Thursday, November 20, 2008

Auntie C’s Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

I grew up in an English household surrounded by English accents and a lot of sarcasm. Did I mention a lot of sarcasm? My Auntie C was no exception to the rule. What always separated her from the English family bunch was her emotional and warm heart. I always think of Auntie C fondly and as a motherly figure to me. Try to picture my Auntie C and imagine her as my short haired, sarcastic, emotional, "sweetie" Absolutely Fabulous auntie.

One of my fondest memories from when I was a child of my Auntie was when she took me on opening night to see the Swan Lake ballet. (I think I was 11) I had been dancing ballet for a couple of years and was loving it. Ballet was a wonderful outlet for me. I sat on the edge of my seat the entire night and held her hand. It was magical evening.

While I was growing up in Toronto and from the times I have visited almost every year after, Auntie C makes wonderful soup. There is never a kick to them, but there is a warmth of childhood every time I slurp at some of her soup from my spoon. Below is the recipe so you can share it with your loved ones. This is really easy dinner recipe on a budget.

Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

INGREDIENTS:
½ cup butter/margarine
2 medium onions diced
¼ cup flour
1 28 oz tin of diced tomato
5 cups chicken broth
A Pinch celery seed
2 carrots sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
6 whole peppercorns
½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoon sweet vermouth (don’t fret if you don’t have it – you could throw a drop of sherry in)
Chopped parsley/dill

DIRECTIONS:
Over a medium saucepan heat and melt the butter, sautee onions in a separate cooking pan. Add the onions and add the flour to the large saucepan; stir in the tomatoes, the broth and the seasoning.

Simmer for approx 45 minutes. Serve Tomato Bisque Soup with a little chopped parsley or dill. This soup also freezes superbly!! I like to serve this soup with either a grilled cheese sandwich on the side (that recipe coming soon) or with some croutons.

I hope you enjoy this dinner recipe on a budget and can imagine Auntie C in her blue kitchen with her frog figurines, cooking for us. Leave me a comment and let me know what dish your Auntie made for you?

6 comments:

LYDIA said...

Second recipe of yours I have printed out this week... you sure know how to spoil a girl :)

Laura said...

hey you...please make some extra for me. Which recipe would you like for me to right about next grilled cheese, chicken stuffed with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes or another soup?

Anonymous said...

This sounds delicious! I just printed it out so I can make it this weekend :) Thanks for sharing!

Le laquet said...

I too grew up in the heart of a sarcastic family ~ can't do without that or soup now! Going to try this one ;o)

Le laquet said...

Oh I missed your question at the end - my parents are both only children ... BUT my honorary Auntie M used to cook everything from scratch - her Welshcakes are legend.

Laura said...

Ohhh Welshcakes...I haven't had those in so long. Le laquet if you try to make the soup let me know how it turns out. Thank you for visiting. Hmmm what should my next recipe be....