It’s football time in Tennessee and I’m gonna make this soup very soon, in honor of all things fall and football! It’s one of my favorite fall soups so it thought it was time to re-share it.
When I found out a few months ago that there was gonna be a certain photo shoot at my house this fall (more on that later!), I fully embraced my slightly curvier self. I was so proud that I seemed to have kicked vanity to the curb.
“They’ll just have to take me as I am.” Those were my exact words to myself.
But don’t worry, I’m a parent so I’m quite accustomed to eating my words. As the shoot drew painfully near, the fire breathing dragon of my vanity reared its ugly head.
So I tried to find a way to get on crack called my dear friend who had recently lost 12 pounds and 20 inches using an awesome system of nutritional supplements and begged her to meet me with a starter kit. 15 days and a nagging viral illness later, I’m desperately missing soup and bread. And coffee. And diet coke. And especially chocolate chip cookies. And butter. OH, how I miss butter. It’ll be a few more days until I can eat this yummy soup, but I hope you’ll make it and eat it with lots of bread and butter in my honor. Don’t email me, telling me how good it is until this weekend. I’m sick and slightly irritable. I was doing pretty darn good until I got this wicked virus and as I continue to recover, I’m much too weak to hear about your buttered bread and good rich soup:) Especially since I’ll be eating meat and salad and protein shakes for a few more days.
Don’t worry, I’m gonna tell you all about my program and how it’s worked for me as soon as I finish the initial challenge. I’m VERY impressed with it so far. And as a {former} physician and lover of health and food and exercise, I’m always in the market for a good boost to the system. Especially one that’s doable. Nevertheless, I miss Paula Dean. I’m a lover, not a dieter. And I MAY have cheated a time or two. But I am losing some stubborn inches and practicing the ever difficult task of depriving myself, which I could stand to do much more often. I’m ‘in my forties’ now and apparently that means I’m either gonna have to run 10 miles a day or occasionally tell myself no. The ‘no’ seems a little more reasonable but reasonable has never been my strong suit. Blasted metabolism.
The best motivation ever? I took a before photo. Heavens. to. Betsy. I DO NOT recommend the before photo under any circumstances but especially not with a high quality DSLR camera. Get a 3 year old to take it with a fuzzy camera phone while doing the Hokey Pokey. Trust me on this one. Knowing my luck, I’ll die before I have a chance to incinerate the memory card. Deleting is not a powerful enough option, dear friends.
Now for the recipe which is a repost from a couple years ago.
2 T butter and 2 T. olive oil
1 onion
1 large carrot
3 stalks of celery
3 cloves of garlic
2 boxes of good chicken stock
1 can of pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix) the smaller sized can ~14 oz
3 c. cooked chicken or 3 c. diced potatoes for a vegetarian option (could also use frozen hash browns)
1/2 c barley
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ginger
1/4 t nutmeg
2-3 T honey
1-2 t. chipotles chopped very fine (it comes in a small can in the mexican section of the store and is packed in a heavy sauce)—it has a lot of heat so be cautious.
1 c. sour cream or greek yogurt
1/4 c. heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
To begin, saute the veggies in the oil and butter until carrots are almost tender. Always salt as you go along and then adjust the salt at the end. Don’t wait til the very end to add salt or your dish will lack a depth of flavor. Add garlic after the veggies have cooked about 5 minutes.
Then add chicken stock, pumpkin, chicken, barley and all the spices. Cook at medium to high heat for about 45 minutes to an hour or until barley is tender. Turn heat down to simmer. Add sour cream or yogurt and whisk so that no lumps remain and then add cream. Taste and reseason. I had to add more honey to balance the heat of the chipotles but DON’T leave out the chipotles. The smokey flavor makes the soup. It just wouldn’t be the same without them! Enjoy!
Find more yummy food on my recipes page!
Sharing this recipe with Censational Girl and her Comfort Foods Link party!
Ingredients
- 2 T butter and 2 T. olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1 large carrot
- 3 stalks of celery
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 boxes of good chicken stock
- 1 can of pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix) the smaller sized can ~14 oz
- 3 c. cooked chicken or 3 c. diced potatoes for a vegetarian option (could also use frozen hash browns)
- 1/2 c barley
- 1/2 t. cinnamon
- 1/4 t. ginger
- 1/4 t nutmeg
- 2-3 T honey
- 1-2 t. chipotles chopped very fine (it comes in a small can in the mexican section of the store and is packed in a heavy sauce)—it has a lot of heat so be cautious.
