Big Soup Sunday

An old roommate, and very dear friend, made a cameo appearance in my life this week. It was lovely getting to spend a few precious moments catching up- with only mild revertigo! My favourite part of the visit however, was bringing over our Fredericton-based tradition to introduce to some new friends here in O-Town. That tradition (pause for dramatic effect) is Big Soup Sunday.

It started a few years ago when I noticed a ginormous, family sized -no, make that ARMY sized- can of Campbell's soup rolling around in the back seat of my friend's car. The few of us riding along were both confused, curious, and mildly disgusted about the what and why of this soup. Turns out, it was just a big can of soup, given to him by another friend. The fun part of this story is the epic tradition that emerged following that first Sunday when a few of us got together to eat a big can of soup.

Loving any excuse for dinner parties, Big Soup Sunday quickly became a regular occurrence during my undergrad days. For me it was about more than just getting to cook with and for my very best friends. It allowed for the stretching of culinary muscles, since we NEVER make the same soup twice. It was also about relaxing. Big Soup Sundays were afternoons without homework or studying. They were about chopping, talking, stirring, laughing, dipping, slurping, and loving. And GIANT pots.

A couple of us were static as head chefs. The sous chefs varied, depending on what jobs there were to be done. The guest list was always the same: everyone welcome, just bring a couple of dollars or an ingredient. Some of the masterpieces that emerged ranged from simple and traditional like clam chowder, or minestrone, to a few outside-the-box creations like red lentil and spicy sausage, or Asian carrot.

I go back for visits during the summer and at Christmas and Big Soup is always incorporated. Although Big Soup here will never be the same as it was, it's nice that a couple of us were able to introduce the tradition to a few others. As I write this though, I'm torn because it makes me sad to think about the possibility of people making Big Soup without me. I want to share the love, but Big Soup Sunday is also about being just a LITTLE big selfish. Everyone wants that last ladle full.

So, the O-Town version of Big Soup Sunday featured corn chowder, spicy Asian vegetable, and won-ton. I made the mistake of buying frozen, pre-made wontons (SHAME ON ME!) and they tasted like a barn smells. It was disgusting. Stupid barn soup! The others, however, were a hit. My favourite was the corn chowder. We added two shredded zucchinis, red pepper, and bacon to enhance the colour and add variety of texture and flavour to an othewise ordinary soup. Also, with only a splash of cream at the end, I love how we were able to achieve a creamy texture so naturally without the added fat. Mmmm...I wish Big Soup Sunday could be every day.