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Everyone knows Chris Wallace – His Sunday show on Fox News is one of the brighter DC shows on TV. We met Chris and Lorraine in Martha’s Vineyard when they would come up to visit his dad, Mike Wallace – another Wallace that could comfortably be called Mr. Sunday.
But, Wellness Soup??? I just can’t believe I am about to make Wellness Soup, but before I make this righteous leap into tasty nutrition, let me enjoy the emotional nourishment of Lorraine’s charming cookbook.
In his forward, Chris refers to his extended family as a version of the Brady Bunch coming together around the kitchen table. Sunday Soup became a tradition - or a ploy – to create treasured private family moments together each week. Lorraine’s book is filled with charming stories of her family and friends, which does indeed bring love to each recipe.
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But Wellness Soup! Actually it is called Family Wellness Soup. That changes the paradigm: When a Wallace took ill, a chicken was sacrificed! (Sorry, old joke). Naturally, Bill would have found this delicious chicken and fresh vegetable soup. Variations are made in our family as well. The recipe is simple but perfect and (achew) you will definitely feel better!
I asked Lorraine what her favorite soup recipe was and she immediately replied, Chris loves the Hearty Lentil Soup! Her soup is made with onions, celery, bell peppers, tomato sauce and her secret ingredient – curry powder!
A book devoted to soups and divided seasonally must be a staple in any kitchen. This gentle tome offers up the most expected soups and some exciting, unexpected surprises to last many Sundays of family joy!
Chris’ favorite: HEARTY LENTIL SOUP:
1 cup dried lentils
1¼ quarts (5 cups) low-sodium chicken broth, homemade or store-bought
1 onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
2 cups tomato sauce
½ teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 small potato, peeled and roughly chopped
½ teaspoon curry powder
Rinse the lentils well in a colander and pick over and discard any discolored lentils or debris.
In a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the lentils, broth, onion, celery, carrot and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are just tender, about 30 minutes.
Add the bell pepper, potato, tomato sauce, curry powder, basil, salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer until the potato is cooked, about 15 minutes more.
Ladle into warm bowls or tall mugs and Serve.
Recipe reprinted with permission from Mr. Sunday's Soups © 2011 Lorraine Wallace. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nancy Ellison, award winning photojournalist and celebrity portraitist, has authored fourteen books of photographs, including "Romeo and Juliet: The Love Story in Dance" and "Starlet". Her newest book, "Wagner's Eternal Ring" was published in September 2010 by Rizzoli.