Cinco de Mayo approaches and with it, thoughts of the completely Americanized restaurant specialty, queso, or cheese dip as we used to call it. I, and pretty much anyone from in Memphis, grew up on a thin, cold cheese dip created by the area’s first Mexican restaurant. It is still a favorite and available at local groceries in a plastic tub, and a true guilty pleasure for me. … [Read more...] about Queso Fundido Soup
soup
Classic Shrimp Bisque
Some years ago, I attended a lovely luncheon given for a friend’s birthday. The hostess laid tables on beautiful linens with her best silver and crystal and magnificent flowers. All the ladies in attendance were dressed in their spring best. It was a very sophisticated event that made me feel like a true grown-up in the best possible way. The first course was a fresh shrimp … [Read more...] about Classic Shrimp Bisque
Tomato Blue Cheese Soup
I have some friends who have been waiting on this recipe for a long time. But I really wanted to make sure I had it perfected. And I really think I do. You see, there is a café here that has served a tomato blue cheese soup for years, and it is a favorite in the city. The rest of the menu has had its ups and downs, there have been some changes of management and staff, but the … [Read more...] about Tomato Blue Cheese Soup
Creamy Chicken Tarragon Soup
Perhaps it is the cold and dreary winters, but the English have a way with soup. Restaurants and cafes serve an impressive roster, I’ve found some wonderful recipes in cookbooks and magazines and the grocery stores are stocked with lots of creative, seasonal soups in chiller cases ready to heat and serve. One such offering I see over and over again at stores and on menus is … [Read more...] about Creamy Chicken Tarragon Soup
Habitant Pea Soup in the Slow Cooker
Last fall, over a year ago now its hard to believe, I set out on a book tour to share Pimento Cheese The Cookbook (available at your local bookstore or online now) throughout the South, tasting all sorts of local specialties along the way. I drove myself for the whole tour, so I spent a lot of time in the car listening to public radio and a few podcasts. One program I was … [Read more...] about Habitant Pea Soup in the Slow Cooker
