Tuesday, October 5, 2010

CHERYL'S LAST OF THE SUMMER CREAM OF GREEN BEAN SOUP

CHERYL’S LAST OF THE SUMMER CREAM OF GREEN BEAN SOUP


Last of the Summer Green Bean Soup

I purchased green beans and potatoes from one of the farmers at the Roanoke City Market on Saturday to make my “last of the summer soup.” Normally I have an abundance of green beans of my own but the summer draught and my being away on my Great Britain tour for so long made for a poor summer crop. Fortunately, I did have plenty of chives left for my soup.

Fresh chives from my garden, potatoes and beans from the Farmer's Market

Our Little Supper Club decided to do a “Local Foods” party this month for the theme. All main ingredients were to be grown within a 50 mile radius. Our location was the beautiful Floyd County and the home of Jason and Mark.

Our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains

Driving up to Floyd, via the Blue Ridge Parkway is like floating in a cloud and landing at the top of the world. The leaves had just started to change and in about two weeks, they will be glistening in gold.

Old barn on property

When you do finally land down, you arrive at some of the most beautiful country in all of Virginia, if not all of the US.

Winding road to unknown wonders

There is picturesque scenery such as an old barn on the over 65 acres of property and a winding road that begs you to go round the curve to see what lies ahead. This is just a small part of the land.

Bonfire warms us in the crisp autumn air

A bonfire added to the ambiance of our country “Local Foods” party as well as tales of Floyd living. I giggled when I heard that there was a club just over the ridge with the name, “The Floyd County Coon Hunt Club.” I don’t know why that struck me so funny but for some reason it did. I guess I just can’t imagine anyone wanting to track down a Raccoon and chase him into a tree.

The food was very different this time with region specialties featured such as Venison Pie, Buffalo stew and Lamb gyros. I don't eat very much red meat so I was glad we also had garden pizzas, Squash soup, Apple dishes, beans in many varieties, including my Cream of Green Bean Soup. We always know if our food entry has reached the mark of perfection by what we have labeled as “The Stephanie eyeroll,” seen below. Stephanie is a real connoisseur of good food and we all await anxiously to see if we've made the mark. (Of course there are sound effects that accompany the eyeroll)

Stephanie's famous "eyeroll"

Both Wayne’s Caramel Cheesecake and my End of Summer Cream of Green Bean Soup, received the eyeroll this time around. Actually, come to think of it, I think I saw the "eyeroll" for several other dishes as well.

I thought you might like the recipe for my soup. The name sounds a bit strange, I know, but once you taste this soup which is chock full of garlic and chives, you will definitely become a believer. It takes almost no time at all to prepare. Enjoy!

Cheryl’s Last of the Summer Cream of Green Bean Soup

Serves about 16

1 lb green fresh garden green beans (I sometimes add more)
12 small or 6 large cloves of garlic (I sometimes add more)
8 cups chicken broth, homemade or bought
1 cup of chives
4 small white potatoes-cut into fourths
1/2 cup sour cream
2T lemon juice
S and P to taste

Method:

Cut green beans into 2” pieces and place in large soup cauldron with potatoes, stock, chives and garlic. Bring to a boil. Turn down and simmer for 30 minutes. Use food or hand processor to puree. Add sour cream and lemon juice. Garnish with chives and extra sour cream.

Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and chopped chives

It is so simple to make and even though the sound of a green bean soup may not be appealing to you, believe me, this soup melts in your mouth and warms your entire autumn being.


Look at those wonderful chives and garlic

Stumble Upon Toolbar

28 comments:

  1. Cheryl...hugs...I am smiling..this post was like a scene out of a charming movie...so delightful and fun and I am giggling too!wow..that IS quite the eye-roll.

    The Suop looks yummy..I have never had that kind beofre..and I am a soupie freak!! Yay!! Lovely!YUM
    have a most wonderful day and thanks for adding a sparkle to mine!
    Victoria~

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh that looks delicious- another recipe I'll have to try for sure! And what a wonderful setting to share your food and friendships. I'm planning on making tomato basil soup for my lunch today...one of my faves!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You don't have to convince me...that soup sound Yummy. Funny, I just froze my green beans last week. I will definately make this soup! Thanks Cheryl :o)

    PS: You have really taken some beautiful pictures...the one of the bonfire, especially...I love the reflection in the pond.
    XoXx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cheryl, your timing is perfect because I was recently thinking of making a cream of green bean soup. I will use your recipe.

    Your photos are all great but the one showing the fresh, raw ingredients is particularly heart warming. :)

    Inga

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your soup looks delish. I can't believe I've still never been to Floyd!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This sounds really good Cheryl. I just love all the recipes you share with us. Loved your post, sounds like fun people! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really enjoyed the trip you took us on. It was definitely delightful. That bonfire looked like SO much fun. Sure puts my little chiminea to shame (grin).

