I miss the rain this deep into winter. The rain on my skin. The sound of it in the background. The steam that rises from hot asphalt in the early morning when a soft drizzle falls through the sun. The smell in the air after a thunderstorm. The movement of the sky and the mournful or furious clouds that bring it in. The smell of grass and mud in the country. The rain that inspires poetry and bubbling pots. Paintings and lovemaking. Walks and warm fires.
Around this time of year I always become aware of how long she's been gone. A little over a month to go. It seems so long, but just when I think I cannot stand it any longer, March arrives. She comes back to me.
The reason.
Early morning.
Stillness is complete.
Only a few birds stir.
Digging for worms.
The mist of life.
Envelops everything.
The path is deeply green.
Pregnant with life.
The smell of earth.
Of trees.
Of existence.
Breathing.
Tears of gratitude.
This is the moment.
The reason.
- Oana Silaghi Bedikyan
Time to dish.
Beautiful plum soup ... until the rain comes ...
Here is what you need for the soup:
- A bunch of lovely plums, pits removed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 slices of lemon peel
- 2 cups of water
- 1 vanilla pod
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
For the garnish:
- A few of those same lovely plums from above, sliced
- Some honey or maple syrup
- Fresh Rosemary
Here is what to do for the soup:
- Add everything (except lemon juice) into a pot and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until everything is beautifully blended. Once done, strain through cheesecloth or any kind of strainer you may have handy. Stir in the lemon juice and serve warm with reserved caramelized plums. If you wanted to add some clotted cream ... you could... I'm just sayin' ...
For the garnish:
- Coat your plums in the honey or maple syrup and place under the broiler for a few minutes on each side. Until they look pretty. Remove, pierce with a tiny rosemary sprig and save for garnish.
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