A few weeks ago I bought a shade at Bed, Bath and Beyond to go above my desk. Mid-day the sunlight shines in so bright I can’t see a thing.
Here it is just after we moved in (it’s more decorated now!). See the blinding sun!!? You can’t even see the computer screen. Try editing photos in that…
Here’s the shade… a nice cloth one with pleats.
I chose a shade instead of curtains for a cleaner look when it’s open and so I can close it just above my desk supplies – verses curtains that would brush against them. It goes up and down without a cord, although perhaps I should have read the BB&B reviews in more depth before purchasing it!?
And here is the total fail of me trying to drill into steel…
Thought I was going to be so handy. I am not handy.
However, I was handy enough to locate the putty and patch the 5 holes I created looking for a place to drill that didn’t have metal underneath.
It’s pink but it dries white – how does that work!?
And then Matt came home. And showed me the metal-friendly drill bits. And then he magically made it happen. MAGIC I tell you!!
While I was getting covered in drill dust, dinner was cooking itself.
I’ve been craving split pea soup for a while and bought a ham and some peas to make a batch.
[Should I start making dinner at 10am everyday so I can get photos like that!?]
I’ve made a veg-friendly split pea soup before (although I put bacon on top) but this time I wanted it hearty and crock-pot friendly. I found this recipe at the Whole Foods website that had both ham and a crockpot and followed it pretty closely other than these changes:
- Omitted the onion
- Used rosemary + thyme instead of parsley
- Used water instead of broth
- Didn’t have celery
- Added a tsp of liquid smoke
I cooked it on low for 9 hours – and I would recommend adding an extra cup of liquid. Ours dried out a bit and cooked into the sides, but I fixed that by stirring in a cup of hot water at the end. Perfect!
This soup was INcredible!
Thick, rich, comfort food at its finest.
Greek yogurt on top and a tower of Popeye bread on the side!
Cannot wait to have leftovers!
You know the whole “put a fruit bowl out and you’ll eat more fruit?” Totally true.
Dinner ends and I just reach into my clementine box and get my after dinner mint!
Sana says
I need a man, I am not handy with drills or any tools for that matter!
kathleen @ the daily crumb says
you are so handy, kath! i’m impressed.
i love split pea soup… and agree about the fruit! just had an apple myself 🙂
Kelly Michele says
That soup looks so thick and delicious! Now I have a hankerin’ for some split pea soup! 🙂
Lynda @ Healthy Hoboken Girl says
Can Matt come to our house?!!! I have a long honey do list!!
Great job on the shade and the soup!!
Enjoy your night.
Jen says
I just found a package of split peas in my cupboard – I haven’t had pea soup since I was a kid. Think that will change soon!
Kate @ Lady Bird says
I love split pea soup! yum!!!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I have become such a handy woman since we bought our house about a year ago. The screws for metal make it SO much easier. I have done the same thing including the pink putty that turns white. Go us!
That meal looks INCREDIBLE! I love meals that I can’t wait for the leftovers!
kelsey @ living the gluten free life says
I’ve needed blinds in my room for far too long – I finally got some last week but need something to hang them on! And I have been in love with soup recently – love to make it early in the week and then bring it for lunches!
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
I’m obsessed with soup right now… and crock-pot soup is the best kind! No worry about cooking after work, just scoop and go! And I really like those blinds you picked out. I am very particular about window coverings but I actually really like those!
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
Oh gosh, that soup looks amazing, and sounds delicious!
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
Girl – I feel ya. I am not handy at all. I have this running list of home projects that need completing and each time I try to tackle one on my own = fail! Oh well. Let’s just focus on our other strengths. 🙂
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
how good does that soup look!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
The popeye bread on the side is so pretty as is that thick, rich, comfort-soup!
“See the blinding sun!!? You can’t even see the computer screen. Try editing photos in that…”
We have the opposite problems. In San Diego, my desk area is too dark and I feel like I over-edit by making things too bright b/c my room is so darn dark.
