Soup

Sunday, January 12, 2014
"Alligator soup, Alligator soup,
If I don't get some I think I'm gonna droop.
Give away my hockey stick, give away my hoop,
But don't give away my alligator soup."

- from "Alligator Pie" by Dennis Lee

It's hard to know what to make of the weather. We've gone from record low temperatures on Tuesday to a day of rain yesterday. Tomorrow they're calling for unseasonable warmth. At this point, I think the only thing we can count on is that it'll last for about twenty-four hours, after which we'll be hit with a completely different weather pattern.

The only constant for me this month has been the soup. We started the year by eating Stone Soup at our friends' cottage, an annual tradition. And since we've come home, I've made soup three times for dinner.

This corn and bacon soup is a great choice for cold weather, but don't hesitate to try it even if you're enjoying warmer weather now. It's hearty and nourishing, and there were leftovers for a delicious second meal. It may not have the literary merit of Alligator Soup, but I'd definitely give away my hockey stick for a bowl of this.

(By the way, Alligator Pie, a wonderful collection of poetry by Dennis Lee, was one of my favourite read-aloud books when the girls were small. When I told them I was posting this verse, they recited "Rattlesnake Skipping Song", another poem from the collection, in unison. If I ever post a rattlesnake recipe, I'll be sure to quote that one.)

Corn and Bacon Soup
(adapted from Canadian Living)
Note: the original recipe made a thicker, creamier chowder, so check out the original recipe if that appeals.

Ingredients

3 strips bacon, chopped
2 onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 potatoes
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups corn kernels
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Preparation

In large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Add onions and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Meanwhile, peel and cube potatoes. Add to pan along with 2 cups of the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.

Add remaining broth, corn and broccoli; simmer until broccoli is tender, about 6 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add salt to taste.

Sprinkle each serving with cheese and serve.

19 comments:

Velva said...

Soulful and warming during these dreadful winter days. Love it. Stay warm.

Velva

Anonymous said...

Yum! Bacon, corn, and broccoli sounds like a fantastic combination.

Unknown said...

I love soup, this sounds delish!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Soup is great this time of year. It's awesome that you have so many traditions that involve food. Let's hope the weather stays nice too.

vanillasugarblog said...

'tis soup season isn't it?
I think tomorrow I'll make a curry soup; just craving that curry lately.
Does curry and bacon go well together? lol

Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl said...

Love everything about this soup! Great recipe.

Barbara said...

We've got some cold weather coming our way this week, Beth. Your soup not only looks delicious, but easy to make too.

Display name said...

Looovely soup! That cheese... probably melts to a perfect yum! :)ela

Jemi Fraser said...

LOVE Dennis Lee! My kids were addicted to his Jelly Belly book! My favourite...

Here is the story of Freddy my friend. He ran out in traffic & that is the end!! :)

We love soup here too - I'm saving this one as it sounds yummy :)

nancy at good food matters said...

HI Beth, I love the poem--and Dennis Lee is new to me. I'll have to introduce him to my grandson. Your soup looks delicious-and I like that it is not the ultra-thick creamy version, which can be too heavy, even when it is bitter cold.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Your soup looks marvelous, Beth!! And it's definitely been soup weather. Our temps were -15º a week ago and near 50º today. Crazy!

Katerina said...

I prefer my soup to be 'liquidy' rather than thick. This one is right up my alley and winter is the perfect season for soup!

Joanne said...

It has definitely been soup weather, and even though it is getting a bit warmer, I'm still craving it!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Beth! I love soup and regardless of the crazy weather a bowl of soup always works for me! Your bowl of soup looks delicious-how can you go wrong with bacon and corn-my husband would enjoy this recipe ;)

Catherine said...

Dear Beth, Soup always seems to hit the spot. It is very comforting. This soup sounds wonderful with bacon. Blessings, Catherine

Kitchen Riffs said...

I'll bet most of our meals this year have been soup, chili, or stew. All something with a lot of comforting liquid. Anyway, this soup looks wonderful. And I love the light on the pictures. Good job on those, and the recipe. Thanks.

Julia said...

Soup has always been my favorite type of lunch. This one looks so hearty, savory, and delicious!

Daniela Grimburg said...

Sounds and looks delightful, Beth!
Just my kind of cold weather comfort food :)

Inger @ Art of Natural Living said...

What a nice winter soup--perfect for many of the things I have left from the fall harvest even!

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