Cream of Mushroom Soup

As the weather shifts and the leaves begin to turn, nothing seems to taste better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Soup seems to have this magical ability to sooth the soul and warm the heart.

The first step for any great soup is the broth or stock. Hands down, the best stocks are homemade. For a gluten-free family, homemade is not only better, but also safer, because you know exactly what is in it. We make large stockpots of chicken and beef broth and freeze it in one and two-cup containers for future use. Vegetable and fish stock can be made in less than an hour, and therefore are easy to make as you need them. We strongly suggest making your own stock — it is very simple to make and the end result is truly so much better than what you can buy in a can! For complete instructions on how to make your own homemade stocks, search our recipe archives for "Stock".

Soups are not only versatile, but are typically easy to make. Vegetable soups begin with broth and add any vegetables on hand, herbs, spices and you’ve got a great soup! If you are looking for something a little heartier, try adding meats, chicken, fish, pasta or beans.

Roasted Yellow Pepper & Roasted Tomato Soup

Cream soups of just about any flavor, are made with the same basic formula.

Step 1: Sauté onions, shallots, and/or garlic.

Step 2: Add stock and vegetables.

Step 3: Simmer until vegetables are very tender.

Step 4: Puree in a food processor and return soup to pot.

Step 5: Add cream and seasonings

Step 6: Enjoy!

The great thing about preparing soups is that you really can’t do anything wrong. If the soup is too thick, add more stock or cream. If your soup lacks flavor, add more salt and/or seasonings.

Potato & Leek Soup

This fall try these amazing, delicious soups:

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Roasted Yellow Pepper & Roasted Tomato Soup

Fennel & Tomato Soup with Italian Sausage

Harry’s Ciopino

Potato & Leek Soup

Pumpkin Soup with Gruyere

Zucchini Soup

Cauliflower Soup w/Gorgonzola Pecan Toasts

Chorizo Soup

Cream of Cauliflower Soup with Roasted Red Pepper Puree

Pumpkin Soup with Gruyere

Garnishing your soup can make the difference between great and spectacular. Garnishes for soup can be simple to elaborate. An important tip to remember when garnishing a soup is ‘less is more’. Whatever you use, use it sparingly. Let’s face it, what food looks like is almost as important as what it tastes like. Here are some great garnishing tips for your next bowl of soup:

• Decorate light colored cream soups with small contrasting pieces of vegetables. It is always a good idea to use vegetables or herbs that have been used in the soup itself.
• Puree red bell peppers and squiggle a design on top of light cream soups.
• Decorated Latin soups with sliced avocados or with thin strips of toasted corn tortillas.
• Dollop with sour cream or grated cheeses.
• Sprinkle with toasted nuts.
• Decorate a dark cream soup by making an infused cream and filling a plastic squeeze bottle. Squeeze a squiggle design on top of the soup.
• Use a small sprig of a fresh herb or chopped herbs.

Here’s to a great cup or bowl of soup! We hope you enjoy!!!

- Glutenfreeda