Soup Night: Why Size Really Doesn't Matter

Life has been a bit crazy around here. The excitement of the Family Recipe Challenge has brought a whorl of activity to our otherwise fairly calm abode. Our recipe is now up online. And the news of our winnings have made it all the way over to OnMilwaukee.com [article about the challenge here].  Our life is suddenly filled with interviews, promo events, and All Sorts of Crazy.

So, thank goodness for soup night!  Seems there's nothing like a hot steaming pot of nourishing soup (or 3!) on the stove to remind you of what really matters.

This week, we chose three classic soups -- comfort food favorites, if you will.  There was New England clam chowder with Nueske's cherrywood smoked bacon, tender chopped clams, lots of potatoes, and plenty of fresh cream.

We made one of our favorite version of split pea soup -- peas simmered in chicken stock with barley, carrots, onions, thyme, and garlic, and embellished at the last moment with slices of apple-gouda chicken sausage.

And then there was the tomato soup. Made with roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, fresh basil, and a splash of fig balsamic vinegar (thanks to Olga at Mango & Tomato for the inspiration) this soup was the simplest of the bunch. Even with a splash of cream stirred in, it really captured the essence of summer -- something we're all eagerly yearning for here in Wisconsin.  The only thing that could have made this soup better would have been a nice crispy grilled cheese sandwich to nibble on the side.

The crowd was a bit more intimate this time around (only ten of us, rather than the 20 we had in January). Most of the attendees were returning.  However, we were lucky enough to have yet another blogger friend join the party. This time it was Julia from Yulinka Cooks.  She graced our table with delicious yogurt scones (many thanks to Clothilde from Chocolate & Zucchini, whose recipe she used), which we spread with butter and gobbled while sipping wine and chatting.

The smaller group meant that we had quite the rolicking visit. Fueled by his mother's delicious chocolate chip cookies, adorable 2yo Oliver entertained us with amusing dramatic interludes (including a brief, but memorable, performance as a cat). On the adult end, a brief concert ensued, during which Peef played his didgeridoo and Peter joined in on a rain stick. Tales of beet borscht and pickled watermelon rinds led to conversations about old family recipes.

Overall, I don't think I'm overstating the case when I suggest that everyone had quite the good time. We missed many familiar faces -- but we're definitely looking forward to our final soup night at the end of March. And I hope you'll join us if you're in the area.

And, of course, I won't leave you without a recipe.  Even if you have to make this soup with canned, fire-roasted tomatoes, you won't be sorry. And don't forget a splash of your favorite fruity balsamic vinegar. Lovely stuff.

Roasted Tomato Soup


©BURP! Where Food Happens