Old Bay Seasoning Archives - Taste With The Eyes

Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade Croutons

Split Pea Soup with Bacon
Homemade Croutons

Velvety, savory, and deeply comforting, Split Pea Soup is a timeless classic that warms the soul. While its muddy yellow-green hue and sludgy appearance may not win beauty contests, one spoonful is enough to transport you to a world of rich, satisfying flavor.

More than just a dish, split pea soup carries nostalgia in every bite. It’s not the kind of soup that reminds you of a five-star restaurant or a once-in-a-lifetime meal—it’s the kind that makes you feel at home. It soothes, comforts, and wraps you in a sense of warmth and familiarity.

This version takes things up a notch with cherrywood-smoked bacon from Nashville’s Porter Road Butcher, adding depth and smokiness, while crispy homemade Old Bay croutons introduce the perfect crunch. Together, they elevate this humble classic into something truly special—still simple, still nostalgic, but with just the right touch of indulgence. It’s the ideal soup to enjoy as winter comes to a close.

Wine Pairing

2022 King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

This Oregon Pinot Gris balances the soup’s richness with bright acidity and complements the smoky bacon with its fresh, fruity character. It’s a well-balanced pairing that enhances both the wine and the dish.

Split Pea Soup Recipe

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Crab and Avocado Toasts

🦀 🥑 Crab and Avocado Toasts 🥑 🦀

Dungeness Crab and Avocado Toasts start with a slice of perfectly toasted artisan bread. A layer of creamy, seasoned avocado creates a luscious base that is topped with a generous portion of Dungeness crab meat salad. Adding a finishing touch, thin matchsticks of crisp radish provide a refreshing crunch and a subtle peppery bite, balancing the richness of the avocado and crab.

Dungeness crab, a gem of the Pacific Ocean, is celebrated for its sweet, succulent, ocean-y taste. Named after the port of Dungeness, Washington, this crab has long been a favorite for seafood lovers, especially along the West Coast. Perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or an elegant appetizer, crab and avocado toasts are an easy yet luxurious treat.

Crab and Avocado Toasts Recipe

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Shrimp Bisque with Old Bay Croutons

🦐 Shrimp Bisque with Old Bay Croutons 🦐
🌺 Creme Fraiche, Chives, Edible Flowers 🌺

Whereas my previous Shrimp Bisque was hearty and rustic, the texture of this one is smooth and elegant. It is the same hearty-style recipe inspired by Emeril Lagasse and Ina Garten but at the end I simply purée the soup with an immersion blender. And instead of garnishing with jumbo sautéed gulf shrimp, here I top the bisque with buttery homemade Old Bay croutons. A swirl of crème fraîche, snipped chives, and sometimes an edible flower finish it off.

Shrimp Bisque with Old Bay Croutons

Shrimp Bisque and Old Bay Croutons Recipes

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Old Bay Shrimp Cake Sliders

Old Bay takes the place of ordinary salt & pepper in these juicy, flavorful shrimp cakes. It is a classic seafood seasoning made of celery salt (salt, celery seed), spices (including red pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), and paprika. Originally created in Baltimore, Maryland over 75 years ago it is a classic for a good reason…it truly enhances the flavor of most shellfish, in this instance – shrimp cakes. Fans of Old Bay can read the interesting history here.

A toasty slider bun from the bakery is smeared with creamy mayonnaise then layered with a succulent shrimp cake, crunchy cucumber, tangy pickled red onion, sub-style oil & vinegar slaw, and just a sprinkle more of Old Bay.

We loved this sandwich for its petite size, the balance of textures and flavors and colors, and especially the absolutely delicious shrimp cake recipe. Thinking of using this shrimp cake in an Eggs Benedict dish soon….