It was another chilly, blustery day, rain clouds were brewing in the distance – indeed it was / is a “Perfect Day” to steep a pot of tea and indulge in The World of Peter Rabbit. This is one of my favorite version of Beatrix Potter’s stories! I was at first enjoying these whimsical little tales playing in the background on my computer while I went about some daily task – washing up some dishes, cleaning ceiling fan, dusting – this then called for some therapeutic – meditative style knitting ( you know the kind you get while knitting my Tasha Tudor style Cottage shawl – the pattern is available in my etsy shop 😉 ) and a nice cup of tea. While going about my task slowly, calmly taking in the words of these lovely little stories realizing once again that there is indeed some deeper meaning in these little tales of Beatrix Potter’s, I also took notice of the music – very mystic, celtic sounding, that was played at the beginning and end of each episode lending to that serene, calm atmosphere of my day. I just had to find out the name of that song – that voice! I did a little google search – as one does! I found the song to be “Perfect Day” by Miriam Stockley!
I thought you might enjoy listening to the song while you start some soup!
Perfect Day – With Beatrix Potter and Miriam Stockley.
Perfect Day
The rain has moved on
And left a new day
Nothing seems to move everything is still
It’s just a perfect day
A perfect moody day!
The shadows and light
That move with the wind
Hidden violets grow splashed with summer spray
Just another perfect day
On the wild and misty hillside
Fear is nature’s warning
Hunger here is never far away
i 
On the wild and misty hillside
Fear is nature’s warning
Hunger here is never far away
And all of this world
Is for children who play
Days that never end always should remain
Another perfect day
Another Perfect Day!
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A “Perfect Day” to enjoy watching / listening to The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends. It will keep playing all episodes – Enjoy another perfect day!
Here you can enjoy my post about Squirrel Nutkin and his friend scamper who stopped by to visit us while on one of our camping adventures. I also share some fun information about Beatrix Potter:
https://elegantlyhandmade.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1509&action=edit
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A Perfect Day in my world would also include a nice bowl of my vegetable soup….. so today I think we will call it Peter Rabbit’s Vegetable soup! 😉
First thing is to go to Mr McGregor’s garden and gather your ingredients – fresh is best.
Peter Rabbit’s Vegetable soup.
“Soup is to the meal, what the hostess smile of welcome is to the party…” ~’The Soup Book’ 1949 Louis P De Gouy
Do you start your meal with soup? I usually have it as a meal accompaniment with a sandwich or crackers and cheese.
Pretty Carrots!!
mmmm….carrots, cabbage, celery, leeks, potatoes, squash…..
Yes Peter, these are just a few of the vegetable we all love.
Veggie,herbs and spices of choice. It’s your soup
I start by dicing:
1 leek or onion
4-6 ribs celery
4 – med carrot
1 red, yellow and /or orange bell peppers
4 med to large tomatoes
– diced potatoes
1/2 – Med head of cabbage cut into desired size chunks
1 Each of Yellow squash and zucchini squash, diced
Saute in olive oil. I then stir in
6 -10 fresh chopped tomatoes
I then put the lid on and let this simmer.
Another perfect day soup!
After you have simmered this briefly – 10 – 15 minutes. Add more of the same and more vegetables but chopped this time.
2- Potatoes 2- ribs – celery (optional, I like celery) 1 – Each yellow and zucchini squash, chopped cabbage if you like, and….. other vegetables that you enjoy……
Maybe you like turnips, parsnips. I do I enjoy that little surprise bite of tangy tartness.
I love Green Beans in my soup.
After you have added all the vegetables you like, fill the pot with water to cover the vegetables and boil adding more water as needed.
Seasoning:
1- 4 Tbsp Dried dill – chives and Tarragon are also a tasty addition but optional 2 – Tbsp onion flakes (yes, in addition to what you have already added) salt and Pepper ( I use celtic / grey salt)
I do not like to over season so as not to lose or over power the wonderful flavors that the vegetable seep into the broth, that is why we start with small diced vegetables most of these will cook down into the broth.
Mmm… something smells good in there.
“There is nothing like a plate or a bowl of hot soup, Its wisp of aromatic steam making the nostrils quiver with anticipation…..” ~ ‘The Soup Book’ 1949 ~ Louis P De Gouy
“Soup is the song of the (my) hearth……. and (my) home”.
Is the soup done yet!!!
When is it done ? Well how to you like your vegetables – real soft or a little more texture to them – it’s up to you!
When I turn the heat off I like to stir in:
2 – cups of spinach or mixed greens – just to wilt.
1/3 – cup Nutritional yeast optional
There are a few options / additions :
I enjoy zoodles (AKA zucchini noodles)
1 can of beans – garbonzos are good in here, drain or add with liquid
pre-cooked noodles or rice
As many of us are aware, Tasha also admired Beatrix Potter you can find recipes at her families site, to enjoy with todays soup. Tasha Tudor’s Corgi Cottage Soup can be found in her Cookbook not only does it contain delicious family recipes but is accompanied by family stories related to each recipe and Tasha’s excellent water colors. There is now available a new – up-dated version of the cook book by Tasha’s grandson Winslow.
https://www.tashatudorandfamily.com/inspiration/recipes
The Up-dated version of the cook book
~ Take Joy, Melissa
You can my Tasha Tudor style “Kindred Spirit” shawl PDF pattern, for sale here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-hand-knit-pdf-patterns-cottage?ref=shop_home_active_1
A happy customer wearing her custom order Tasha Tudor style , colonial style shawl
OR – you can purchase a custom hand-knit TASHA TUDOR STYLE ‘ KINDRED SPIRIT’ VERMONT WOOL – shawl, like Emily is wearing here:
~ My hand – knit TASHA TUDOR STYLE ‘COTTAGE ELEGANCE’ COTTON SHAWL, Here:
http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/225866/cottage-elegance-red-cotton-shawl-hand-knit
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Here we come to “The End Of A Perfect Day” with Barbara Stanwick from the movie “Remember the Night”
The end of a Perfect Day
I hope you do indeed have another “Perfect Day”
~ Take Joy, Melissa
All content of this blog Copyright @ 2017 By Melissa O’Connor
Elegantly Handmade 