Today was a whirlwind. [Heh! Wind!]. I don’t even remember most of it!?
Just like I don’t remember eating a few handfuls of peanuts as we prepped dinner. I just have the photo I snapped at the time for proof!
Dinner was a version of our old classic soup: Nutty Vanilla Sweet Potato & Kale Soup.
This soup literally wiped out the fridge. There is nothing left but two jars of overnight oats for breakfast and two cheese and jam sandwiches packed for lunch along with two apples!
[And a door full of condiments 
]
This soup used the Pacific Brand boxed Poblano Pepper and Corn Chowder. I love Pacific soups and have used them for bigger soup bases for years. This one was new (it had chunks!), and I picked it up this fall to keep on hand. Sadly, I would only recommend it if the thought of rolling around in composting onions soups appealing to you. It had that stinky aluminum can tin oniony smell that I despise about canned soup – despite being from a box! I’ll be going back to my favorite Butternut and Carrot creamy soups next time. It looks like they only use onion powder, which is much milder, in those.
We put a big chopped sweet potato into the soup and simmered for about 25 minutes, until the potato was tender. Then we added a huge bag of trimmed kale and put the lid on the pot for another 5-10 minutes – until all the kale was wilted. Topped with peanuts! Despite the soup’s flavor disappointment, this bowl of kale with a drizzle of soup and chunks of potatoes was still pretty darn good.
But I’d say I enjoyed the buttered side of bread more ; )
Do you know what’s weird? Packing summer clothes in the winter. I am so unfamiliar with my summer outfits that I forget which ones are my favorites! I don’t have the time to try them all on, so hopefully they will fit!
Also packed 2 bathing suits – whee!
Our flight leaves Cville at 12:20 tomorrow, so we’ve got the morning to finish getting organized. I think I’m going to go watch Selling New York now – love that show!
Talia says
That bread looks awesome!
stacey-healthylife says
The bread looks tasty. I hate when a soup doesn’t live up to your expectations. But bread always helps.
Amanda (Eating Up) says
That bread with butter looks soooo good right now. I have bread envy!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Safe travels tomorrow! Enjoy the warmer weather 🙂
Maryann (The Balanced Bean) says
Have a safe trip!! Its raining here in socal…boo! The kale looks delicious!
Courtney @ the granola chronicles says
Bread and butter = true comfort! Enjoy your night! 🙂
Kristy @ KristyRuns says
Headed to warmer weather myself! 🙂 p.s. that bread looks delicious!!
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Have a safe trip!
I envy your indoor lighting!! I can’t match that after dark, or even the daytime!
Erin says
I think that soup is actually quite good!
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says
My husband is addicted to Selling New York, too. Have a great trip! 🙂
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete says
I so wish I needed to wear a swimsuit soon — I am craving sunshine big time!!!
I know PB + chocolate is an awesome flavor combo, but nothing beats bread + butter. It is the best!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Have fun on your trip!!
Thanks for the honest review, Kath “It had that stinky aluminum can tin oniony smell that I despise about canned soup – despite being from a box!”–
I love how you are always honest about things. No sugar coating. Thank you!
The bread, mmmmm delish!
KathEats says
🙂
Hannah says
I’m so envious of how you routinely clean out your fridge! I always have more food in the fridge and pantry than I need.. clearly I need to find myself a hearty-eating man 😉
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I love those Pacific Soups too. Trader Joe’s has a fantastic red pepper-tomato, if you’re ever near a their store in need of soup. I just tried the V8 butternut squash… definitely stick to the Pacific version. 🙂
Krissy - Shiawase Life says
Have a safe trip!! =)
lynn @ the actor's diet says
oh man i am JEALOUS you are packing for swimsuit weather!!! i have to pack for both austin and san fran soon and am at a loss of what to do – very different climates!
Cindy says
That bread and butter looks awesome! Enjoy your trip
Katy (The Singing Runner) says
Safe travels down here to the Sunshine State! 😀
Valerie @ CIty|Life|Eats says
That bread looks delicious 🙂
Have fun in the sun!
Kathleen says
I love the pairing of the Sweet Potato and Kale! 😀
Diana @ frontyardfoodie says
I wouldn’t know what to pack of summer clothes! I’m out of practice. I LOVE clearing out my fridge, isn’t it refreshing? I did it recently and really have felt good about it.
Kiran says
I want to be the first to welcome y’all to the Sunshine State 😉
notyet100 says
enjoy,..
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
Have fun on your trip! California is so cold right now… you’re lucky to be going to Florida!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
SO jealous that you will be wearing summer clothes! Have fun:-)
Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy says
I’m so jealous of your trip and getting to wear summer clothes!! I can’t wait until warm weather is back in NY!
Amy at TheSceneFromMe says
The buttered bread would have been my favorite part of that meal too!
Happy beach bumming! You are lucky and I am jealous! Enjoy the sun, sand and sea 🙂
sarah shep says
i hope you enjoy your trip! will you take this wind with you & bring back some of that warmth when you head home? i’m in harrisonburg and i know we could all use some good old Flarda weather ’round here on both sides of the mountain!
Christena says
“Flarda” – bahaha – that’s how we say it in Alabama too! 🙂
Lauren says
I’ve been craving your Nutty Sweet Potato Soup. 🙂
Have a wonderful trip!!
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) says
Bathing suits? What are those? It feels like a distant memory. 😉
HAVE FUN! 😀
AJ @ Flowing to Fifty says
Groovy bowl. 🙂 Icky soup. 🙁
You’ll be on the beach in no time. Yahoo!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
mmmm your bread looks divine!!!
Christin@purplebirdblog says
Have a safe trip!