Almost everyone is familiar with the traditional cookie exchange, but this year is a great time to step it up a notch! The arrival of the brisk fall weather is an ideal time to make a big pot of delicious, satisfying soup, and why not share the love? A simple soup swap among friends is the perfect way to spread that harmonious fall vibe. Usher in those warm, fuzzy feelings and show your appreciation of friends while filling your belly with wholesome goodness.
Organizing the ‘Event’
Set a date about three weeks out to allow ample time for recipe selection and preparation, send an invite and ask everyone to include their selected soup on the RSVP. On the date of the swap, each of your friends can fill a cooler with frozen quarts of soup and put it on their front porch along with an empty container for receiving. Everyone takes a quart and leaves a quart.
Why Soup?
Soup is an easy way to bring variation to suppertime. It’s warm and comforting, and easy to freeze to store for future dinners! From a hearty, hot pot of Chicken and Walnut Dumpling Soup to a steaming California Walnut Firehouse Chili, whipping up a big batch of something to share is a fun way to connect with your pals despite being apart. Not to mention, it fills the house with those delicious seasonal scents we all love.
It’s also a fantastic freezer meal and usually very easy to prepare. And the flavor possibilities are endless! Most recipes are rather flexible, and there’s really never a bad time for soup. It’s a welcome addition to the table at almost any meal, and you can eat it year-round by substituting seasonal vegetables.
Satisfying and Hearty Soups
The soup possibilities are endless with California walnuts! Opt for a light and lively Chilled Zucchini, Walnut and Basil Soup with fresh flavors and vibrant colors in the warmer weather months. The shallots, garlic and hint of lemon juice nicely complement the scrumptious toasted walnut garnish. In the colder months, serve up this Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup for a hearty treat. The creamy concoction, complete with portobello mushrooms, will surely become a fan favorite of your soup swap.
Looking to add in some hidden servings of veggies? This creamy White Bean, Cauliflower & Walnut Soup is rich, simple and plant-forward. It’s a wonderful option to pass along to your friends for its unique base and the tons of flavor packed into it. Your friends will be begging for the recipe.
Soup Swap Secrets
Soups like a thick and satisfying Roasted Root Vegetable Soup with Rosemary Walnuts not only lend herbaceous yumminess to mealtime, but they also freeze best, too. Many cream-based soups or those thickened with flour can separate or turn grainy once frozen. Keep this in mind when deciding on recipes and batch size.
Another tip: If you’re contributing a delicious noodle-based quart of goodness to your soup swap, consider packing dry pasta on the side to avoid a mushy mess. Additionally, consider including a recipe card with each quart. This allows people to duplicate their favorite-tasting recipes while safely avoiding allergens.
While you’re preparing to get cooking, make yourself a savory concoction of flavorful Lentil Soup with Kale and Walnuts to wake up your taste buds. Then divvy up the leftovers, throw them in the freezer and send out those invites! If you are looking for more soup inspiration, California Walnuts has a plethora of soup recipes to get you started.
