I’ve decided I need to get back to my creative roots. Throughout my childhood I’d flip through fashion magazines and spend my weekends rearranging my bedroom. When that got boring, I’d stroll over to my grandparents. Once there, my grandma would let me play in her in closest and dress the manikin she had in her bedroom. My Nonnie had the most beautiful clothes, so as you can guess, this was one of my favorite activities. Once I’d finished, I’d make my way downstairs, to play in the kitchen and help her set the dinner table. I’ve always loved design and putting things together. Basically, I’ve always loved being creative and trying to make everything pretty. Or at least pretty to my eyes. As I began cooking and then writing Half Baked Harvest, all of that creative energy was poured into making food look gorgeous. And for the last 6 1/2 years I’ve worked so hard to grow my creative “eye” in this space. And I could not love it more. I love fashion, and I love home decor, but food is most definitely my niche. That said, I realized this weekend that I miss doing the other things I used to love so much. I was looking around my house and it’s so blah and boring. I’ve spent so much time working, that everything else fell to the wayside, I’m sure so many of you can relate. I really want to make it a goal to spend a couple of hours each week doing other things I love. I know in the long run it will only feed my creativity and make Half Baked Harvest that much better. I’m excited. No real reason for sharing this, it’s just what’s currently on my mind as I sat down to write this post. Maybe sharing my thoughts with you all will hold me accountable…crossing my fingers my reasoning works!
In other news, I did make us some soup to cozy up to this week! I said a couple of weeks ago that I was kind of over soup, I’ve made so many this year. But then I had this idea for a grilled cheese (recipe coming soon). Nothing goes better with a grilled cheese than a creamy bowl of tomato soup. Originally, I wasn’t planning on sharing this recipe. But when it turned out so good, I knew it was one that I needed to share. My reason for hesitating is that it’s a little different. But it’s such a delicious, cozy, and healthy bowl of soup, so why not share it, you know? Plus, as much as we’re all craving spring, it is still very much winter, and very cold. So soup weather!
The harissa is KEY in this tomato soup. It adds all the flavor and really sets it apart from the traditional bowl of tomato soup. In addition to harissa, I also used canned coconut milk, to give the soup a nice smooth and creamy texture and a slight hint of coconut flavor. It’s DELICIOUS and keeps the soup 100% vegan too. While, I topped the soup with goat cheese, you can do what you like, and add or omit the cheese. You know me though, gotta have some cheese. Lastly, I crisped up some chickpeas for a little bit of protein and crunch. This is completely optional, but I do love the texture they add to the soup. And as for the grilled cheese? More on that tomorrow… Until then, I hope you all have a great start to your week!
If you make this Moroccan tomato soup, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
