I have always enjoyed a good beer cheese soup; rich, creamy, satisfying deep in the belly. A traditional German soup prepared since medieval times, it’s simply a combination of stock, beer, and cheese thickened with a starch (such as flour, stale bread, or potato). Here in Wisconsin, with our substantial German heritage, the soup is [...]
Tag: soup
Restaurant – Birch
In a few weeks from the writing of this post, James Beard Foundation will announce it's winners for Best Chef for 2024. The Great Lakes region in the awards includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, which puts Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland all in the same category. Tough sledding for the Great Lakes cities. Milwaukee (thankfully!) [...]
Potage Colcannon – Potato Leek Kale Soup
The bounty of the farmers' market created the inspiration of a Pottage Parmentier meets Colcannon - a potato leek soup with the addition of garlic sautéed cabbage. Potato leek soup served cold and topped with cream and chives is most often known as vichyssoise, but the classic warm soup owes it's name to Antoine-Augustin Parmetier, [...]
In Praise of Pumpkins – Soup, Pierogis, and Pancakes
Pumpkins are simply a uniquely identifiable type of winter squash, indigenous to America, and now a globally recognized symbol of autumn. The flavors of winter squash can vary from relatively bland to rich and buttery. They can also take on vegetal qualities similar to summer squashes, such as zucchini. Pureed or roasted, they provide a [...]
A Moment From 100 Years Ago
A smiling, white-haired gentleman greets me and I give him the name of our party. “Oh, you’re having lunch with my good friends today. Welcome.” The dining room has plenty of dark wood, lit by stained glass and low lights. Nearly every bit of wall space has either a German artifact or a framed photo [...]
Great Lakes Cuisine 