Lima Bean and Sauerkraut Soup

Lima Bean and Sauerkraut Soup

Lima Bean and Sauerkraut Soup

It isn’t the prettiest soup, but it sure is unique and flavorful and perfect for a cold weather meal. With plenty of sauerkraut left over from my Reuben Latkes, this Sauerkraut Soup was on the menu!

Sauerkraut soup, also known as kapuśniak in Polish, is a traditional Eastern European dish that features fermented cabbage as a key ingredient.

Kapuśniak typically contains a variety of vegetables such as carrots, onions, and potatoes. These vegetables add sweetness and depth to the soup. Instead of potatoes, this version features plump large lima beans. A good source of protein and fiber – large lima beans have a creamy texture, and a slightly sweet, buttery flavor.

Smoked sausage or kielbasa are often added to sauerkraut soup too, but this one is intentionally meatless. It’s a great comfort food, and many variations of the recipe exist, allowing for personal preferences and regional differences.

Dill is popular in Polish cuisine – bright and grassy, herbaceous and aromatic, fresh dill enhances the overall sensory experience of soup. And here, a generous dollop of sour cream balances out the sauerkraut. Homemade artisan bread with butter is the perfect accompaniment for dunking in the savory sour broth.

Lima Bean and Sauerkraut Soup

Lima Bean and Sauerkraut Soup Recipe

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Lavish Latkes

Lavish Latkes

💙 Lavish Latkes 💙

Two Ways:
Caviar, Crème Fraîche, Chives
Smoked Salmon, Crème Fraîche, Grated Radish

My deli-style Reuben Latkes were a big hit earlier in the week, but for the grand finale, we’re serving Lavish Latkes. Crème fraîche has a luxurious, velvety texture that balances the crispy fried savory latkes with a smooth and rich mouthfeel and a mild tangy flavor. Generous individual servings of caviar and smoked salmon add to the extravagance. Chives and grated radish add color, texture, and a tasteful finishing flourish.

Hanukkah Table

The last night of Hanukkah is special because all eight candles on the menorah are lit, creating a beautiful display of light. It is a time for reflection on the significance of the holiday, the importance of religious freedom, and the enduring spirit of hope and resilience. 💙

Lavish Latkes

Note: Caviar harvested from sturgeon is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law, fish must have scales and fins to be considered so. Sturgeon do not have scales. Whitefish, bowfin, and salmon roe, as well as vegan caviar, are excellent kosher alternatives to sturgeon caviar.

Lavish Latkes Recipe

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Reuben Latkes

Reuben Latkes

🥔 🧅 Reuben Latkes 🧅 🥔

Potato Latkes, Corned Beef
Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut with Caraway, Russian Dressing

Happy Hanukkah! 🕎

As far as symbolic foods go, potatoes fried in oil are pretty much everyone’s favorite. A jug of olive oil, which held enough oil to last for one day, burned for eight when the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was rededicated. So… we eat foods fried in olive oil to commemorate that ancient miracle. 🌟

This year my latkes are savory and loaded! First, I season them from the inside out, by adding everything-bagel-seasoning, sea salt & fresh ground pepper, and plenty chopped chives to the potato batter. The bagel seasoning contains poppy seeds, black & white sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaked sea salt. No shortage of flavor there.

Then I’m topping those beautiful fried potato latkes with classic Reuben Sandwich ingredients – Swiss Cheese, Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, and Russian Dressing. The caraway seeds in the sauerkraut mimic the distinct flavor in our favorite Jewish rye bread.

Of course, we all love ❤️ plain applesauce and sour cream as traditional accompaniments but for 2023, I’m treating my guests to a flavor extravaganza, and serving Reuben-Style Latkes!

Reuben Latkes Recipe

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Leftover Turkey Soup: Panang Curry

Leftover Turkey Soup: Panang Curry

Leftover Turkey Soup

Panang Curry Turkey Broth, Shredded Turkey, Crispy Tofu Croutons
Broccoli, Zucchini, Carrots, Jasmine Rice
Lime, Scallion, Cilantro, Basil
Bean Sprouts and Cashews on the Side

It’s that time of year again. Time for the Annual Leftover Turkey Soup. This year doesn’t disappoint – it’s Thai-Style! Super-fragrant, complex, mildly spicy, slightly sweet & creamy – panang curry broth definitely complements the shredded roast turkey. Chock full of vegetables, jasmine rice, and plenty of fresh herbs this soup is so satisfying. And if you are, by now, a little bit tired of that traditional Thanksgiving bouquet, this dish is on the opposite end of the flavor spectrum.

Leftover Turkey Soup: Panang Curry

Leftover Turkey Soup: Panang Curry

Leftover Turkey Soup with Panang Curry Recipe

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Thanksgiving Leftovers Cupcakes

Thanksgiving Leftovers Cupcakes

🧁 🦃 Thanksgiving Leftovers Savory Cupcakes 🦃 🧁

The Stuffing Everyone Loves
Stuffed with Turkey
Topped With Mashed Potatoes
Served with Dried Cranberries and Turkey Gravy

We 🧡 Thanksgiving Leftovers! They offer a convenient and enjoyable way to continue savoring the flavors of the holiday way beyond the initial feast. Moreover, they allow for culinary ingenuity and resourcefulness in the kitchen without the stress of timing every dish to be served hot and promptly!

In essence, leftovers hold a special significance – blending tradition, the chance to minimize food waste, and nostalgia for mom’s leftover turkey sandwiches from days gone by.

Here, whimsical cupcakes are crafted using leftover stuffing, turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes. Besides the adorable presentation, they are super tasty and combine all the tastes of Thanksgiving into one savory little package.

The Stuffing Everyone Loves

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