and are putting a lot of love into this world. I love it! and love you. That little girl who wanted to grow up to be a cake decorator has made her dreams come true… and then some. :-)
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 10:14 amAwwhhh… big smile when I read your note, Jen! (For those reading this.. not only is she my sis, she is my proof reader extraordinaire! ). Thank you for your support and love. YOU will love this recipe, no doubt.
Amisha says
February 25, 2016 at 8:35 amI am so thrilled and happy for you Traci!! Congratulations and will vote right away after this! :) You have such a beautiful blog, and a multitude of skills and talent and how you play with food, and take the most stunning pictures. Wishing you the best, and I hope you win in your category :). so exciting about the CSA produce! I have been wanting to try so for the longest time, and have not gotten myself to as yet. Looking forward to seeing all the gorgeous produce from your local farm! And this soup is amazing! I love the flavor profile and how you have used chipotle in this soup as well, and the greens! Love hearty soups like these… perfect for a wholesome meal :). Much love… Amisha
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 10:11 amAwwwh, Amisha. I don’t know what to say… I’m just beside myself. Thank you for your constant support and love. I think the Earth shifted when we were introduced and I’m so grateful for your friendship my dear. You’d love this soup.. and I know you’d take the spicy UP! Find a close CSA, Amisha. I know there are many around where you live and so you’ll have some really great options! You’ll love the challenge too of never really knowing what you’ll get. And I know you like a good challenge! ;) MWAH!
Meagan @ The F&B Department says
February 25, 2016 at 8:26 amHoly cow! Congratulations, Traci! That’s so awesome!!! You deserve it, lady. You’re dedication is written all over this site, and I’m so happy you’re being recognized for it!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:52 amHeeey Meagan! Thank you my dear, for kind words and ongoing support! I feel the love girrrl! xo
mira says
February 25, 2016 at 7:51 amCongrats Traci, your blog is one of my favorite ones to read! Voted for you! I agree about shopping at local farms, thanks for the inspiration! Love the soup!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:52 amThank you Mera! That means so much to me! xo
Megan says
February 25, 2016 at 6:59 amCongratulations, that’s so exciting! Also I’m super happy because I went over to Local Harvest and found a nearby CSA I didn’t even know about so thank you so much for sharing.
Traci says
February 26, 2016 at 9:02 amThaaank you Megan! Hooray for finding a nearby CSA! You go girrrl!!! :D
Sue says
February 25, 2016 at 6:52 amLooks delish. ….. Must try!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 10:07 amThank you Sue! :D
Caroline says
February 25, 2016 at 6:41 amCongratulations dear girl! You’ve created such a beautiful spot with thoughtful recipes, insightful words and gorgeous photos. I’m so happy you are being acknowledged for that! We have just signed up with a CSA…so looking forward to this experience. This soup…ahhhh…such a beauty. I’m pretty sure I’ve got everything I need to make it! My dinner plans may be set! :) Mmwahhh!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 10:00 amHeeey Caroline! This means so much to me.. your sweet and encouraging words. Sooo happy to get to know you girrl! Hooray for signing up for CSA! High Five!! And may dinner be all that you hoped for! xo
danielle // rooting the sun says
February 25, 2016 at 6:32 amTraci, congratulations! This honor is so well deserved – I knew I’d struck gold from the moment I found your blog and started making your recipes. And the community that you’ve built is loving and nourishing, just like your compositions. Also – so much CSA love – – I can’t wait to hear all about that presence in your life, it’s such a wonderful outlet to support. And finally (could there ever be!) – this soup is fantastic. The flavors combined with the wilted greens are what I crave in a bowl of soup. Much love lady – don’t stop doing what you’re doing. xo
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:59 amOh Danielle… thank you my dear. Such sweet and thoughtful words. You’re such a source of inspiration and I appreciate your support and love! I’m grateful my dear. xo
Julie @ Cooks with Cocktails says
February 25, 2016 at 6:27 amWow Traci! Congrats! You must be over the moon excited :) You deserve it girl, you’ve got my vote!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:57 amThaaank you Julie, for your vote, support and kindness! Excited.. yes, and beside myself! :D
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
February 25, 2016 at 6:13 amAhh congrats Tracy! Best of luck to you int he awards, you totally deserve it! xoxo
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:51 amThank you so much Abby!! xo
rebecca| DisplacedHousewife says
February 25, 2016 at 6:00 amCongrats Traci — so happy for you!!! And I’m so glad that you made the point to mention organic practices vs certified organic. Know your local farmers…organic practices are what to look for. This soup is gorgeous!! xo
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:50 amThaaaank you Rebecca!! Oh, you know, it’s sooo true. It’s so blasted expensive to get certified and most small farms cant afford it. All the farms around here grow organically but only one is certified. And this is fine by me. I’d rather them spend their money on interns, land, seed or equipment!
Aysegul says
February 25, 2016 at 5:26 amFirst, A BIG CONRATS to you Traci. How wonderful that your work is being acknowledged among other successful bloggers. You should be proud of yourself and this place your created on the internet. I wish you all the best.
About this soup… It is funny because I recently made a slightly different version of this that I’ll be publishing in the next couple of weeks. It looks so SO good and I know it tastes delicious.
