Most women will tell you that they love visiting the hair salon or getting a manicure because it is just such a luxurious and rejuvinating “me-time.”
I, on the other hand, look forward to manicures mainly because I cannot wait to talk shop with Rozik, my beautician.
Daisy loves joining me, but is not in the least interested in the conversation which often involves the latest discoveries in Thai or Indian cuisine.
My little blue-eyed beauty is more focused on making room for her cute little feet in my soaking basin and splashing up a big mess.
During my last visit to see Rozik, we started our usual exchange of foodie ideas, but I was quite surprised when she told me her favourite food blog is one I had recommended. In my lucky stumbles online, I found a beautiful cooking blog called the Kitchen Lioness. Andrea hails from Germany with stunning photos and mouth-watering dishes.
Her charming posts are a sheer indulgence to read. Everyone I’ve referred to her blog has instantly become addicted to it. And soon, you will, too.
Recently, Andrea has established the Cottage Cooking Club following Veg: River Cottage Everyday by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. She hand-picks some favourites from innovative vegetable recipes and offers a list for members to try. This is the only cooking club I have actively joined and to be honest, we have a massive book shelf displaying beautiful cookbooks that serve more as eye candy, preserved in perfect condition in the living room. But, Andrea is the reason I wanted to participate in the cooking gig. She has presented so many lovely finds from Hugh’s books that I was convinced I would truly enjoy participating.
When my copy of the cookbook finally arrived, I had a quick flip through and looked at the beautiful photos, skimmed through a few recipes. The book is bursting with creative ideas for presenting vegetables on the dinner table.
As I scanned Andrea’s list of tempting recipes, my eyes stopped at one very cool idea: Pea + parsley soup.
There is actually very little cooking required for this one, which is a blessing these days with the mercury reaching for the stars here in SoCal. Hugh’s idea for what is really a vibrantly green take on gazpacho calls for a handful of ingredients, mostly fresh, coming together in minutes.
Simply elegant and refreshing, this soup is a lovely quick meal on a hot summer night. This is healthy you do not want to miss. Parsley is known to clean the palate and soothe digestion. Many people suffer from digestive issues, which can lead to problems with weight and gut health. These people could possibly use supplements like nucific bio x4 and many more to give their digestive system the support it needs, so to have parsley in your diet assists this. Add a dollop of creamy yogurt on top, if you dare. In fact, green yogurt is also great for the gut, due to the bacteria in it.
This is sexy spa food that actually tastes delicious. You will not want to put the spoon down and just might lick the bowl, if no one is looking.
Loved reading this Post – you were the first to leave your Link on the Cottage Cooking Club Blog tonight. This should be a fun adventure.
I discovered Andrea's blog through French Fridays and am so glad I did! I'm looking forward to cooking through River Cottage Veg with all of you. Nice first choice!
Great post Coco, I too joined this cooking group because of Andrea, never have done anything like this before, this should be fun. Your soup looks wonderful! Appears you have the perfect assistant when you get your nails done.
Hi, Mary. Thanks to Andrea, I've found you. Love the asparagus pizza you made!
She's a doll, that Andrea. I think I may have found her while writing a comment on Cocoa & Lavender, another fav of mine. Loved all the things you made, Teresa!
Hi, Cheri. Glad you enjoyed it. Andrea's cooking club is already fun. Loved the zucchini recipe you tried – looked delicious.
Yes, I'm very lucky to have a very cute sous chef. 🙂
Dear Colette, thank you so much for the kind comments about my blog – I certainly more than appreciate them! I am a bit speechless! Your pea and parsley soup looks divine – I will get to it very soon as fresh peas have made an appearance at the green mongers and at the farmers´ markets around here.
Thanks again for the kind words, for the participation and your enthusiasm!
And please do not forget to give that cutie pie of yours a big fat hug from me!!!
Andrea
I always bring my daughter when I get a pedicure she likes looking at the colors of polish more than the conversation. Speaking of colors the soup is gorgeous. Can't wait to try this one on a rainy summer day.
Your photos are stunning! So cute with you and your daughter.
Isn't this fun? I had a great time with this month's recipes!
Hi Coco,
At first glance, I thought I was seeing double… Yours looks as beautiful as the one in the book 😀
Zoe
Your soup looks stunning, and those bowls are beautiful! I too am grateful for finding Andrea's site – she is amazing, is she not? Would love to meet her in person on day. Cooking through this book is going to be a fun (and healthy!) adventure. 🙂
This soup looks so delicious!
And loved the first photo, at first I actually thought it was in the book 😛
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Andrea love, thanks for coming up with this concept. It's a great way for me to try some really innovative vegetable dishes. Sending you and your sweet family the best wishes for a fun-filled w/end! xo
How cute! Hope you do try it, Diane. Thanks for stopping by. Love your blog, too.
Thanks! That's the best compliment.
Yes, I love this CCC. Met you nice ladies and am enjoying making some interesting new dishes.
Hi, Z. Hah! I'm glad you like that pic. xo
Thanks, Cathleen. The bowls are wooden Japanese rice bowls. We use them for everything from condiments, ice cream, soups, etc.
Hi, Chippy! Thanks for checking it out. This was a fun post, esp the first pic! xo
Colette – this looks wonderful, and I love that you and your manicurist dish about (culinary) dishes! How fun! ~ David
Gorgeous looking soup! I need to make this one this week. Looking forward to cooking with you through The Cottage Cooking Club. And, I agree Andrea's blog is my favorite to read and take visual vacations to!
That looks delicious! Love the summary flavors in here, I'll have to try it soon! 🙂
David, you'd love this one. So easy & refreshing. A light & lovely appetizer. xo
Thanks, Christy. I enjoyed your post, too. Everything you made looked wonderful!