Creamy Tomato Soup--The Perfect Head Cold Remedy

So, Guest Blogger Tommie stepping up to the plate (HAH! Get it?) tonight. Tracy and I teamed up to create this lovely, DAIRY-FREE(!) taste sensation. The creaminess comes from leeks, and it is amazingly delicious. We have a number of friends who make this regularly, and we're glad to pay this recipe forward. And tonight, I strapped on the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS apron (a most excellent Christmas gift) and got my soup nazi on.

It's pretty easy to cook this one, except when you have to handle this electrical devise called an "immersion blender." Clearly, I was not checked out on this, and I was, according to Tracy, "white-knuckling." But, don't worry, I hung on for dear life, and nary a wall was splattered.

The soup turned out great, particularly with a couple pieces of toasted wheat bread that Tracy made yesterday. This dish remains, as always, a "5." Even with our colds, it was awesome.

Creamy Tomato Soup

Tommie's all-time favorite dish: Creamy Tomato Soup. Despite the name, this soup does not have any dairy, just a whole lotta tastiness. I often make this as a starter when I have company over, and every time guests love it.

It's not the simplest of all recipes -- you have to roast some tomatoes, saute some leeks, and then step by step add in the layers of flavors, but it is worth the time.

One tip: for all the soup recipes that call for a blender, I use an immersion blender instead. You hold it in the pot, and it purees the soup right there. Saves time cooking and cleaning, and you can make quick smoothies with it too.

Tommie was literally depressed that he was full after two servings; we, therefore, are in agreement that Jack Bishop's Creamy Tomato Soup deserves the full 5 stars.

Coconut Rice with Edamame and Leeks

Comfort food vegetarian style. I could not possibly tell you how many times I've made this dish over the last 4 years or so. It's relatively easy to make, and the combination of coconut milk, fresh ginger, leeks, cilantro, and edamame is heavenly. When I know that I want a hands down yummy dinner, I often turn to this one.

No question: Jack Bishop's Coconut Rice with Edamame and Leeks gets 5 stars. One of my favorite recipes.