[Should I start making dinner at 10am everyday so I can get photos like that!?] = Yes, I have often wondered how the savory cooks do it, i.e. get great dinner shots at 6-8pm. Or even after 3:30pm in the winter! I know some of them DO start very early at the pics…as in, like 11am. lol
Christine @ Oatmeal in my Bowl says
The shade looks great! So does dinner. I have ham from Tday in the freezer just waiting to be used for split pea. yum! (bread lopks delish, too)
Paige @ Running Around Normal says
Gotta love havin’ those mens around, eh? 🙂
I’ve never had split pea soup! Sounds yummy, though.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Split peas sound so good right now. I thought I would hate them until I tried them a year ago…heaven.
Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife says
I love split pea soup!!! It’s so so good with the ham cooked into it…heavenly. Clementines are my after dinner mint too, love them!
Andrea @ MainelyVeggies says
Mmmm just bought some peas today! I’m gonna try a veg version of split pea this week, yours look so good!
oh, and I’m addicted to clems too! The’re like candy!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
That soup looks fantastic!! I have been wanting a crockpot for a while to make yummy soups/stews like that. Do you leave yours on when you’re out? That’s my own qualm with it–I feel like I would be paranoid it would start a fire.
KathEats says
Yup I do. Since there’s no flame, I’m not worried about fires. Just burning my food! I wouldn’t leave a recipe unattended for the first time
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
you’ve just inspired the next soup i’m going to make. my goal throughout december is to try one new soup recipe each week. this split pea recipe is going to be my new soup for next week! i LOVE split pea and have never made it myself, so now is the time. looks delicious!
Angela says
We’ve been digging into the clem box for dessert lately too! It’s such a healthy after dinner treat instead of the usual suspects. Plus all that Vit C is great for this time of year.
split pea soup is one of my FAVS…I will have to make it in the crockpot next time.
Kim @ Spoonful of Sass says
Thank goodness clementines are in the same season as cookies! They make it (almost) a breeze to make the healthy choice!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
SO true about the clementines–I eat like 10 a day. NO joke. They don’t stand a chance around me! hah.
Ashley @ Coffee, Cake and Cardio says
What a great soup! I really need to get a crock pot.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I made dinner at lunch time today for that exact reason! The light is perfect at 12, not so much at 6pm 🙁 That soup looks delicious, I had lentil soup for dinner which totally hit.the.spot.
Leah says
Soup looks good, I have been craving comfort food lately too!
Kelly @ Foodie Fiasco says
How do I not have a crock pot? That’s an issue. I can’t make this soup! Is that an excuse to buy one?
Kate says
I need to find a good vegetarian soup recipe to make in my crockpot. I would love to walk in the door after work and have my dinner be ready!
Mama Pea says
Way to park that big ham butt on us cute little peas! 🙂 😉 🙂
KathEats says
So sorry Peas! That must have been an uncomfortable 8 hours..
Kathy Vaughn says
I never think to use my crock pot to make soup with dried beans or lentils. We use it for meat dishes all the time. Have anymore recipes?
KathEats says
Here are my slow-cooker ones:
https://www.katheats.com/recipage?search_term=slow-cooker&ui=26&cm=1
Kathy Vaughn says
Thanks, will give these a try.
jenna k says
wow. that looks great!
Lindsay says
Absolute YUM. This is the perfect weather for hearty soups. I have to use that recipe! Where do you acquire liquid smoke?? that sounds amazing!! I made an easy chicken stew last night, although I tried to add a simple bread crust to the top of it for an epic FAIL. Now it has a bit of a crusty dumpling flavor?? Oh cooking…
KathEats says
I found it at whole foods
Emily G. @ from my messy desk says
I found my liquid smoke at a local grocery store. If I’m not mistaken, it’s in the same place the BBQ and marinades are!
Khushboo says
I am on a clementine kick these days..although I proceed to reach for a square for a dark chocolate instead of a mint 🙂
Lyn says
That soup looks sooo good! I always make split pea soup with our Christmas ham bone 🙂
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Haha, I’ve been contemplating making all of my meals early in the day to capture the greatness that is daylight. Pictures turn out amazing in the right light; not so much after sunset. *dislike*
I’ve been craving split pea soup, too! Mainly because we had a smoked turkey for Thanksgiving that tastes just like ham, so it would have worked perfectly. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. Maybe I’ll get to it soon. 🙂
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
I couldn’t even see the window there! That’s a really nice space though, I’m a fan of your photo-editing station. 😉
jojo says
Split pea soup is one of my hubby’s fav!
