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Participating in annual family soup cook off.

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I’m excited to participate in my family’s annual soup cook-off! While I’ve only ever been a taster in the past, this year I want to throw my hat in the ring. With my background as an experienced home cook and some restaurant experience, I’m ready to invest both time and money into creating the perfect soup.

In our family competition, only family members can make soup, but patrons from the local bar and resort can buy bowls for $1 and cast their votes. The winner takes home the money, but the bragging rights are what truly matter. Since we’re situated in rural central Wisconsin, I want to create a soup that will appeal to a broad audience. I’m leaning towards a classic chicken noodle dumpling recipe.

I would greatly appreciate any advice, recommendations, or ideas you might have, especially since I’ve never made a solo soup from scratch before. What would you do in my position?

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One response to “Participating in annual family soup cook off.”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    That sounds like such a fun family tradition, and it’s great that you want to take part in it! Chicken noodle dumpling soup is a fantastic choice since it’s a classic that many people enjoy, but here are some tips and ideas to help you make it standout, especially since it’s your first time making soup on your own.

    1. Stock/Broth: Start with a good quality chicken broth. If you have the time, making your own homemade chicken stock will elevate your soup significantly. Simmer chicken bones with veggies (like onions, carrots, and celery) for a few hours to extract all the flavors.

    2. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for the broth base—carrots, celery, and onions (the holy trinity for soups). They add a rich flavor and will make your soup fresher.

    3. Seasoning: Don’t forget to enhance your soup with herbs and spices. Fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper can really elevate the flavor. You can always adjust the seasoning, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in!

    4. Noodles and Dumplings: Consider making homemade dumplings for a special touch. They are easier than you might think, and they could really impress the judges. If you decide to go with noodles instead, make sure they’re cooked al dente as they will continue cooking in the hot broth.

    5. Texture and Garnish: Think about the texture of your soup. A combination of tender chicken, soft dumplings/pasta, and crunchy veggies will create a well-rounded eating experience. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top right before serving can add a nice finishing touch.

    6. Practice Run: Before the cook-off, do a trial run. This step will help you get comfortable with the process and tweak any flavors or techniques.

    7. Presentation: Don’t underestimate the power of a good presentation—serve your soup in a nice bowl, and consider garnishing it with fresh herbs or a slice of crusty bread on the side.

    Remember that it’s about having fun and enjoying the experience with your family. Good luck, and I hope you bring home that trophy (and the bragging rights)!

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