Let’s Get Stoned!!!

Not that kind of stoned!  Come on now, we’re grandparents (shame on you).  Grow up already! Remember when you a little kid, the story  “Stone Soup”?   It was about three travelers with nothing to eat.  They traveled through a poor village and told the villagers they could make a wonderful soup with stones.  The soup would be much better though if they had some carrots, and maybe a wee bit of onions, and maybe some—you get the idea.  Anyway, as poor as the villagers were, each managed to contribute a little something to the soup and it turned out delicious, unknowingly to the villagers, without any help from the stone.  THAT’S the kind of stoned I mean!  (Don’t you feel silly now)?

I told my babies this story and they loved it.  I usually use a small red potato or radish for the stones.  Turns out to be the best kid friendly, budget friendly recipe ever!  They do the mixing, you do the “stove” part.  Use your wise judgment for the “chopping with a knife” part.

STONE SOUP
INGREDIENTS:
Start with as much broth or bouillon as you want
Add whatever you have:
carrots        celery        corn        peas        green beans
tomatoes    peppers    oregano    V8 juice    peas
zucchini        squash        onion        garlic        basil
mixed vegetables        noodles        rice     okra
broccoli

To be fair and keep the peace, the babies take turns choosing what we have for dinner.  It was my little angel Samantha’s turn to pick and she wanted Stone Soup.  Well, it was July and her mommy explained to her that was probably too hot to have soup for dinner.  That’s when Stone Salad was born!

STONE SALAD
INGREDIENTS:
Start with your favorite lettuce.  I usually use head or romaine, or spinach
Add whatever you have:
tomatoes        cucumber        shredded carrots        celery
red onion        bamboo shoots      pea pods    radishes
chow mein noodles    croutons    sunflower seeds    almonds
beets     peppers        pickles    olives    dried cherries    mandarine oranges
feta cheese    blue cheese    any kind of shredded cheese
Pour on the dressing you got at the $1 sale

Also try:
STONE FRUIT SALAD
INGREDIENTS:
Lettuce is optional, as are all ingredients.  Try mixing three or more of these in a bowl:
apples        mandarin oranges        bananas        strawberries        blueberries
raspberries        blackberries        mini marshmellows        nuts        kiwi    pears
watermelon        cantalope        honey dew melon        pineapple        peaches
grapes        raisins        dried cherries        dried cranberries    coconut flakes

debbie@grammyslittlehelpers.com