This is one of those cookbooks I reach for every time the leaves change color. And when the leaves change color and the air is crisp, my email box starts to fill up with requests from this book. In fact, I just had one recently for “Barbara Wesley’s Anadama Bread.” People remember the Bakery Lane Soup Bowl restaurant which is the basis for this wonderful cookbook. It also happens to be one of my favorite covers.
Inside along with whimsical illustrations, you will find the chapters of soups, salads, breads, desserts, cookies, drinks and things, and quiche. My favorite soups have always been the cheddar cheese, fresh tomato bisque, and Virginia’s Broccoli Soup which is what I made for today.
Onion and curry powder are sautéed in butter; milk and a thickener are added, then cooked broccoli is added and all are pureed in a blender. It is seasoned with oregano, salt, pepper, and slices of fresh lemon which add a delicate flavor. It’s a very delicious and comforting soup that I always enjoy.
All of the recipes in this book are amazing, but if you are a dessert lover, then prepare yourself to splatter many of these pages. The Dacquoise recipe is from the Coach House Restaurant in New York City. There are cheesecakes, carrot cake, chocolate cakes, and lots of pies. I promise you will love it. Read even more about it on my blog from several years ago. See if you can find it on Amazon or somewhere. You won’t regret it. In the meantime, try the broccoli soup, cuddle up with a blanket and enjoy.
- ½ cup coarsely chopped onion
- 1-1/4 teaspoons curry powder
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cups milk, divided
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 quart chopped fresh broccoli or 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen broccoli
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thin slices of lemon
- Saute onion with curry powder in butter until crisp-tender. Blend in cornstarch. Add 2 cups of the milk and cook, stirring constantly until mixture boils, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour into a blender container and let cool a few minutes. Blend until smooth and remove to saucepan.
- Add boiling water to broccoli and cook until just tender. Put broccoli, one-half at a time, in blender container (no need to clean it out from the onion mixture) and blend with the remaining 1 cup of milk until smooth. Add the blended broccoli to the onion mixture in saucepan. Add oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. ( I use 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper) Heat until very hot over medium low heat, but do not boil. Ladle soup into bowls and place a lemon slice on top of each bowl of soup.
- (Note: If you really love lemon (I do!) I even add a slice of lemon in the bottom of bowl before adding soup and then another on top. The bottom lemon is not necessary, but the top one is! It adds a delicate touch and a great flavor. Adding both lemons is for lemon-lovers only!)
- Makes about 6 cups.
This morning I was getting ready to post my daily author spiel on my Facebook page (franstewartauthor) in which I mentioned–no, raved about–the Bakery Lane Soup Bowl. I bought this same book in 1976, and yes, Virginia’s Broccoli Soup was one of my favorites. To say nothing of the delicious breads.
At any rate, on a whim I googled Bakery Lane Soup Bowl and found a kindred spirit. I hope you’re still splattering your cookbook!
Hi Fran- I have heard from so many readers who love the Bakery Lane Soup Bowl cookbook. It’s been a favorite of mine since it was first published and much loved in my kitchen. Yes, you have found a kindred spirit and I hope to hear from you again! Now I will go visit your Facebook page!
I still remember the day we drove from Burlington to Middlebury to eat at The Bakery Lane Soup Bowl only to find that it had closed. That was long before the internet. In fact, every trip back then was something of an adventure, for we never quite knew what would be waiting at the other end of the road. No GPS, no cell phones, just conversation in the car.
Oh, no! That would have been a disappointment, but hopefully a fun road trip for you. I would love to have made a visit there in their glory days!
My husband and I found the restaurant in 1977 on our ‘before we have children’ trip to the east coast. We make the mocha macaroon pie every New Year’s Eve. What wonderful memories this post brought back. I have my cookbook in plAstic sleeves because it is falling apart.
I love Bakery Lane stories! I have never made the mocha macaroon pie, but now it’s a must! I love hearing about cookbooks people love so much that they are falling apart. Thanks so much for writing, Alexa!
did bakery lane do a brandy chocolate mousse? I seem to remember a f=reallygood one of theirs
Kim, would you like me to email you the recipe if it is in the book? I can get it to you sometime this week.