Meals with Midgi – Alaska’s the Place for Me

I just returned from a two-and-a-half week vacation.  I haven’t had a vacation that long since…well…since ever. The Captain and I did go to Hawaii a few years ago for about two weeks, but other than that it’s been about 5 days max.  This was the vacation of a lifetime. We went on a 12-day Caribbean cruise from New York City.

The cruise was awesome.  It was everything I had hoped and then some. I had to do some fast talking to get The Captain to commit to something that long, but after negotiating two fishing trips and two scuba diving excursions, he agreed.  We had a blast. We ate great food, saw wonderful shows, enjoyed the warmth and sun, and basically got to spend most of that time unplugged and just being together.

I feared we would suffer from too much togetherness, but that didn’t happen. We enjoyed laughing together and hanging out and relaxing. After a few days at sea, he remarked that he hadn’t ever been that relaxed. Nor had his hands ever been that clean and uninjured.  Apparently all the mechanic work he does on the boats, as well as the construction work he does in the winter, makes for an unrelaxed and dirty environment.

Juneau Was Wet, Blustery, and Cold

Needless to say it was fantastic and we definitely enjoyed it.  Then we came home.  Gone was the 85 degree temperatures, the sun, the sand, the warmth within and without.  Juneau was wet, blustery, and cold.  And I loved it. Alaska’s the Place for Me.

I was so cold, all I could think of was something warm to eat or drink, or both.  I remembered the final night of our cruise and the delicious potato soup that I had in the steakhouse restaurant. It was smooth and creamy, and oh so delicious. The perfect dish for a cold night.

As I sat on the love seat  in our boutique apartment watching my favorite version of A Christmas Carol, 1951 with Alastair Sim, I reflected on the wonderful vacation I had with my husband. I also reminisce about my family and the special holiday season. Although I am not with my girls this year, I know that they are safe, happy, and loved in their own homes. I am blessed beyond measure and appreciate something as simple as potato soup can add to these feelings.

I truly wish you all a wonderful Christmas and most joyful New Year.  May they be filled wit, cheer, great food, lots of laughs, and most of all love.

Until next time…

Eat and enjoy,

Midgi

Velvety Potato Soup

• 2 Idaho potatoes, washed and cut into large cubes
• ½ cup half and half
• Salt and Pepper
• Chives, or tops of green onions, chopped
• Sour cream

Place potatoes in medium sized pot and cover with cold water. Cook until fork tender.  Place potatoes and remaining water in blender and blend until smooth.  Add half and half and blend more. If the soup is too thick for your taste, add more water.  Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with course black pepper,  chives and sour cream.