Ginger Carrot Lentil Soup

I'm always on the lookout for good soup recipes, particularly recipes that:

1. Are Vegan
2. Low in Weight Watcher Points
3. Freeze well

With just one Weight Watcher point, this Ginger Carrot Lentil Soup hits all the buttons.  (As a bonus, you get to use an immersion blender.) I found it on a diabetic web site several years ago.  I'm glad I printed it, because it's no longer on the site.  Sad that I can't properly credit the originator.  

Red Lentils can be found at Trader Joe's.  One chunk of ginger, about 3 ounces, is enough for 1/4 cup of ginger.  Peeling and dicing the ginger is about the most time-consuming part of making this soup, but it's worth it (though I suppose you could use jarred ginger).

Ginger Carrot Lentil Soup

2 teaspoons oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1/4 cup fresh ginger, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/8 teaspoon cayenne

5 cups water

1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced

1 cup dried red lentils, picked over and rinsed

1/4 teaspoon salt (original called for 1/2 teaspoon)

1/4 cup lime juice

Optional toppings:

Plain low-fat yogurt

fresh cilantro, chopped

lime wedges

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander and cayenne and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the water, carrots, lentils and salt, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the carrots are very tender, about 30-40 minutes. Let the soup cool slightly.

Puree using food processor or blender, in batches, until smooth.

Return the soup to the pot and set over medium heat. (If the soup is too thick, add water ¼ cup at a time to achieve desired consistency.) Cook, stirring often, until hot, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Ladle the soup into 6 bowls. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons yogurt, and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges. Serves 6.

2018 Christmas letter

May 27, 1978 - Los Angeles CA

Happy New Year from the Watkins Family, established 1978 and still going strong, 40 years later!

It’s been a significant year.  In January and February, we had a milestone birthday  Not to reveal our age, but it’s the year you can buy a lifetime pass to the National Parks, and the age when it becomes socially acceptable to stop working.  We did buy the pass - as well as matching luggage with a lifetime guarantee (somehow not as meaningful as when we were younger) - but retirement is a few years off.  With many of our peers retiring, some younger than us, we’re reminded of when we were in high school and our friends in classes ahead of us graduated.  They’re having all kinds of adventures, while we only hope they’ll want to hang out with us again when we, too, have time for leisure, coffee dates and (what we’re most looking forward to) sharing stories of adventures in grandparenting. 

We’ve made good use of the luggage.  We celebrated our 40th anniversary on an Alaska Cruise with our good friends Mike and Kayline (whose son Josh happens to be married to Caroline).  While we’ve celebrated three anniversaries on an Alaskan cruise before, this itinerary was a little longer, allowing us to visit the bucket-list port of Sitka and the

May 27, 2018 - Inside Passage, Alaska

surprise gem of Hoonah/Icy Point Strait. 

Randolph took his luggage to jobs in Marysville and Salt Lake City.  I was able to join him for a weekend in Utah; we drove to a ghost town in Beaver, where my grandfather was born in 1900.  The luggage went to California twice - first when Randolph and I visited family in winter, and then in May to take a historic photo: my mom with all nine of her great-grandchildren.  Randolph flew to Detroit for the annual safety meeting of Woods Construction. 

Because of Randolph’s work schedule, we saved our long vacation for November.  We flew into Raleigh to spend Thanksgiving with Lanh and Alex in Holly Springs.  Alex is in his second year of medical school; Lanh is a lead at Starbucks and going to school online.  We explored the area (Duke Chapel is a must see), and even drove three hours each way to see the Seahawks play the Panthers in Charlotte (at about one-third the cost of a game in Seattle)!  The next week, we rented an RV with two goals: To see if we’re RV people; and to explore a bit of the South.  We visited good friends in rural North Carolina, where Randolph tasted the local delicacy, livermush, and then drove to the Billy Graham Conference Center in Asheville (whose chapel is also gorgeous).  But the highlight to the trip was a guided tour of Andersonville Prison in Georgia, where my second-great grandfather was a Union POW during the Civil War; very moving to know how 1/16th of my DNA suffered there.  We did conclude that we could be RV people, but didn’t really care for the unit we rented.

