Yarn Along and a good soup

I think I've decided that January is "knit-for-myself" month. After the crazy rush of Christmas crafting for everyone else, I think a slow-paced knitted gift to myself is in order. As I was perusing ravelry's free sock patterns, the Go With The Flow socks called out to me, and they've been a fun challenge to knit. So far I've been able to keep up with the pattern but now that I'm reducing on the side of the heel and keeping up with the pattern in the inseam, it's getting a bit more challenging! On the reading side, Paul gifted me with Farmer Jane for Christmas so I'm enjoying the stories of all the women who have worked to change the way we eat, grow and consider the food in our life. A very inspiring and humbling read!

And speaking of food, I'm always on the lookout for a good soup recipe in these chilly winter days. I found a great recipe, on a great food blog, that called for sprouted quinoa. I've never sprouted quinoa but found that it sprouts easily overnight. Here you can see the tiny little sprouts on the quinoa:

The Quinoa Corn Soup made with the sprouted quinoa was absolutely delicious. The little bit of turmeric and cumin were a nice addition, and the kids gave it two thumbs up. (I should also mention that I had to triple the recipe for our brood, but we have enough left for Paul's lunch and probably mine too.)

On a random note, this little sun catcher, which Paul also gifted me for Christmas, has been brightening the short winter days. I smile every time I see little rainbows all over the walls and ceiling. :)