Just as Winter is a time for renewal, Spring is a time of change we all look forward to.
This time of year we are all tired of the dreary weather, the cold, and most of all: cream- based soups.
What to do since it is still cold out but we are trying to prepare for spring break and swimsuit season?
My answer is creamy soups, but WITHOUT the cream.
What I mean is creamy in texture, which can be achieved simply by creating a puree style soup
from starchy root vegetables or pretty much anything that will cook down to a smooth paste.
The most exciting feature of this soup is it's garnish, a sweet and spicy candied bacon and pecan crunch!
It is low fat, even with the bacon, because you use very little, and of course you can also substitute vegetarian bacon if you do not eat meat, as well as vegetarian broth for the chicken broth.
I am sometimes very pleasantly surprised by how well a recipe completes, and this one is exceptional.
I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.
Spicy Candied Bacon with Pecans
Ingredients:
1 C chopped pecans
.5 C chopped crispy bacon
.25 C brown sugar
.25 C granulated sugar
.5 t ground cayenne pepper
Instructions:
Combine in small mixing bowl and toss until mixed well.
Place on baking sheet in 350* oven for 14 minutes or until sugars are melted.
Remove from oven and cool for 10-15 minutes, then place into small bowl and set aside.
Shred one C Swiss cheese, (the sharper the better!), place in small dish and set aside.
Apple Carrot Ginger Soup
Ingredients:
2-3 large carrots, diced to .25 inch cubes
2 large apples,diced to .25 inch cubes
1 small onion, diced to .25 inch pieces
5 C chicken broth or vegetable broth
.25 t sea salt
.5 inch ginger, grated
Instructions:
Place all ingredients into medium saucepan and bring to boil.
Simmer on medium heat until all fruit and vegetables are softened to the point you can mash them easily with a fork.
Remove from heat and puree' either with a hand blender or in food processor, or blender, whatever you have will work fine.
Return to heat and simmer an additional fifteen minutes, or until mixture is smooth and creamy in texture like a thin gravy.
Ladle into bowls and top with shredded Swiss cheese.
Sprinkle generously with candied bacon-pecan mixture.
Serve immediately.
Hint:
Swiss cheese Panini or grilled cheese sandwiches with Swiss taste amazing with this!
Really want to warm up? Try some ginger tea to accompany your soup.
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