Thoughts on vocabulary travel, and chili
By MARCELLA BRUCE
Contributing writer
Almost rhapsodic! Now that's a word in my vocabulary that hasn't been used much, neither vocally nor written, but on this day as I write, it seems appropriate describing Kansas weather for the last couple of weeks. Remember Paul Whiteman's orchestra playing "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin? Well, we've been enjoying "Rhapsody in a Sunflower State Fall!"
Kansas winds that are being touted as perfect for those huge turbines used for energy have been held in check affording us one of the loveliest of falls.
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Speaking of vocabulary
I can remember when my father sent me to another office in his building and instructed me to ask the receptionist "What are your prognostications for the weather tomorrow?" I did as I was instructed, and the receptionist smiled and answered, "Your daddy put you up to that didn't he."
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Dear friend Gwydotta Herbel returned to her home here at Park Village after spending five months in Eugene, Ore., with her daughter, "Tuss," and her husband and sons. Tuss also accompanied her and is spending a couple of weeks here. Gwydotta brought me a new book gift that I'm anxious to read. Its "Great Presidential Wit" (I wish I was in this book) by Bob Dole.
Of course, Senator Dole is really a great wit himself and well known for his "one liners."
He dedicates the book "to the American people, who through good times and bad (and through good presidents and bad) have never lost their sense of humor."
Guess who is the first president he cites: Abraham Lincoln!
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My first batch of chili this fall has been made, enjoyed, and is now down to just one more bowl.
The next soup is on tap. It's called Far East Cool Chicken Soup, and I've made it once before. It can be served cool or hot, and I prefer it hot.
To make a quart, combine one tablespoon of corn starch with two teaspoons curry powder. Measure three and half cups of chicken broth. Add a small amount of broth to the corn starch-curry powder mixture to make a thin paste. Mix it with the rest of the broth and add one tablespoon of grated onion. Mix well and heat to boiling. Stir constantly two to three minutes.
Cool to lukewarm, then stir in one cup of sour cream.
If you want it chilled, then serve in chilled bowls and garnish with copped olives.
I'd rather have it hot, and I'm considering adding cooked chicken or even some noodles. It's one of those recipes you can play around with, but the curry and chicken broth make an interesting taste combination.
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"The best answer to an atheist is to give him a good dinner and ask him if he believes there is a cook." Louis Nizer.
