Holy cow, it is getting COLD here in Iowa!

Yesterday marked the beginning of the Web Design Certification program I enrolled in for the next four months. Super long story short, I found out that it’s probably going to be cancelled due to low enrollment. I should be able to attend the first two courses, and then get a refund. I’m pretty bummed.

Nevertheless, I ventured out into the Iowa tundra (yes, tundra) last night to soak up as much CSS/HTML information as I could. It took me the full 35 minute drive home (at 9:30 pm. yawn.) for my fingers to thaw!

Also, note to self: drinking a smoothie during class might sound like a great way to sneak in dinner. Please remember that smoothies are  COLD. What was I thinking?

The moment I woke up this morning, one thing was on my mind:

This is, hands down, my favorite winter recipe. It’s the perfect combo of easy, filling, and (most importantly) WARM. There’s nothing like it!

My long time friend Dessie concocted this recipe a few years ago, and I’ve used it ever since. I bulk it up with a little more veggies and a little less water, but that’s it! Sometimes hubs throws some ham into the mix with one hour left on the crock pot, which is amazing.

Pair this with some chewy bread and you’re in heaven, my friend.

 

Seriously, I never claimed to be a great food photographer. This is about as good as it gets! Of course after I took this picture and dumped everything into the crock-pot I realized I forgot something pretty important ….

 

 

Hey. I was up till 11pm and then got up at 5am. Shiz happens.

Split Pea and Barley Soup

ingredients

• 2 cups Dried Split Peas
• .5 cup Barley
• .5 cup White Onion, Diced
• 1 cup carrot, Diced
• 5 cups Chicken Broth
• 3.5 cups Water
• 4 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 3 Bay Leaves
• 2.5 teaspoons Dried Basil
• .5 tsp Garlic Powder
• 3 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tsp Kosher Salt

Directions: Rinse your peas. Take all the pretty things and throw them into a 5qrt (minimum) crock-pot. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. If you want to add diced ham, add to the pot with 1 hour left. You may need to add water depending on your cooker and how thick you like it! (TWSS?)

Yields: 6-8 cups, depending on consistency.

Easy-peasy!

Yup, that was a pea joke.
I hope you all have a nice warm day wherever you are. Even the trees are wearing sweaters here in Iowa City.

 

xo – Emily
Be strong. Be fearless. Be you.