By Kellie Hall
As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, things slow down at Bernheim. But fear not, Isaac’s Café is still serving delicious, seasonal fare. Our homemade soups are the perfect way to showcase winter vegetables, and the Café is happy to share recipes with our visitors. We’re always flattered when people ask for our recipes – a testament to the quality of our food. So, if you want to warm up with some hearty soup at home, here are a few recipes you can make on your own. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Our current most popular cold-weather soup is Turkey Pot Pie Soup made by Jason St. Clair. As a staple at holiday potlucks, potpie is a beloved hot dish. Traditional potpie has a delightful mix of vegetables, meats, creamy filling, and savory herbs. With the Turkey pot pie soup, you get all the goodness of a potpie filling but in a comforting soup form. Indulge in a bowl of this creamy, vegetable-forward fall soup without the hassle of baking a pie crust. You won’t find a more satisfying soup.
Another unique soup made by Jason St. Clair, the Thai Squash Soup, features the Red Kuri Squash – a small, teardrop-shaped crop with no ridges. Red Kuri Squash thrives in sunny climates and can be grown in various regions worldwide. The versatile squash is utilized in cakes, cookies, casseroles, jams, and this delicious soup. The soup’s earthy, nutty flavor is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients – all vegetables used are high in beta-carotene, which supports eye health and hair growth. As someone who appreciates meals with health benefits, I highly recommend giving this soup a try.
One of the things I love most about working at the café is making soup. A former employee passed down a recipe for Chickpea Tomato Sage Soup, which has become my absolute favorite to make and is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a flavorful and tangy dish, with carrots and
spinach providing a healthy dose of vitamins and iron. The addition of chickpeas offers a protein-packed alternative to meat. I truly hope you’ll enjoy making this soup in your own kitchen and that it will become a beloved staple in your home, just as it has in Isaac’s Café year-round.
After walking around Lake Nevin and watching the winter birds, drop by the Visitor Center to warm your bones. While you’re here, don’t forget to browse our holiday selection in the Gift Shop, where you’ll find winter wear, tree decorations, and something special for everyone on your list!
Isaac’s Cafe and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.