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"Soup to
Nuts"
Holiday Entertaining
Guide
 (ARA)
- As the holidays approach, it's natural for us to feel both
festive and frantic and increasingly stressed as our list of
errands gets longer than Santa's. To make sure that this season
is about true holiday spirit and joyous time with family and
friends, heed the sage advice of an entertaining expert who shares
her simple secret . . . serve soup!
"Most soups are not complicated
to make but they can have magical powers to help restore the
soul, nurture and inspire the spirit and make a holiday party
great fun for the host and guests" says Jana Kolpen, author
and illustrator of the enchanting fable and cookbook, "The
Secrets of Pistoulet," and designer of the Pistoulet Dinnerware
Collection for The Pfaltzgraff Co.
Kolpen is a passionate cook
who loves to entertain at home. Her successful motto is, "keep
it fresh, seasonal, colorful and simple." Depending on the
soup recipe, it can be served as first course, entrée
or even a delicious snack. Regardless of its place at meal time,
a simmering pot of soup warms guests' hearts and keeps the cook
out of the kitchen and part of the celebration.
"I've always loved to
entertain friends and family, and I discovered the magic of soups
while on a journey in France where the ritual and the spirit
of making soup for others became a life transforming experience,"
says Kolpen. She left New York City for a small farmhouse in
southern France to give herself a fresh start after some devastating
life experiences. Kolpen's adventures led her to write and illustrate
"The Secrets of Pistoulet" in which she includes several
soup recipes that chronicle her inspirational journey such as
the Potage of Spirit and the Potage of Passion.
According to Kolpen, holiday
entertaining should be a multi-sensory experience that satisfies
more than just your guests' hunger. Kolpen collaborated with
The Pfaltzgraff Co. to design a full collection of dinnerware
and home accessories to complement her soup recipes and entertaining
philosophy. Each piece in the Pistoulet Collection is hand painted
with brightly colored flowers, vines and vegetables inspired
by Kolpen's illustrations in her book.
"I encourage mixing and
matching dinnerware pieces to create whimsical and fun table
settings. Place large soup crocks and tureens right on the dinner
table and let guests serve themselves and participate in the
full ritual of the holiday feast." The Pistoulet Collection
includes large, colorful soup tureens with ladles and a variety
of soup bowls named after Kolpen's favorite soup recipes such
as the "Potage of Compassion" soup crocks and the "Potage
of Spirit" soup bowls.
Kolpen recommends the "Potage
of Spirit" soup as a good party starter. Using the freshest
ingredients in the recipe she creates a hearty and healthful
meal to nourish guests. The simple soup combines aromatic garlic,
earthy potatoes and bright orange carrots (recipe included).
But she does warn that "the spirit can express itself in
many odd and wonderful ways. Be prepared for shocking behavior!"
The Potage
of Spirit (makes 6 servings)
- 2 medium garlic bulbs (about
16 cloves)
- 4 14 ounce cans reduced-sodium
chicken broth
- 3 medium potatoes (about 1
pound), peeled and cut into ½ inch pieces.
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
(1 ½ cups)
- 1/3 cup whipping cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Snipped fresh chives to garnish
(optional)
Directions:
Combine broth, peeled garlic
cloves, potatoes and carrots in saucepan, cover with water and
bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool
slightly, puree in blender or food processor until smooth. Return
to saucepan to heat through adding whipping cream, salt and pepper
and chives for garnish. |
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