Fall, is that you? I didn’t recognize you since you are wearing sunglasses, a tank top, and sweating like Sarah Palin at a press conference.
Welcome to DC where there is no such thing as fall. It's 85 degrees today. I hate to sound nostalgic, but I miss fall in Boston. Big sweaters, crisp air, and apple picking are a few of my favorite September things. Last year I went apple picking in DC. When I asked where the Macintosh apple trees were, the farmer laughed and asked if I was a Yankee. I told him I had never played baseball in my life. Apple picking just isn't the same without Macintosh apples, especially if it's too hot to drink warm cider.
I’ve lived in DC for twelve years and while there is a long list of things I love about this city, I will never stop complaining about the weather.
Here’s a soup to welcome fall. It tastes good no matter where you live.
Ingredients
1 lb. Hot Italian Sausage
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 butternut squash
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 red pepper
2 tablespoons fresh sage
2 cups arugula
3 tablespoons brandy
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Brown sausage; drain in paper towel and set aside
2. Dice onions, cut squash in 1 inch cubs, dice garlic
3. In a separate soup pot combine onions, garlic, and squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil; sweat until tender.
4. Once squash, onions, and garlic are tender blend with a hand held blender until smooth.
5. Add water, broth, and blend again.
6. Simmer for a few minutes.
7. Add remaining ingredients: brandy, cream, diced red pepper, chapped sage, arugula, brandy, red pepper flakes, and sausage.
8. Simmer 10 minutes.
9. Add salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve!
