My youngest son is just about 6 so we figured it was time to teach him the value and relationship of how work produces money and how money can buy stuff you want.  We wanted to demonstrate how much work it takes to collect enough money to buy that ever elusive Golden Ninjago Lego.  His current take on the situation is to stick that red card we have in our wallets into the machine at that bank place then it spits out the money for you…as much as you want.  What’s the problem…just go to the machine?!?

It was time to give him some “chores” around the house to earn some pocket money, or allowance if you will, to keep him living in that extravagant Lego lifestyle he’s grown accustomed to. 

I took it a step further and explained that in order to secure a job you must go through an interview process to explain why you’re a good fit and why they should hire you.  I called him in for an interview for the Associate Domestic Engineer of our household position which would pay a very attractive salary of $5 per week.  He accepted the interview and here is exactly how it went with no embellishments on my part…

Question 1 – Tell me about yourself.

Answer – I’m an earth ranger and every time I use my ipad it glows up.  And I watch some sports with my dad.

Question 2 – What are your strengths?

Answer – I’m good at doing work, running and chewing gum.

Question 3 – What is your greatest weakness?

Answer – Pincer grip when holding pens.  Not good when I have kryptonite and not good at smelling Hogie (the family dog).

Question 4 – Why do you want to work here?

Answer – Because I like it.  Because it has a good photocopier and I get to be a manager.

Question 5 – Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Answer – As an ape.

Question 6 – Why should we hire you?

Answer – Because I’m good at this stuff.  I’m really good at using the photocopier.  And I play around safely.

Thank you for your time Carter.  You’re hired!

In other news, Fall is in the air and with it the craving for comfort food.  What better comfort food than a hearty bowl of creamy soup? Let’s use up those carrots from the garden before they’re done for and add in some parsnip and ginger for a flavour trio explosion!

Ready…Set…Evolve…

Triple Threat Carrot, Parsnip & Ginger Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter
  
• ½ medium sized onion diced
• 4 cups peeled and chopped carrots
• 1 parsnip peeled and chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• ¼ tsp. salt and pepper
• 4 cups homemade chicken stock or low sodium store bought
• 1 ½ tsps. fresh chopped thyme
• 1 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
• ½ cup 10% half and half cream
• 1/3 cup coconut milk

Baby Steps

1. Melt butter in large sauté pan over medium heat.  Add chopped onions and cook until translucent approx. 3 minutes.
   
2. Add in carrots, parsnip, ginger and celery and continue to cook another 5 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken stock and add thyme and salt & pepper and bring to a boil then cover and reduce heat to simmer for approx. 35 minutes until carrots are tender.
4. Remove from heat and transfer to a large sauce pan.  Use handheld blender to puree to a smooth consistency.
5. Add back onto heat and add in the cream, coconut milk and parsley and stir well for a few minutes until heated through.
6. Remove from heat and let cool a few minutes to serve warm.

Makes – Approx. 6 cups

Note:  This is a great soup for those Solid Food Intermediate babes out there of 8 months plus who are ready and interested in some new exciting flavors.  But as a soup for the whole family it’s also a winner.  Feel free to add in some heat to the adult portions with a couple drops of hot sauce.

I’m pleased to report that our little Associate Domestic Engineer has earned $20 so far and as expected is extremely disappointed at how much time and work it is taking to gather up enough dough to secure that Golden Ninjago Lego.  Welcome to the real world son.  Enjoy the ride.