    As for the soup, I really MUST try this. It sounds wonderful beyond belief. I will probably substitute the chicken broth for veggie broth, but either would be good, I'm sure. And thanks for having tea with me this morning!

    ReplyDelete
  8. That soup looks scrumptious. I've never heard of bean soup, but I will definitely give it a try. The countryside pictures are fabulous. Make me yearn for home.
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cheryl, I hate that Tom and I had to miss this one. Your pictures were dreamy and yes, I agree that Floyd is like a fairy tale place. It has to be on the list of the world's most gorgeous places. Your soup looked perfect for autumn. As for our French trip, I have not heard back yet from Petra on pricing and availability of the country home in the Loire Valley. I will write the girl we know in Tours, France and see if she can prompt a response. Fondly, Dian

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your dinner parties sound wonderful. I remember reading about the one you hosted too. I will have to try out the recipe, thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely post........enjoyed the tour of the countryside and the recipe for bean soup is a keeper! It is just coming into Spring here and the beans are about to pop through the soil - I will give this one a try!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sounds delicious! I'm definitely going to try that recipe. It's great to see the pictures of Floyd! We usually travel to VA this time of year and go on the parkway but this year we won't be able to so thanks for your photos!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Mmmmmmm!!! looks so good! Summer is over...so sad. I hope it tastes good the best you ever had! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a wonderful yummy post,Cheryl.LOL
    You always amaze me to piece's and love visiting you.
    Thank you for the recipe,love it....
    Happy creating my dear clever friend.
    Your so artful in all ways .... Hugs Laura. xoxx

    ReplyDelete
  15. How very wonderful it is to meet you! Thank you for finding my blog and now I have found yours and I am fascinated! I read on and on and on...and realized soon I have to feed my dogs, but anyway, I was engaged especially by your description of learning true fresco painting. I always wanted to do that but probably won't now at this point in my life. Your creations have an inner soul that is quite amazing and they are just lovely. I will be following for more! Oh, and I love that you include recipes...I am vegetarian but pretty good at making necessary adjustments. The green bean soup sounds scrumptious!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, this looks and sounds so delicious--thank you for the recipe--I love any homemade soup!
    And these photos--right out of a classic movie--I want to go here (with all of that food, of course)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I can honestly say that I have never made cream of green bean soup, though I will certainly note the recipe!
    I love Roanoke and have fond memories from a trip there a number of years ago - the beauty of the land reminds me a bit of here - Kentucky - but I love the mountains!

    ReplyDelete
  18. OH MAY I HAVE A BOWL! THIS LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING I'D MAKE....I DO A CREAMY CARROT SOUP TOO...AND DOESN'T SOUP JUST WARM YOUR HEART!

    That old barn looks like something my husband and I would stop on the side of the road to sketch....we love doing that....and then going home for some soup! hehee...

    thanks for your visit...

    Ciao bella!!!
    CREATIVE CARMELINA

    ReplyDelete
  19. Dear Cheryl, first of all, I must confess ... I have had my fair share of moments, chasing pesty raccoons and have been caught in some most precarious situations due to their mischievous behavior!

    Your green bean soup looks delicious! I shall try the recipe this weekend! ~ Oh the gathering around the bonfire and scrumptious delicacies looked and sounded like a fun and peaceful day. What a wonderful way to honor autumn's bliss!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yes, as usual you've been making wonderful, wonderful things in my absence Cheryl. I especially loved your creams, how beautiful. This recipe sounds yummy, and very appropriate for the season. I did enjoy the pictures of the Blue Ridge Mountains, they always sound so mystical - and that wonderful old barn is crying out to be immortalised in a painting I think! x

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a wonderful and homey Autumn post. Your soup looks and sounds fantastic. I love to make soup and bread just starting now. I want to do some canning soon as well. Thank you for sharing this recipe and for your ever inspiring activities and art!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Yum! That looks delicious Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oooo Cheryl! If I only lived closer I would have crashed your party! I've not made any yummy food lately except the staples. Danny just got braces and this looks like something he could and would eat!Yum. Thanks for your kind words always and especially all the beauty and goodness you share with all of us. Hugs, Bridgette

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Cheryl...its lovely to meet you. I've had a good look around your fascinating blog - and I've copied down your recipe, thank you!
    Now where can I buy your magic cream!? :-)
    Linda x

    ReplyDelete
  25. You're right, initially "green bean soup" does not sound that wonderful, however after reading the ingredients I think it would be yummy. I must try this!

    Loved the pics of your get-together! Looks like so much fun. Caramel cheesecake? ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm YUM!

    Hugs,

    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  26. I think this must be delicious.
    Your pictures are great as usual!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I've been living on soup all week, its about all I can handle at the moment. I'll be adding this one to my recipe box. looks wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I LOVE soup so I will definitely try your soup as it sounds absolutely delicious! Being vegetarian, I'll just replace the chicken broth with vegetable stock ~ :)

    ReplyDelete

If convenient, please leave a comment. I read every one and thoroughly enjoy hearing your thoughts.