Busy Day Gourmet

The cooler temperatures of autumn seem to bring a renewed sense of energy to people everywhere. For my family, that means we rake fallen leaves, bale the second cutting of hay, take our sons to the pumpkin patch, and churn the requisite spiced apple butter. As lovely and refreshing as this season is, it does bring with it the sense of urgency to get things done before winter. How does one eat well on rushed schedules full of work and play? Try making a kettle of soup; it’s the perfect make ahead of time meal to have simmering in a slow cooker when the day is done. An authentic French selection, Cream of Watercress Soup is a delicately flavored soup with the ideal balance of refreshing and earthy flavors from the watercress and velvety undertones from a generous splash of light cream. Add crusty dinner rolls and a wedge of leftover Crab Quiche for an effortless, nutritious meal.

Photo: ©Rebecca Franklin, Licensed to About.com