I love traditions. Especially those fabulous special occasions when families gather and mom, dad, grandma, grandpa and anyone else who can, does their special something. I will also admit that I get jealous reading about other families traditions. I can't say that we had many of them growing up. I vaguely remember Christmas and Thanksgiving at grandma and grandpa's house but over time that never seemed to be consistent. It has occured to me over the years that maybe we just weren't a very family oriented family.
Of course, it became glaringly obvious to me when I met and married my husband that there are different levels of family involvement. His family is very family oriented and I absolutely love it. Christmas Eve is always at Abuelitas house. The locations for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas aren't as set in stone (they're having growing pains right now), but they're always spent with family. In fact, all holidays are meant to be gathered at, including birthdays. This one is definitely new to me, since birthdays were never a big deal growing up. I don't remember any big hoopla over streamers, balloons, gifts or dinner. I just don't remember any sort of traditions. To be fair to my parents, maybe I was too young when traditions were upheld and as I got older they fell away.
Well, that is not going to happen to my kids! I LOVE traditions! We will have them! I mean it! Our children better LOVE our traditions because I'm going to work hard to make sure they do!
And, OK, if they ultimately wind up thinking that traditions are over-rated that's ok too. I just want them to know the experience. For me it's a solidarity of family values and a big hug of family love that you can dip into whenever you need to. I'm not sure what about my yearly pot roast or traditional turkey would make it seem like I love my children any more than everyday hugs and kisses. Probably it won't. But I know that the kids will remember when they used to climb up on their stools, eventually standing along side me, in the kitchen and helped make memories right along with the pot roast and turkey. I hope, in the very distant future, as they go their own directions that they will be able to make a shared recipe or two on their own and evoke feelings of family, home and love.
This recipe will no doubt become a winter tradition in our home. I've made it nearly every week this winter and I plan to do it again next winter. It's what I call a keeper. It has a slightly sophisticated flavor that appeals to adults thanks to a hint of clove, and is extrememly kid friendly due to the inclusion of pan fried hot dogs (which I secretly love too!).
The Kid's Lentil Soup
(adapted from Mireille Guiliano's, Lentil Soup)
- 3 quartz water
- 2 cups red lentils
- one large onion, cut into eighths
- one whole clove
- 2-3 large leeks, sliced, white and light green parts only
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 1 large celery stalk, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 4-5 hot dogs
- 2 tbsp. butter, divided
- 2 tbsp. flour
In a large pot or dutch oven, start bringing the water to a boil as you prepare the other ingredients.
Cut the onion into eighths (or smaller if preferred) and stud one of the onion slices with a clove. Slice the carrot, celery and leeks.
Be sure to toss the leeks into a bowl of water and separate them slightly, ensuring that any dirt and debris in the leek's layers sifts to the bottom.
Put the lentils, onion, celery, leeks and the bay leaf into the pot. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam that begins to gather on the top.
Lower the heat and simmer the soup for at least 45 minutes (sometimes I let it go well over an hour) or until the vegetables have softened.
Slice the hotdogs. Melt 1 tbsp. butter in a skillet, add hot dogs and cook until browned.
Spoon the hotdogs into the soup, reserving the melted butter in the skillet. Add the other tablespoon of butter and, once melted, sprinkle the flour into the skillet. Whisk the butter and flour together and allow it to cook for several minutes, then add it to the soup. Season to tase with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for another few minutes.
Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
For my girls, I always add an ice cube, I think they like to watch it melt. :)
This makes quite a large pot of soup and refrigerates well. I usually make a pot on Sunday and eat it all throughout the following week.
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