Column from January 6, 2011

Starting a new year off right

Now that the holidays are in the past, we’ve already begun some new projects for 2011.

Eric is working on building a walk-in closet and that is going to give us lots more storage space. We’re also continuing to work on remodeling our 100-year-old home. Last summer, we installed carpet and floor covering in the living room and kitchen.

There is quite a story to our house.

When it was originally built, it was only the front or living section. Out back were two bunkhouses – one for the girls and the other for the boys – for sleeping. The parents slept in the living room.

Those bunkhouses were long gone when Eric bought the property. He had a back section built that included three bedrooms and the master bath. A hallway or breezeway connects the front to the back. 

It was designed to be cut through in the event of a fire and a wall of water would protect the back half.

The idea was that a fire would more likely than not start in the front because of the age of the structure.

Since then, we have completely rewired the front and installed a top-notch fire and smoke detector system.

We’re not sure exactly what year the house was built, but we do know it is one of the original buildings in Othello. In fact, many of you know Everett Sanders, who is now in his 90s. He was raised in the house.

I know lots of people who don’t like change, but I find it fun to try new things. The remodeling process has been slow, but it’s coming along and someday, we’ll be able to step back and see all the remodeling come together into one finished project.

Cooking is that way, too. I love to try new recipes and it’s always fun when they turn out better than expected.

I was talking to Lisa at the Town Hall Pub here in Othello not too long ago about the delicious soups she has been making for lunches there. Lisa does the cooking at the Pub and she said she never made soups before.

As you know, I’m definitely a fan of soup! So far, every one she has made that I’ve tried have been tasty.

Soup is like a meal in itself and provides lots of low-calorie nutrition in just one bowl. There are even diets designed around soup as the main dish.

My favorite soup is probably potato. Corn chowder runs a close second, so imagine how thrilled I was to find a recipe that combines both.

I hope Lisa will try this recipe, too!

Old fashioned corn and potato chowder

2-1/2 cups cooked corn (canned is fine)

2 cups diced potatoes

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 cup diced onion

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1-1/2 cups boiling water

2 cups hot milk

1 tablespoon flour, mixed with 1 tablespoon water.

In a large pot, combine all ingredients except milk and flour-water mixture. Cook until potatoes are fork tender. Add milk and flour-water, stirring well.

Bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes. Serve with chopped green onion and shredded cheese as a garnish, if desired.