I love windows and I love having a window near my desk too, but wow that is bright!
Looks great:D
Zoe @ loseweightandgainhealth says
I am impressed you even tried with a drill! Well done. That soup looks fantastic and I have added that to my ever growing list of things I want to cook.
Lauren says
This soup looks outstanding!
seana says
Split pea and ham is my favorite soup. I’ve never thought to do it in the crock pot but it clearly is a great idea. I have to keep an eye on it on the stove.
Hillary says
And this is why I don’t even bother with home improvement stuff. Is that bad? I generally just hand the hammer to my boyfriend and stand back at a safe distance. As a relatively independent woman, just saying that makes me cringe, but it’s true!
Simply Life says
ha, I’m not handy at all either and the “easiest” DIY projects are quite the challenge for me! Glad to know I’m not alone! 🙂
Susan H. @ the food allergy chronicles says
Love split pea soup…Barefoot Contessa has a great recipe…there is no ham in it but I ususally cut up ham and add it for those who want it. Leftovers are the best! All the flavours meld together overnight to make an even better soup!
Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous says
Split pea is a favorite soup of ours to make. We always add a little rosemary and it’s amazing!
Sarah@The Flying ONION says
Split pea is my favorite soup. I love it with or without ham, and the way you made it looks spectacular! Mmm…must try this.
And I couldn’t agree more with eating more fruit when it’s front and center. I’ve been having fruit for dessert all week, thanks to the dining room’s fruit bowl. 😀
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
You guys are one step better than us, we’re both devoid of magic handy skills! But at least you had an awesome dinner to celebrate with!
Cait's Plate says
Ahahahahaha I’m not handy either though I always try so hard to be. it just never works out the way it should. and yeah! the pink caulk that changes to white! how does that happen?! and why make it pink if it’s just going to dry white anyway?? so many questions!
the soup looks fab – the ultimate comfort food for sure. I bet leftovers will be even better cause all the flavors will have marinated. also? I’ve legitimately had the “should I always make dinner early to get such great natural light pictures?” thought many times before! haha
Angel7 says
I am all about soups, not to mention any meal that goes in a crock pot! I love comfort food!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
That soup looks really good! I’ve never had split pea soup before. Definitely on my list of things to try 🙂
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
That soup looks wonderful! Such a perfect hearty winter meal.
Molly @ RDexposed says
I started to do the fruit concept at work except the bowl is just a paper towel on my desk! Maybe I should invest in a fruit bowl for the dietitian desk-seriously considering this now.
KathEats says
🙂
Hilliary @Happily Ever Healthy says
Split pea soup sounds delicious! And great job hanging the curtain!
Amanda says
Good for you for even attempting to hang those shades. I’m terrible when it comes to that stuff, and often too intimidated to take it on myself. I’m thankful to have a handy husband. 🙂
Dee says
Oh my yum! That split pea soup looks AMAZE!
Katie @ Kate and the Finn says
Ooh thanks! I’ve been looking for a simple roman shade!
~Christy @ wonderofallthings says
Thank you so much for this recipe! I’m crazy for it 🙂 The crockpot has certainly been getting a lot of use lately. Tis the season 🙂
Lolly says
the smith & noble catalog is like porn to me.
i just love dressing windows.
Faith says
You are too cute, Kath — I’m so not handy either, lol! (I like to pretend I am though. 🙂 ) The shade looks great!
ES says
Why would you use water instead of broth?
KathEats says
Because broth is expensive and water is free…and the ham imparted tons of flavor
Charise says
I abide by Mark Bittman’s (I think?) philosophy that if you can’t use homemade stock, you may as well just use water + salt. Whereas the homemade stock adds tons of flavor and depth, the boxed/canned stuff pretty much just adds sodium-flavored water. It’s easier and, as Kath says, cheaper. I try to keep some in our freezer (I make it whenever we have a roast chicken), but when I don’t think to pull it out or run out, the water really does work just fine for most recipes.
melon54 says
Where did you get that chair? I am looking for something like it for my rolltop desk.
KathEats says
I honestly can’t remember, but I think it came from Target
Charise says
I taught myself to use the electric drill while my husband was on a business trip earlier this year and I wanted to hang some curtain rods and towel rings while he was gone. I felt so powerful! Although I also would not know what the heck to do about drilling into metal!