XO
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:42 amThaaank you Aysegul! Very exciting, but I’m quite beside myself. I appreciate your support, inspiration and love so much my dear! I love how our cooking has aligned recently… it just goes to show you how much our tastes are in common! I can’t wait to see your version of Sweet Potato Peanut soup.. there are so many variations! xo
Alexandra | Occasionally Eggs says
February 25, 2016 at 4:59 amI’m so happy for you, Traci! I have the tab open and will vote as soon as I’m done writing this. This soup looks phenomenal. I did my undergraduate thesis research with a local CSA farm, and it was great. We have a very short growing season here, so it’s not really possible to continue the CSA year round, but they do it for 4-5 months. Graham and I also colonized about 80% of our apartment backyard last summer and even though it’s a small space, we were able to meet a lot of our food needs through that and then supplemented it with market produce. I’m so thrilled you’re talking about these things. I think I let it fall off my radar a little bit during the winter months because we don’t have any local food. I’m just a tiny bit jealous to see all your gorgeous local produce!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:40 amThaaaank you Alexandra!! I’d looove to read your thesis! It’s so important to support our family farms.. they have been disappearing for so long and they are getting fewer and fewer. Four-five months is good, if that’s as long as they produce. Several of our farms have produced year round this year because we’ve had such a mild Winter and another put up a hoop (green) house. I feel completely spoiled, but the good thing is, our community is supporing them, so they grow more and put up hoop houses! Hooray! That’s so cool you and Graham grow your own food, too, in your back yard! So inspiring! xo
Alexandra | Occasionally Eggs says
February 25, 2016 at 1:24 pmHahaha it’s 70 pages long as so boring. There were piles of really awesome articles I used that you might be interested in, though. It was pretty neat doing the research work for it, but writing academically is difficult knowing that it reaches so few. Talking about it in a space like this is so much more effective. It’s so good to hear that the community support is allowing your local farms to grow! I live in an area that’s very much rooted in conventional farming, and smaller, more sustainable producers struggle here. Gardening is so amazing, Traci! It’s the best feeling, and nothing tastes better to me.
Traci says
February 26, 2016 at 7:26 amOMG – I love nonfiction… in fact that’s all I read Alexandra! I’m a brainiac anyway.. so if you are inclined, I’d still love to read it!! Seriously. No doubt the research reaches so few and it reaches the wrong audience. No doubt our community really gets behind slow food here but believe it or not, there are so many who don’t know what a CSA is!? Most of our country is rooted in Conventional because that’s where the money is from subsidies and big GMO.. have you seen the monocultures in California and Idaho? Miles and miles of zero weeds and the same crop. Unbelievable. No diversity and sterile… and then some of these farms back right up to streams and rivers… some right to the ocean. So all the pollutants/posions go right in… to our water! OMGeee. Its awful. I know we could have a loooong and engaging talk about this, Alexandra! :D Gardening is sooo good. It feeds the body, mind and spirit. I’ve not had a garden in almost 5 years, but this year Rob and I are building some raised beds to supplement our CSA and farmers markets. Plus it’s just fun! Can wait to hear about your veggies! xo
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
February 25, 2016 at 4:18 amYahoo Traci! So happy to see that your wonderful work has been recognized!! I LOVE stopping by your blog because everything always looks so wonderful and I usually learn something important too! I am loving this soup. All the flavors just sound like they go perfect together! I’ve never tried a peanut soup either, so this one is on my list! Congrats again friend!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:32 amThank you so much Mary Ann and for your ongoing support! It means so much. Mmmm peanut soup. I love how peanut butter can go sweet or savory. You’re going to love this my dear! :D
Mel @ The Refreshanista says
February 25, 2016 at 3:57 amThis soup looks so so perfect for a chilly day! And I love reading about your experience with farm-fresh food :) I was just researching all of the farm-fresh food delivery boxes in my area! I’m hoping to get started with one very soon :) and congrats on your nomination! You absolutely deserve it!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:30 amHooray for farm fresh food, Mel! It’s the perfect time of year to get started finding a CSA or renewing! I hope you find one that works for you my dear! Thank you so much for your kind note. :D
Alison @FoodbyMars says
February 25, 2016 at 3:46 amI love that you participate in CSa’s, I found one by me and boom they shut it down so I need to search again!! Local and seasonal is so important. Plus what a variety! This soup looks like a pillow in a bowl, how dreamy.
Congrats on the nomination- very well deserved and I just voted for you obviously!! Good luck, darling!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 9:27 amOh no.. Boom! I know there’s another one near you Alison! I hope you find one that works for you. No doubt local and seasonal is key. However, I’m still pulling stuff from my freezer from last summer.. corn, pesto, and then there’s all the squash. I gotta start clearing that out! Thank you for your sweetness and support my dear! xo
Nicole Rossetti le Strange says
February 25, 2016 at 3:43 amOh, how wonderful, Traci – I am so happy for you! I shall go and my vote too, and pass the word!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 8:54 amThank you for your sweet note and vote Nicole! xo
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
February 24, 2016 at 6:53 pmTraci, congratulations on the nomination – it’s well deserved and I hope you win! I look forward to your posts each week – your blog is one of my favorites and you always inspire me to be a more creative cook. Your blend of storytelling and the information you share in your posts mean I’m always learning something new (or learning about how you got locked in the mens room!). Congrats again, Traci – such a treat for you! As for this soup – it looks delicious. I’ve never thought of making sweet potato soup before – but love the spicy kick this has – especially the ginger!
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 8:52 amThank you Geraldine, so much! You’ve been here since the beginning and I’m so grateful for your support, feedback and friendship. Now this soup… Geraldine, if you like Sweet Potatoes.. and I know you like ginger, you’ll love this! :D
nicole (thespicetrain.com) says
February 24, 2016 at 6:51 pmOoooooh, I am so excited for you, congratulations, Traci!! Well deserved I should add! Will vote right now. :)
Traci says
February 25, 2016 at 8:50 amHey, Nicole! Thank you my dear and for your vote! :D