A Bowlful of Sunshine: Spicy Carrot Soup

© 2008 Miri Rotkovitz

I go food shopping so often that I've usually got all sorts of ingredients to play with when it's time to cook. Every once in a while, though, things get crazy enough that I don't replenish the larder. Then, come dinnertime, I've essentially got a Top Chef-esque Quickfire Challenge on my hands, only without the excitement.

Last night, I discovered I had carrots, a red pepper, some veggie stock, and, uh, not much else. I didn't even have an onion for crying out loud. Plus, the weather had been stuck-inside lousy for three days, which not only made me grumpy, it made me crave vegetables. I basically had one chance to get dinner right, or we'd be stuck eating peanut butter. Out of the jar. Thank goodness for spices! I grabbed some ginger, chili flakes and garlic, sauteed them in some olive oil, added the veggies and stock, and thankfully ended up with a rather yummy, vibrantly colored soup with just enough spicy heat to cheer me up from the dull weather.

Virtual Cookie Exchange- Our Guide to South American food has a great recipe to share with us for Alfajores . You'll be instantly addicted to these crisp buttery cookies sandwiched together with soft, rich caramel. And they keep well which makes them perfect for gifting.