Incredible Soup, from Scratch! (almost)

Whether you are vegetarian or not, you will LOVE this recipe for Mexican style tomato soup.  You can even make it vegan by simply omitting the sour cream.  Makes 10-15 bowls, and ideal for large parties or freezing

Ingredients:
45 roma tomatoes
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1 bulb garlic
olive oil
vegetable broth
salt and pepper
cayenne pepper
fresh cilantro, chopped
sour cream
tortilla chips

Instructions:
1. Cut the tomatoes in half.  Cut out the fleshy bits and seeds, and lay on baking sheets
2. Cut off top of the garlic bulb.  Cover in oil and place on the sheet with tomatoes.
3. Toss the tomatoes in oil; enough so that they are covered, not so much that they are swimming.  Lightly season with S&P
4. Bake tomatoes at 375F for about 40 minutes.  You will know they are done when the sugars caramelize and leave black marks on the baking sheet.  This is the most difficult part and may take some practice, but fortunately the recipe isn't ruined if you don't get it quite right.  Longer cooking times and more caramelization means a more smokey flavour to the end product.
5. Blend tomatoes and garlic in a food processor.  Place in a large pot and put on low heat
6. Pour vegetable broth on baking sheets and heat on medium high on the stove until the caramelized tomato juices loosen and you are able to scrape them off.  The broth should take on a dark brown colour.  Add to pot and stir
7. Drain and rinse beans.  Add to soup along with corn.  Continue to stir on low heat.
8. Add salt, pepper, cayenne pepper to taste.  If you want a bit more smokey flavour you can also introduce a bit of red wine to the mix
9. Serve in a bowl and top with cilantro, sour cream and tortilla chips to taste.  1-2 tbsp of each is about right, depending on tastes


It's a bit tricky to get it just right, but the end result is some of the best soup you will ever have.  It's smokey, sweet and springy, and just a bit spicy (depending on the cayenne).  It even works with canned plum tomatoes, so you can give it a try in season or not!

Review: Beer Soap by BetweenFriends

I recently began browsing handmade website Etsy for vegan soap, since I have been having trouble finding some that is reasonably affordable and lasts.  I came across a number of sellers that were offering soap made from BEER, which I thought was so, so cool.  After a minute or so of searching for more, I found a soap made from Alexander Keiths that was shipped from Toronto!  This gave me the great opportunity to pick up the soap personally and save on unnecessary shipping and packaging materials.

The soap is made by a girl named Maggie under the username BetweenFriends, and so far it's been working great.  In case you are wondering, after I have a shower it doesn't smell like I just downed a keg by myself, the soap actually smells sweeter than beer and also has oils and other ingredients that complement it.  Also, unlike other vegan soaps I have tried, they are holding their shape well, which suggests they will last quite a while (can be a problem with vegan soaps)

If you are interested, there are many other Etsy vendors that sell beer soap, including several that sell Guiness (apparently it smells a bit like caramel).   However, one note of caution: Etsy users ship from all over the world, so if you are trying to keep it green, try and buy local.