Regrettably, our travel during the first half of the year was dampened a bit by a painfully failing knee, which was replaced in August.  I scheduled the surgery when Caroline was on summer break from nursing school so I could have my own personal nurse the week after surgery; she did a great job.  After three knee surgeries (two in 9 months) this was my quickest recovery. 

We’ve had some losses this year.  Lap and Lara parted ways.  We are grateful for the years Lara was part of our family, and pray for them both as they moved forward.  We also said goodbye of our sweet black lab, Sienna; Josh and Caroline lost their cat, Razmir.  Both were older rescues so we knew our time with them would be short, but there now are empty spots in our homes.  The net number of animals in the family remains at five: Lanh and Alex adopted a retired greyhound, Rey.  Ian and Kaitlin got the boys a golden retriever puppy, Bailey. 

Always a highlight of the year is the annual Seattle Hydrocephalus Walk. This year’s featured speaker, 8-year-old Reid, did an excellent job; after cutting the ribbon to start the walk, he practically ran the course - something unthinkable before he had a couple of breakthrough surgeries at Seattle Children’s Hospital to improve his leg function. (Google “Reid Watkins” and “On the Pulse” to read the story.) Of course, we’ve also been blessed this year by the milestones of his brothers, 6-year-old Cohen, our soccer star, rock hound; and 4-year-old Jensen, who seems to delight in everything and everyone.

Nate and Stephanie continue to pursue parenthood through foster-to-adopt. We’re hoping their current foster child remains in their home long enough for us to meet her; she sounds delightful. (I’ve always wanted to crochet Barbie clothes, and she’s a fan.)

Lap had a job transfer closer to home at the new Costco in Bonney Lake, where he’s the membership manager.  Caroline finished her first year of nursing school, is vice president of Portland Community College’s Student Nurses Association, and also a member of the board of the Oregon SNA, helping to plan the state convention which will take place at PCC.

Randolph continues his work with Woods Construction and had the best year of his career.  This year he was foreman on most of his jobs.  Because retail stores want to finish construction by the holidays, he has a bit more time on his hands in November and December.  But he’s already got his schedule beginning January 9. 

I’ll mark my 39th year at World Vision in May, and am determined to make it to at least 40.  Very excited about our new CEO, Edgar Sandoval.  While I’ve cut back my involvement at the district level, I’m still active in Toastmasters and am about an inch away from earning my Distinguished Toastmasters award.  We’re still at Faith Church, where I’m involved in the meals ministry and the occasional photography gig. 

We are looking forward to all that 2019 will bring - travel, family, work, and friends like you.  We wish you every blessing in the new year.

Merry Christmas,

 Randolph and Sheryl

Make-ahead oatmeal mix

Now that I'm carpooling, I need to be ready on time in the morning.  Every minute saved is another I can spend on the exercise bike.

Last weekend, I packed a couple of sandwich bags with oatmeal and the fixings when we went out of town.  We ended up going to breakfast both mornings, so I was able to use them this week to shave a couple minutes off my morning routine.  So today, I "packed" my breakfast for the week.

Each container has:

• Heaping 1/2 cup regular oatmeal
• Dried fruit (prunes, raisins and strawberries I dried last spring)
• 2 tsp. sesame seeds
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

This week when I stumble out of bed, all I have to do is put it in a Corningware container, add slightly less than 1 cup water, cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes.  (If you don't add fruit, use even less water; if the ratio is off, the oatmeal will overflow.)  By the time I'm off the exercise bike, it's cool enough to eat without milk.  

Seahawks scarves

My husband asked me to make him a Seahawks scarf, so I made him this one out of Red Heart Super Saver yarn.  I used this pattern by Heather, but I made it a little wider by starting with chain 27.  Colors for hubby's scarf are:

• Soft Navy
• Spring Green
• Grey Heather

(I think if I had to do his over again, I would use Country Blue instead of Grey Heather.)

