A spring read, and a recipe

Newlyweds Walter and Maria move to a house in the country. When Maria becomes pregnant, “Old Grammy” moves in with the young couple to “help out.” Maria begins to collect animals, a goat, a flock of geese that terrorize all visitors. Walter wants to add a pony to the mix for the coming baby, Alma. World War II interrupts their young lives and soon all the young men of Savannah have left for foreign service. Walter and Maria wait to learn what the future will hold.

FRENCH SPRING SOUP

Ingredients

Original recipe makes 10 servings Change Servings

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 pound leeks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 quarts water
• 3 large potatoes, chopped
• 2 large carrots, chopped

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/3 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 pound fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream

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• PREP
  25 mins
• COOK
  35 mins
• READY IN
  1 hr

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the leeks and onion, and cook until tender.
2. Pour water into the pot. Mix in potatoes, carrots, asparagus, and rice. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes, until vegetables and rice are tender.
3. Stir spinach and heavy cream into the soup mixture, and continue cooking about 5 minutes before serving.