Wanna know what I wear as a hat? A lentil

                             


Mmmmmm lentil soup. Definitely qualifies as a top favorite winter meals, probably in a close race for first with a classic Thanksgiving-inspired dinner. Its hearty, warm, rich and best of all CHEAP. A bag 'o lentils runs for about 1-2 bones these days- not bad when it costs 4 dollars just to go over a stinkin' bridge- which these devotees nearly did for a mere lack of carrots. Lentil soup without carrots? Just won't do. Its really easy to make and easy to throw in whatever you have around. We're talking variety here people. Leeks, scallions, celeriac, thyme- you kinda play it by ear, or mouth rather. You can literally add anything you desire into this dish. You can even use 1 month old scallions like Valen did! 1 month old I tell ya! MMmMmM. That's called being green, even if they aren't anymore.

Anyways- the best part about lentil soup? Beer. No, not beer in the soup. Beer with the soup. Let us warn you ladies, beer and lentil soup can be quite the man's meal. We tried pairing it with wine, we really did- and we wouldn't recommend it. But there is a solution to every problem- and that solution is a little thing we like to call HOPS. Newcastle HOPS to be specific. Not so heavy that it will make you lethargic like a Guinness and not so light you will feel like you're at a college frat party. As a wise philosopher called Goldilocks once said, "This one is just right."

Well, were going outside before this snow storm comes.  Of course, we will be drinking again. But you don't drink cold Newcastles when you're going outside in this weather, oh no. Hot toddies- and we're not talking cider and rum here people. Good Earth Tea, 2% Milk and Seagram's Whiskey. Oh yes, we did, and you can't judge us until you have tried it yourself. We just created it from beverages we already had- and turns out its our new favorite thing. (Valen is Scottish- of course he always has whiskey in his freezer.) A night hike is much more intriguing (and warm, and fun) when you have a thermos filled with this concoction.

'Cause you wanna know the best part about cooking? Experimentation. And that is the theme of the night. Sometimes the creations you whip up with things you have laying around can turn into a favored standby. So get in your kitchen and create a masterpiece- if we can do it so can you.

Goodnight Internet people.

Oh and the weird title? If you don't get the reference:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF9-sEbqDvU. Lots 'o laughs here.