Mine is a simple granny square, with a single crochet border.  In addition to the colors in Hubby's scarf, I used:

• Country Blue
• Blue Suede
• White

My scarf turned out so large I could use it as a table runner! 

I was able to find the yarn on sale at JoAnn's for $2.50 a skein.  So far, I've made two scarves, with enough to make several more (though I'm running low on Spring Green; it sold out quickly in the Seattle area in the lead up to the Super Bowl).  I already have an order from my daughter.

For the cost to buy a scarf, I'll be able to make scarves for half the family.  And will be able to think how much I love my 'Hawks with every stitch.

#GoHawks

Mid-Century Style: Three-bean Salad

Well-marinated

I loved my grandmother's Three-Bean Salad.  I got the recipe from her before I got married, and made it on occasion for potlucks and family gatherings.  Unfortunately, my husband and kids didn't share what is arguably an acquired taste.  I did look forward to my father-in-law's visits, as he was a fan.  After he died, I had few opportunities to make it and, unfortunately, misplaced the recipe.

Recently, I had a hankering for the salad.  Also, I thought it might be a good meal to have on hand for visiting vegan children (once I located vegan Worcestershire sauce).

I had one recipe in my files, but when I realized it contained no Angostura bitters or celery salt, I knew it wasn't Grandma's.  So I asked my mom if she had it.  Yes, she thought she had the recipe her mom had written out.  This struck me as a little odd, since Gert (as the family called her) really wasn't a recipe follower.  In fact, she had a healthy disrespect for all directions, discarding the user manual for every appliance she ever brought home as soon as she took it out of the box.

Original "recipe"

My mom took a picture of the recipe with her iPad (for which, I'm sure, she still has the user's manual) and e-mailed it to me.  It gave me a big laugh.  Clearly, only Gert or one of her female descendents could prepare a dish from this recipe!

Actually, I'm not entirely certain I interpreted Grandma's instructions correctly.  It didn't taste exactly as I remember, but that could be the lack of anchovies in the Worcestershire sauce.  After two potlucks and many lunches, we just finished the first batch, and will make another before the second batch of vegans visits.

Mom said Gert got this recipe at a cooking class at Lawry's California Center, a Los Angeles landmark for decades which closed in 1992 as a result of cost-cutting by the parent company.  In addition to restaurants, the center offered cooking classes featuring Lawry's products.

One more note: Angostura bitters are most often used for mixed drinks, so look for them in the liquor aisle of your grocery store.  When we first moved to Washington, I had to go to the State Liquor Store to find it.

Gert's Three-Bean Salad
1/2 cup each white and brown sugar
1 cup oil
2 cups vinegar
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 Tbsp. Angostura bitters
1 tsp. celery salt
1 Tbsp. seasoned salt
2 cans each green beans, waxed beans, garbanzo beans, and kidney beans
1 cup each (or to taste) chopped celery, green pepper and/or red onions

In one-gallon container, mix all ingredients except beans and vegetables.  Drain beans and add to bowl.  Add vegetables to taste.  Refrigerate at least 24 to 48 hours, stirring twice a day.  (Also can be made in plastic food storage bags for ease of turning to marinate.)

Salad only gets better with age and can keep for a couple weeks.

Salad looks like this when first mixed.  Not nearly marinated enough!

The priceless gift that costs less than an hour

This blog is about things we can do that are fast, frugal and fit - like being able to save a life (or two or three) by giving less than an hour of my time.

Every two months, the bloodmobile pulls up at work.  It's usually the highlight of my week.  Alas, today I was turned away; my iron tested slightly below the limit.  I'll have to wait two months to give again.  (Unless, of course, I get a call that my blood is needed because a child is having surgery.)

Why do I love giving blood?

