The Joy of Soup

Pretzels and Beer Soup

This should bring 'em running to the table when you announce what kind of soup you are serving today. Top off this cheesy beer-fest by serving it with a handful of broken pretzel sticks (the thin ones.) Popcorn would be okay as a topping, too, but it's a little mushier. The pretzels keep their form longer and have the added attraction of a sudden salt infusion into your system. Yum.

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Pretzels And Beer Soup
1. Saute 2 ribs of celery, sliced thin, and one small onion, chopped, in 2 tablespoons butter in a heavy soup pot. Add 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper .
2. Add 4 cans condensed of cheddar cheese soup, 1 can of chicken broth, 1 can of beer , 2 cans of milk. (Use the empty soup cans to measure the milk and beer). Heat to simmer.
3. Garnish with thin pretzel sticks that have been broken in half or thirds.
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Yes, yes. Canned soup. Sure, you can go through the effort to make your own cheese soup, but this works pretty well with the canned soup. You can keep this warm in a crock pot and set it out on your buffet table. The Soup Lady likes something a little tart to go on top as well - a nice dill pickle chip or chopped black olives can be gently placed on top of the pretzels. That way, they don't sink into the soup and you get a nice salty/tart kick that is immediately countered by the smooth chessiness of the soup. Try it - you'll like it.

Groundhog Recipes

Where does the time go? Here we are turning over the calendar page to February and not a thing has been done around here to prepare for Groundhog's Day. Luckily for the Soup Lady, others have not been hibernating and are all set to celebrate the holiday.

Groundhog Cookies
Try some Groundhog's Day cookies from our favorite terrycloth primate. These tasty little delights tell the whole story: "The cookies look just like burrows with the proud and majestic groundhog emerging into the sun to display his meteorological prowess." Who could resist? (I'm beginning to think that the monkey is the Martha Stewart of the terrycloth world. There's something there for every holiday - I can hardly wait until Valentine's Day rolls around to see what goes on over there.) Click here for Groundhog Cookie Recipe.

Groundhog Cake
Make a cake in the shape of a groundhog. Ok, this is really presented as a porcupine, but I think if you serve it on February 2nd, and say "Would you care for a piece of Groundhog cake?" no one will quibble about it. The cake has a few steps to it, but they are all easy and fun, too. The center of the cake is truffle-filled and looks delish (if you are the type that likes chocolate.) Click here for Groundhog Cake Recipe.