Apples 'n' Vermicelli

Forgive me, Tom, for I have sinned. Due to the fear of OD'ing on Sour Skittles, I have yet again delved into my new Apples for Jam book. I couldn't help it -- I didn't have enough ingredients to make any of your meals, plus I was hit with a fit of childhood nostalgia!

I made the very simple Vermicelli Soup with Lemon and Butter. This soup reminds me of my youth, especially in summertime, because in the humid heat of summer I remember playing outside with my friends. My mom would call me to come inside for lunch. I ran into the kitchen, starving, to be greeted by a hot chicken soup! You would understand my pubescent curiousity as to why my mother would serve me soup when it was boiling outside. I think she once told me it would cool me down - who was I to argue; it's not like I knew how to make anything myself.

The soup, mellow and comforting, made from scratch - I don't think my mom ever used stock cubes - had some lovely vermicelli noodles in there, with green flecks of parsley. It was the best lunch! And now I have found it to be a fantastic dinner!

Tessa Kiros' version of this soup has butter and lemon mixed in with the stock, and then mint and parmesan added at the end. I love lemon and mint in soup! I first fell in love with lemon in soup when eating Nigella's Happiness Soup. It really makes the soup at times!

Eating it I remembered coming in on that warm day - I must have turned 14 that week. I was wearing a green Champion t-shirt (remember when Champion anything was popular?) and white spandex leggings with the bottoms cut off and some lace was there in its place. With great sorrow, I should let you know that these cut-off leggings seem to be making it back into fashion. Lord help us! Well vermicelli soup should never go out of fashion - it is ultimate comfort. Growing up, whenever my mom would serve me soup, she would add the cooked vermicelli separately, at the table. She would ask me how much I wanted - I said 'Eeshaw, eeshaw!' -- 'More, more!' Some things have never changed. Ultimate carb heaven!

** I should mention that the Cupboard Love project is going on the road. Next stop, western Florida! Now, this 5-day trip could go very very well, or very very badly, project-wise, of course. I could come back making loads of recipes, or I could just lounge at the pool for all that time and make nada. Only time will tell, so watch this space!