Stormy weather makes it the perfect time to make soups or to pull out the crock pot for some amazingly simple stews.

In this edition of GG’s High Altitude Cooking we thought you might like a rich, creamy pumpkin soup recipe for the cold winter weather.

This soup has a spicy, sweet undertone. You can also add a variation by adding some cinnamon croutons, roasted pumpkin seeds, or some other creativity of your own.

Pumpkin Soup (Serves 6)

• 15 ounces pumpkin puree (canned or fresh puree)
• 30 oz of chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 1/2 tbsp softened butter (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 1/2 tbsp softened butter (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or non-dairy alternative such as coconut milk)
• 1/4-1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Sauté the onion in 2 1/2 tbsp butter (or non-dairy alternative) until translucent.

Gradually add half the chicken broth. Continue stirring and bring to a boil. Lower heat and cover, let simmer for about 15 minutes.

In a bowl, combine the rest of the broth with the pumpkin puree. Mix salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, pepper, ginger, brown sugar and add to the puree mix.

Stir well and add to the hot onion and broth gradually. Bring to a boil.

Turn the heat down and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.

Gradually add cream until mixture is warm. Don’t allow to boil.

Garnish with croutons, roasted pumpkin seeds, and cilantro right before serving.

Cinnamon Croutons

• 4 slices bread of your choice (hearty grain tends to be a good match)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tbsp softened butter or non-dairy alternative

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix together the cinnamon with half the sugar then melt butter and add spices. Place in large bowl.

Cut bread into small pieces and add to the bowl mixture, toss until croutons are lightly coated.

Toast in oven for up to 8 minutes.

Enjoy!

If you have a super high altitude recipe you’d like to share, just leave a comment and GG will get back to you. Who knows? If might get featured here!

Above: Shadow in the Light Gnawing On A Pine Cone

SOPA Dark
So, if you tried to access the Fawnskin Flyer yesterday, you will have seen that the Fawnskin Flyer was dark.

You’d have seen a message about the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) movement since the bill is of big concern.

Now if you have known me for a little while, you’ll know that I am a Geek Grrrl.

Most days, I work online writing or doing tech tasks related to social media and website optimization.

It was hard to remain offline but even so, I joined many of my online colleagues and refrained from many of my normal tasks.

However, by the end of the day I did have to upload a video and a few other things.

The refreshing thing was that I got quite a lot done despite hitting glitches here and there.

If you missed all the hullabaloo…here is a link to HR 3261 and a good SOPA/PIPA commentary and an online petition since H.R.3261.IH goes to vote in the Senate next week.

Quiet Town
Now, it is a good thing that things are happening out in the world because Fawnskin is WAY too quiet.

In fact, I don’t ever remember a time that it has been this way since I moved here back in 2002.

GG would like to give you some dirt–but there really isn’t much.

Since the soil is pretty rocky, it is literally a problem too–if I wanted to be a smarta** about it and actually hand you some.

However, it looks like a big inspection happened down over the old Moon Camp way.

We also have a new neighbor who blocks half the road with her VW and I just know that the snow plow drivers and local CHP and gonna give her hell as soon as it snows.

Neighbor Steve said he would be up–but I haven’t seen him.

Flatland escapee John managed to come up for a short spell but was working inside when it was so cold, so I didn’t see him much.

Hmm, I did hear that company is coming over the Heidmiller way.

Uh, um…

*GG shuffles feet*

Don’t you have anything to share?

P-l-e-a-s-e?

Now, if you have been paying attention to the news across the lake–it looks like hell has broken loose.

Both the Big Bear Municipal Water District and the Bear Valley Mutual Water Company are suing the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the US District Court over the expanded habitat of the Santa Ana Sucker Fish (Catostomus santaanae).

Over in Sugarloaf (which many locals call Tweeker-loaf) some bright person attempted to take off in a Bear Valley Electric truck.

Seriously, you just have to wonder just what he was thinking.

Reminds me of the guy that held up the bank across from the sheriff station and tried to escape on a bike.

Eesh.

Of course there is more…but a gal’s gotta stop somewhere.

Okay, I did hear of something, but it might be too late now.

You see, Jim & Janet started a winter clothing sale on the 4th and forgot to email me about it.

The own the North Shore Trading Company, so you might want to give ‘em a call to see if the 20-40% discount sale is still underway because they have some nifty stuff.

Okay, that’s it for me. I’ll chat back at ‘cha on Tuesday.

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.