It saves lives.  Each donation can be used for several patients, some with life-threatening injuries and illnesses.  When I was a young adult, I was afraid to give blood.  Then I visited my grandmother in the hospital and saw the blood she was receiving from an anonymous donor. I knew I could do it - as long as I didn't look.

It's a privilege to be able to give blood.  It means I'm healthy.  My irreplaceable friend Cheryl was a regular blood donor until she was treated for cancer.  (Since then, the guidelines have been eased so that it's not an automatic disqualification.)  I pledged then, I would never miss an opportunity to give.

It provides an opportunity to socialize with people on different floors.  There are people I work with I only see on bloodmobile day.  Call it networking or socializing, you can learn a lot from someone when you're reclined with a tube coming out of your arm.

It helps the nurses in my life.  I have "baby blood," because I've not been exposed to a common virus which is OK when blood is transfused to adults, but not children.  My niece is a pediatric nurse; she says my blood is like gold.

A few years ago, we lost Cheryl over Thanksgiving weekend.  It was a bittersweet time, because we also learned we were to be grandparents for the first time.  The week before Christmas, the blood center called.  "We need your blood for a young boy who is having surgery.  Can you come in?"  As I was sitting at the center giving blood, I thought about the young boy who could have surgery because there was blood available, and realized I was giving his parents - and grandparents - the gift of hope.  It was the best Christmas gift I received that year.


The life you save could be someone in your family.  I have the same blood type as my son and at least one of my grandsons.  Of course I pray they never need blood, but it's comforting to know that if they did, they might get mine.

It's a reminder that I live a quiet (read, boring) life.  OK, no one likes the intrusive questions that have been in the screening for the past couple of years, but isn't it nice to report I haven't done anything dangerous in the past couple months?

The perks.  Every donation is an opportunity for juice, snacks and a cool-colored bandage on my arm (I always go for hot pink).  My blood center has an annual dinner to honor donors, with small gifts like lunch bags.  My husband goes to a different center (that conveniently visits the church up the street every two months); his center gives out cookbooks.  Now no one is going to give blood for dinner or a cookbook, but it's nice to hear "thanks."

Giving blood could have health benefits.  One study found blood donors are less likely to have heart problems.  The screening process also lets donors know if they have conditions like high blood pressure or, in my case, low iron levels.  It's also a great excuse to have steak for dinner, to replenish the iron in our bodies.

In short, giving blood not only saves lives, it makes donors feel better in body and spirit, and it doesn't cost a dime.

To find out more about blood donations, you can check out the FAQ of my blood center.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - and Repair!

At one of my Toastmasters meetings, I heard a speech from about the three "R's," no, not the "reading, 'riting and 'rithmatic" from my youth, but "reduce, reuse and recycle," a way of cutting down on pollution, energy consumption and/or landfill waste.  The speaker mentioned a fourth "R," which I can't remember - and when I looked on line, I found variations of the extra "R," the most common being "recovery" and "reclaim."

There were some interesting points in the speech.  Through ads on Craig's list, he sells his empty beer and wine bottles (no screw tops) to home brewers and vintners. He doesn't make a lot of money, but it's a nice reward for recycling. 

Inspired to do my part, I started looking for a small sewing kit to repair some clothing, my choice for the 4th "R."  I started with items of clothing which, well in the interest of being delicate, wouldn't be seen by anyone besides my husband and the ladies at the gym.  I spent $1.25 on the sewing kit, and saved several times that with my first "repair" session.  Maybe my work will improve and I can graduate to sewing buttons on blouses and repairing hems on skirts.

None of us can save the Earth by ourselves, but we can all do little things:

• Meat takes more of resources to produce than other forms of protein.  You don't have to go vegan, but we can all eat less meat.
• Buy a pressure cooker, and use less energy to cook.
• Shop at thrift stores and library book sales.  You might find some real gems.
• Take your spent batteries to community recycling (but be careful how you store them).

Whatever your 4th "R" is, you can help save the Earth - and a little of that other kind of green, money.