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Soup is the song of the hearth...  and the home.”

Louis P. De Gouy, The Soup Book (1949)

As leaves start to fall from the trees and “sweater weather” begins, what could be more perfect than inviting friends to your home for a soup buffet after a football or soccer game, hiking, apple picking or a visit to the pumpkin patch.

The great thing about soups is most can be made in advance. All you have to do is reheat and serve. Add a selection of cheeses and crusty breads – finish with a platter of homemade cookies or brownies and your set to go.

Tips for selecting soups for your buffet:

 

A hearty vegetable, minestrone, lentil, bean soup or Italian Ribollita A cream based soup, such as a chowder, cheese soup or cream of tomato Meat-based soup, like a hearty goulash or chili

To keep your soups hot pull out the trusty crockpot or use serving burners. Or let guests serve themselves right from the stove. Just be careful if children are present. You’ll want to fill their bowls yourself. Looking for creative options -- fill a hollowed out pumpkin, decorative soup tureen or chafing dish.

When choosing breads opt for a combination of crackers, bread sticks, wheat, crusty Italian and rye breads or corn muffins. You might even add flavored butters, such as honey or sun-dried tomato.

Your selection of cheeses should include a combination of mellow, sharp, blue, mild tangy, rich creamy and robust firm cheeses. Serve your cheeses at room temperature and allow for roughly two ounces of cheese per guest. For a simple presentation idea place your cheeses on a large cutting board. Decorate your cheese board with grape leaves (fresh or paper). Add dried dates, raisins, figs or apricots, seasonal fruit and nuts, if you like.

Visit www.wisdiary.com, www.igourmet.com or www.cheesecupid if you need some help with your cheese selection. Wisconsin Diary even offers a pairing guide so you can select the perfect wines and beers to complement your cheeses.

Dessert Ideas:

 

Cookies: oatmeal, chocolate chip, peanut butter, ginger snaps, macaroons, macadamia nut Caramel Corn Balls Dutch Apple Bars, California Bars, Maple-Pecan Sticky Bars, Pumpkin Dessert Squares A selection of fruit pies served with ice cream Chocolate Fondue and fresh fruit Sour Cream, Spice or Apple Coffee Cakes Taffy Apples Brownies

As a finishing touch send your guests home with a bag of homemade goodies.

Bon Appetit!

 

Debra

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