Soul-Satisfying Soups

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Parmesan – Peppercorn Crisps

With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season and with all the cooking I do for clients throughout the year, it’s nice to enjoy a simple, uncomplicated meal. This silky Tuscan-inspired white bean soup with lacy Parmesan crisps makes simplicity special.

Moroccan Beef Stew with Harissa

My mother, Ann Ramczyk, was an award-winning cook. Besides winning numerous local and state cooking competitions, she represented Wisconsin twice at the Pillsbury Bake-Off and twice at national beef and chicken cook-offs. This Moroccan Beef Stew was the first-place winner in the 1988 Wisconsin beef cook-off and is perfect for a chilly winter night.

French Onion Soup (Soupe a l’Oignon)

The onion is a rather humble ingredient that usually serves to provide flavor to other dishes. Soupe a l’Oignon, simply known as French onion soup, elevates this culinary workhorse to star status and makes a luxurious meal for two. Caramelizing onions is definitely a labor of love, however, the result is well worth it.

Mangospacho with Crab – Jalapeno Relish

Cold soup like gazpacho on a hot summer day makes a refreshing meal.

Mangospacho is a refreshing and fruity alternative to traditional tomato-based gazpacho. Mild rice vinegar is added to a mango purée along with extra-virgin olive oil, cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. The result is savory without being overly sweet.