Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade Croutons

Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade CroutonsSplit 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

Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade Croutons2022 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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Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée

Soupe à l'Oignon GratinéeSoupe à l’Oignon Gratinée
French Onion Soup

Few dishes encapsulate comfort and elegance quite like French onion soup. This rich, savory broth, brimming with caramelized onions and crowned with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese, has captivated food lovers for centuries. A staple in French cuisine, its origins are humble, yet its depth of flavor and satisfying warmth make it a beloved dish across the globe.

French onion soup dates back to at least the 17th century, though some variations can be traced to Roman times. Originally a dish for the working class, it was made using simple, inexpensive ingredients: onions, bread, and broth. Over time, it evolved into a refined culinary treasure, finding its place in Parisian cafés and fine dining establishments alike. Today, it remains a cherished part of French gastronomy and an enduring comfort food worldwide.

The soul of French onion soup lies in its deeply caramelized onions. Achieving this rich flavor requires patience, as onions must be cooked slowly over low heat until they develop a deep golden brown hue. This process can take much more than an hour, but the result is an intensely sweet and savory base that defines the soup’s character.

French Onion Soup Recipe

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Leftover Turkey Recipes Collection

Leftover Turkey Recipes Collection

Leftover Turkey Recipes Round-Up

Leftover Turkey Recipes Collection

After the hustle of holiday cooking, you may find yourself staring at a mountain of leftover turkey, wondering how to keep things fresh and exciting. That’s where this round-up comes in. Here are seven of my favorite leftover turkey recipes from over the years, along with my go-to method for roasting the perfect bird. Together, they ensure that your holiday meal keeps giving long after the main event.

This collection of recipes is designed to make creative use of leftover turkey, transforming it into new and delicious dishes. From charming savory cupcakes to a refreshing turkey glass noodle salad to a collection of seasonal soups, the goal is to provide variety and keep the leftovers from becoming repetitive. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something light and fresh, these ideas offer a little something for everyone.

Recipe round-ups like these are especially popular after major holidays. They not only help reduce food waste but also encourage us to rediscover the joy of cooking with leftovers. With a bit of ingenuity, these recipes ensure that leftover turkey doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Instead, it becomes the star ingredient in dishes that are just as delightful as the holiday feast itself.

Cooking with leftover turkey extends the festive spirit, letting you savor the flavors of the season in new and unexpected ways. So whether you’re reheating or reinventing, these recipes make every bite feel like a celebration. And if you’re preparing your turkey for the first time, my tried-and-true roasting method will set you up for success, ensuring a tender and flavorful bird that’s perfect for any of the dishes that follow.

Leftover Turkey Recipes Collection

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Leftover Turkey Soup with Dumplings

Leftover Turkey Soup with Dumplings

Leftover Turkey Soup with Dumplings

It’s that time of year again. Time for the Annual Leftover Turkey Soup. For 2024 we have a hearty, cozy, comforting turkey soup with plenty of vegetables and big fluffy dumplings.

And this year, every single ingredient in the recipe is leftover from cooking the Thanksgiving meal. No need to run out to the market! This is a true LEFTOVER SOUP, everything is on hand from the turkey, to the vegetables, to the herbs and spices, flour and diary!

Leftover Turkey Soup with Dumplings

Turkey Soup with Dumplings Recipe

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Quick Wonton Noodle Soup

Quick Wonton Noodle Soup

Quick Wonton Noodle Soup

This Quick (delicious) Wonton Noodle Soup is made with frozen/defrosted broth, frozen wontons (2 minutes) and noodles (4 minutes). Quick cooking baby bok choy adds the green vegetable component, along with plenty fresh scallion and cilantro. Garlic, ginger, soy sauce and fish sauce add depth of flavor. Sesame oil adds a toasty richness while jalapeño and chili garlic sauce definitely give it a kick!

When I make broth from scratch, I always make a big pot, and freeze some of the broth for later use. This flavorful broth was from a Vietnamese chicken soup recipe similar to pho ga. But any tasty broth would work. Here, the chicken soup with cilantro garnish is well-paired with bright herby chicken/cilantro wontons from Costco.

Vietnamese Chicken Soup Recipe

Quick Wonton Noodle Soup Recipe

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