Pea Soup

No, not a recipe post - though if I'd had my wits (and camera) about me, I could have taken a delightful photo of our lunchtime soup before we scoffed it... My friend was in Havant to visit her dentist, so it was natural for me to 'do' lunch. Being aware that some dental appointments limit the food chewing capabilities if the patient, I decided soup was a safe option. As it turned out, the weather was on my side - chilly, windy, dull and dismal enough to make a hot soup a pleasing prospect while we chewed the fat, as the saying goes.

Now she has pootled off home, I have the afternoon to let my fingers tap dance a blogpost into existence, and Pea Soup remains on my mind, as well as in my stomach. It is a most homely, unpretentious foodstuff, but I equate it with the very essence of hospitality. It uses natural ingredients which need to be lovingly prepared  and cooked well in advance of the coming meal, as split peas cannot be rushed - they take their time. The advantage to this is, when a guest finally arrives, the cook can relax and enjoy their company to the full. What more could you ask of a menu? Soup with some tasty granary bread  and a little sweet treat to follow is the perfect accompaniment to a friendly lunch date. When can I expect to see you? Just let me get my diary...

And for seconds, I give you...

The Mock Turtle's Song 
by Lewis Carroll


Beautiful soup, so rich and green,
Waiting in a hot tureen!
Who for such dainties would not stoop?
Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup!
Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup!
Beau--ootiful Soo--oop!
Beau--ootiful Soo--oop!
Soo--oop of the e--e--evening,
Beautiful, beautiful Soup.