Lazy Saturday Comfort Food

Let me just start by saying, I LOVE Saturdays! More specifically, the lazy Saturdays were there is nothing pressing and no where to be in a hurry. As I sit here typing away, my hubby is lounging on the couch next to me reading a book and the pup is peacefully snoozing (almost) on her blanket. Oh, did I mention the smell of split pea soup is constantly teasing us, by filling up the entire house with a warm, yummy aroma? Aaahhhh...
Our morning started with a late breakfast of French toast, bacon and fruit. The bread for the toast was some honey whole wheat oatmeal bread-homemade a few days ago. The eggs and bacon were locally produced and the fruit was...good. :) Here's how we do French toast...

4 thick slices homemade whole wheat bread
3 eggs
2 Tbsp milk
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Whisk up eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla in a shallow dish. Place bread in egg mixture, waiting about 2 minutes to flip over. On a griddle or skillet, toast bread about 3-4 minutes per side.Serve with real maple syrup. We like Trader Joe's Organic Grade B Maple Syrup.
Enjoy!

Since it's about time for lunch, how about some homemade Split Pea Soup for a cold February day? It's super easy!

16 oz pkg. dried split peas (rinsed & sorted)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 large carrots, diced small
2 stalks celery, diced small
8 cups vegetable broth or water
1 bay leaf
2 smoked pork shanks
salt & pepper- to taste

Saute onions in about 2 Tbsp olive oil. Add carrot & celery. Saute for about 5 minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 2-1/2 hours or until peas turn to mush (or however you like your peas). Remove pork shanks from soup, remove meat from bones, chop the meat and add back into the soup. Serve with warm bread or croutons.Happy Lazy Saturday!

Emmy

PS-My new camera came the other day! Now, I need a lens! :)