Рецепт Pimiento (Roasted Red Pepper) Soup; lizards from the sky
Remember last year, about this time, when I made a new friend?
Larry, the Lounge Lizard, was paying me daily visits as I worked at my desk.
I didn't mind seeing his chipper little face.
With all of the construction going on, holes in the floor and walls, I knew he could leave if and when he chose.
Remember last fall when I may have complained once or twice about the lizards taking up residence in the window in our (temporary) bedroom?
Whenever I opened the window they scurried around, in and out, frantically trying to figure out why there secure nook was being destroyed.
Again, I didn't really mind as there were significant gaps in the floor boards where they could easily make their escape.
This morning, for the first time this year, it was beautiful, sunny and warm. I opened the window in our newly finished living room to enjoy the sunshine.
A lizard fell on my head.
I looked up and there were 2 more looking at me.
They hid.
So you understand, our windows go all the way to the 10 foot ceiling, and they open in.... like 2 doors.
I now had one lizard frantically scurrying around the floor, unable to get a grip on the walls to climb up.
Plus I had 2 lizards hiding in the top of the window frame.
I couldn't close the window without crushing the two hiding lizards.
If I left it open they might fall in and then I would have 3 lizards unable to get out.
This is a finished room. There are no longer gaps in the floorboards for them to slither through.
Mon mari was gone.... I had to suck it up and handle it myself.
Have you ever tried to herd lizards?
Apparently they're not as smart as sheep as they were very reluctant to go in the direction my long, pointy stick was encouraging them towards.
I finally knocked the two window lizards off the frame and out, on to the sill. I then coaxed them, gently, to other climes.
That left the one inside - which would have to be caught.
Shudder....
I decided catching would be preferable to stepping on it, barefoot.
I hate things that go squish in the night....
I got the fireplace shovel: small enough to be wielded easily, long enough to keep some distance between my sleeves and the lizard.
Unfortunately, he was reluctant to board.
I chased him around a bit, finally cornered him just below the window (the window openings go to the floor), and in one move got him on the shovel and out the window.
He tried coming back in.
Lizards are stupid.
If they ate centipedes and spiders I'd welcome them with open arms.
In the midst of all this activity - an easy 'pantry soup' to warm and impress.
- Pimiento or Roasted Red Pepper Soup
- 2 large shallots
- 7oz (200gr) drained pimentos or roasted red peppers net weight
- 15oz, (450gr) whole tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 3 tbs mascarpone
Peel shallots and slice into rings. Heat oil in a small saucpan. Add shallots and sauté until starting to brown and crisp. Select a few of the nicer ones for garnish, remove and set aside. Drain pimentos and add to saucepan. Add tomatoes and their juices along with the paprika. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Purée in blender or use an immersion blender. Stir in mascarpone and serve, garnished with reserved shallot rings.
I'd be happy to exchange my lizrds for that fox..... Anyone?