January Redwork Snowman

The month of January is named for the Roman god Janus, who has two heads that face in opposite directions.  Therefore, he's able to look back to the past year and forward to the year ahead.  Janus is the god of doors, doorways, and gates - symbols of beginnings and endings.

                                                      January

                                             The days are short,

                                                The sun a spark

                                             Hung thin between

                                                The dark and dark.

                                             Fat snowy footsteps

                                                Track the floor,

                                             And parkas pile up

                                                Near the door.

                                             The river is

                                                A frozen place

                                             Held still beneath

                                                The trees’ black lace.

                                             The sky is low.

                                                The wind is gray.

                                             The radiator

                                                Purrs all day.

                                                                      by John Updike

On a cold day when the radiator is purring all day, fix some delicious Cheese Soup.  "There are many delights in winter, and eating in front of the fire is one of them."  Gladys Taber

Cheese Soup
1 quart chicken broth

1 tablespoon dried onion

1 cup celery, sliced

1 cup carrots, sliced

1 cup frozen green beans

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup fresh or frozen broccoli pieces

2-1/2 cups potatoes, diced

2 cans cream of chicken soup*

1 pound American cheese, cubed

1.  Combine chicken broth and vegetables in a large soup kettle and simmer until vegetables are crispy tender.

2.  Add soup and cheese, stirring until cheese is melted.

Just about any vegetable can be added to this soup.  If you use peas, add them at the very last minute (after the soup and cheese) so they will stay bright green.

*You can make your own cream of chicken soup.  For each can of soup called for, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.  Stir 3 tablespoons of flour into melted butter with a wire whisk until well mixed.  Add 1 cup of chicken broth.  Stir constantly until thick and bubbly.  This is equal to one can cream of chicken soup.  You would double this for this recipe since Cheese Soup calls for 2 cans cream of chicken soup.      

To view my completed Redwork Snowmen Calendar Quilt, click here:

http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/12/redwork-snowmen-calendar-quilt.html