I want to thank readers so very much for all their contributions to our Soup Stories series, which wrapped up on Wednesday in the Journal. This last one comes from Louisa Bruinsma. While it's seasonal, reflecting one of Louisa's annual Christmas traditions, it is a heart-warming tale, just the kind of idea to tuck away for next year. Here is Louisa's story, and her recipe for Ginger Yam Soup.
"I am a self-professed Christmas Grinch: I don’t do gifts, though my husband makes the annual trek to Ikea on the first Saturday of December for the tree. Beginning in mid-November, we avoid stores and malls.
But -- not the carols! My Christmas is our annual Soup ‘n Sing party. Friends who love to sing are greeted by candles in the snow, the candles creating perfect columns of glowing light. Once inside the door, smells of cinnamon in mulled wine entice them further into our home. They toss coats onto our bed (not enough room in the closet), grab a mug of wine, and head to the basement. Then for an hour we sing around the piano.
It really is who you know that counts. What a gift to have accomplished musicians like Dr. Joachim Segger (piano professor from The Kings University College) and Dr. Marnie Giesbrecht (his wife, organ professor at University of Alberta) willing to accompany the singing. I book them as early as I dare, since Christmas is the busiest time of the year for musicians.
At our first Soup ‘n Sing, we sang the old traditional carols, and made a feeble attempt at the Hallelujah Chorus. Over the years we became bold enough to attempt more Messiah pieces. And last year Joachim and Marnie brought choral sheet music which we sight read. One year a jazz musician performed some wonderful renditions of carols, and, each year, Joachim and Marnie (also known as Duo Majoya) treat us to Mozart for four hands.
It used to be the custom in old city missions for residents to listen to the preacher before they could eat in the soup kitchen. But we make people sing before they can eat their soup. Soup is the menu, self-serve: pea soup, borscht, ginger yam, and a favourite from my good friend, Donna --spicy peanut soup.
Other treats miraculously appear on the buffet table (think parable of the loaves and fishes): a tray of veggies, my friend Evelyn’s signature cinnamon buns, Maria’s amazing pie. It’s great to have friends who hail from the “what-can-I-bring” school. It makes entertaining easy. (You only need to put those candles in the snow and clean the bathroom! And – be sure to check with the neighbours about where your guests can park, particularly when the windrows block the street.)
For what is Christmas without carols? My husband and I grew up in Dutch immigrant families, and the lump that develops in our throat when we sing the Dutch carol “Ere Zij God” (Glory to God) does make it seem like there is some hope for peace in the world.
Soup ‘n Sing Ingredients
Dozen tea light candles in the snow
Plonk for mulled wine
“What-can-I-bring” friends who love to sing
Gifted friends who play piano
Sheet music for singing
Copies of Messiah
Hearty appetite for soup
Tolerant neighbours who will share parking in front of their house
Louisa’s Ginger Yam Soup
Melt app 2 TBSP butter in a large soup kettle.
Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes (omit if you don’t like spicy food), app 3 TBSP chopped ginger, 3 cloves minced garlic and stir together until translucent.
After mixed, add 1 Litre of chicken stock.
While this is cooking, peel 2 medium size yams. Cut into chunks and add to soup mixture
Cook until soft, then puree everything in blender or food processor.
Just before serving, add 1 can of coconut milk and a ½ lime. Cook just until boiling point.
Garnish with either fresh chives or parsley. (If you enjoy a spicier and more colourful addition, add one green jalapeno pepper cut very fine, just before serving.) Add a half lime to the pot for some extra zing.
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