January 27, 2010

Party Idea: Soup Swap

I recently learned (from Real Simple magazine) that January is National Soup Month. To celebrate, I decided to host a small gathering at my place and call it a "soup swap." What is a "soup swap"? It's like a cookie swap, but with soup. (Note that I've never been to a cookie swap so I'm pretty much making this up as I go along).

The idea is that everyone brings a big batch of their favorite soup. We all sample the soups for lunch, along with some yummy crusty bread, saltines, and oyster crackers and a big salad. Then everyone takes a sample of their favorites home in disposable plastic ware. We all have soup for lunch for the next week, with a nice variety, without having to cook 5 different types of soups. And people are also supplying their recipes so others can recreate the soup again in their own kitchen.

At this point there will be 5 people, including myself. I think it's a nice number - who can eat more than 5 soups in one sitting, really?

So if you're looking for something to do inside on a cold Saturday or Sunday this winter, consider hosting a "soup swap" of your own. Here's my list of must-have party supplies and host-supplied menu items to get you started:

  • Paper bowls for soup sampling
  • One package of plastic ware bowls with lids per attendee (~ 4 per pack)
  • Soup spoons
  • Ladles (or ask guest to bring their own)
  • Crusty whole grain baguette, cut into chunks for dipping into soup
  • Saltines
  • Oyster crackers
  • Beverages and cups
  • Napkins

Also consider how you are going to keep the soups warm during the party. I can fit 4 on my stove top on simmer, and several others if they are in a Crockpot that can be plugged into outlets on the counter.

That's about it. I'm hoping it's a pretty low key way to get some friends together for a warm, comforting, tasty afternoon!

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