"Difficult day? Use this to ground your hands, mouth, and belly. (Trust me. You'll like it.")

We all have those days… days where we just want the BS to end. Days we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemies. Days we just need a hug and someone to tell us it’ll all be alright.
 
How we get through those days is different for everyone. But for me, its finding ways to enjoy the things we all need to be happy and healthy humans. Shelter, food, and family. The simple things enjoyed in not so simple ways. Take that room you spend most of your time in and find ways to make it more comfortable, more enjoyable to spend time in. Paint the walls a color that you love, hang art that means something beautiful to you from an artist you admire, purchase that handmade piece from an artisan you love, and for god’s sake… get rid of that awful avocado green shag carpeting ;)
 
Enjoy that space by yourself, with family and friends. That space will become more than the sum of its parts to you and your loved ones. It becomes a place that brings everyone together to share life with. A place that shields you and your family from the chaos outside of your walls. A place that you know is waiting for you after those difficult days we all have. For me… that space becomes a positive shield in a world of negativity!
 
Speaking of difficult days… There’s been a lot of those lately for so many of us. How do I get through them? I remember to smile. I find the grumpiest stranger and make them laugh. I remind myself there’s always something to be thankful for! That tomorrow is another opportunity for a better day!
 
What am I thankful for? Simple pleasures… especially on cold days like today, I’m thankful for soup and grilled cheese sandwiches! Specifically, carrot soup! Simple but sophisticated… and damn near perfect for dragging grilled cheese sandwiches through on the way to your mouth. You won’t regret making this one. Do not skip the White Balsamic vinegar if you can find it!
 

Roasted carrot soup with Thyme (or as I like to call it… a remedy for a difficult day)
 
I highly recommend reading the directions twice before making and I tend to do all my food prep before I start the soup. 
 
INGREDIENTS
1.5 pounds carrots peeled and rough chopped (Parsnips are also a good option to mix in for an alternative)
1 Tbsp Kosher salt
3 sprigs of fresh thyme (leaves only)
2 Tbsp Olive oil
3 Stalks celery sliced thin
1 onion sliced thin
3 quarts cooking stock (veggie or chicken works well)
¼ cup White Balsamic Vinegar (it’s not the same without it)
1 Pint Heavy Cream
Salt and pepper to taste
 
DIRECTIONS

1. Set oven to 400 degrees 
2. Peel and chop carrots, toss with Olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme leaves. Put carrots in a roasting pan and roast until the carrots start to caramelize and soften. (Check and stir around 10 minutes and continue cooking until desired caramelization)
3. While carrots are cooking, slice celery and onions and sweat in a saucepan on medium-high heat. When the carrots are done place them in the same pot as the onions and celery. 
4. Stir in just enough stock to cover the veggies and simmer for 20 minutes
5. After cooking, puree the mix with an immersion blender. With remaining stock and white balsamic, thin the soup to desired thickness while blending. 
6. Once pureed, finish the soup with heavy cream and season to taste
7. Optional… Sautee a small, diced carrot with salt, pepper, salt, and olive oil. Finish with fresh thyme leaves and put a spoonful on top of the soup.