- 1 c. sour cream or greek yogurt
- 1/4 c. heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- To begin, saute the veggies in the oil and butter until carrots are almost tender.
- Always salt as you go along and then adjust the salt at the end.
- Don’t wait til the very end to add salt or your dish will lack a depth of flavor.
- Add garlic after the veggies have cooked about 5 minutes.
- Then add chicken stock, pumpkin, chicken, barley and all the spices.
- Cook at medium to high heat for about 45 minutes to an hour or until barley is tender.
- Turn heat down to simmer. Add sour cream or yogurt and whisk so that no lumps remain and then add cream.
- Taste and reseason. I had to add more honey to balance the heat of the chipotles but DON’T leave out the chipotles. The smokey flavor makes the soup. It just wouldn’t be the same without them! Enjoy!
Pin It
and I like cowboy boots, C.S. Lewis, good food, strong coffee, banjo music and books. I am a deeply flawed momma of 4 and grateful receiver of more good gifts than one heart can hold. I fight for joy and find it in the most unexpected places. I make quirky look normal, relish in my small town Southern way of living, and am learning that it's all grace--every last bit of it. 
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
Love it, I know the feeling looked at a picture of myself today at a birthday party and said ‘wow do I need weight watchers’… the late 50′s look is really making me round. Then having the mumps twice in two years made my face stay a permanent round look too. The best remedy is just not worry about it, look the best we can and be glad we have health and life and be grateful. It could always be much worse.
Let me guess…advocare? Congrats, edie!
yes, ma’am, miss debra! have you tried if before? it was much easier to do when i wasn’t sick:))) hope you are well (and all your babies!)
xoxo,
edie
Oh, I was gonna guess Xyngular Ignite!
Darling Edie-Good for you for sticking with it!! Thanks for the great recipe. Hope you feel better soon. Lisa
thanks sweet Lisa!
xoxo,
edie
Dear Edie,
I love your blog. I have ordered “The Odyssey”,and can’t wait to get it. I normally don’t comment, but I have to say thanks for making me laugh. I laughed because I can relate big time, it was a good one. Looking forward to trying the soup.
I roast chicken every week and then cook the bones to make a delicious healthy broth. This recipe will be a great way to make a different soup then my two usual standbys. It looks yummy!
Actually, if I didn’t eat the bread, I think I could lose weight eating this soup. Hmmm. Maybe I should try it and let you know. Butter doesn’t make a girl fat. Unless she eats it by the stick for snacks. But, oh my the bread and sugar sure does. Rats! Especially the sugar.
Best wishes on your diet!! Or should we say, liveit!
Oh dear. My jaw dropped when I read the post title, this soup sounds like heaven!
Oh why did I read this while hungry??? Not a good idea :-/
As a pumpkin & chipotle lover, I’ll definitely be trying this *soon*! But I have to ask–what do you think of adding beer to this soup? I’m huge on adding beer to my soups. I do it with pretty much every soup I make.
You can never go wrong with beer?!?!? I think it would be a great addition!
))
This soup sounds amazing. Looking forward to trying it. Can’t wait to hear more about this program. Things sure do change after 40. I am holding my breath, awaiting more information on this upcoming photo shoot. Please spill the beans-will you be in a magazine??!! I am not good with waiting or surprises.
Hugs
I took my 60 yr old self to my doc in early March and brought to his attention how I weighed more (162# on my 5′ 3.5″ frame!!) than I ever had in my entire life…and asked him for an appetitie suppressant. And he agreed to write the rx. So…I’ve lost 26#. I feel and look so great. Everyone is noticing (and hubby is very happy). I walk about 3 miles every day and have been doing so for 20 yrs…but that’s wasn’t enough. Hubby had been pointing out that I ate as much as he did (which I of course denied!). I see doc every month so he can make sure bp is staying normal b/c…as I’ve lost weight, bp is much lower…last visit it was 104/74. So, Sept will be my weaning off month…wish me luck! I am now aware of what size meals I should be eating instead of what I had been eating…and I’m very motivated to keep the weight off. I sure hope I can!
That is so awesome! I’m so happy for you! I’ll be posting about Advocare and it might be a good option for you as you wean off the suppressants—they can cause a lot of rebound weight gain so you have to be careful when you’re weaning off! I’m sure you’ll do great—keep up the good work:))))
What a gal. Even though you are sick AND hungry you put out a blog entry and salesmanship plug that perhaps running 10 miles a day isn’t the answer. Looking forward to hearing what works for you. Feel better.
You seem to be back! I have missed your hilarious posts and sassy southern girl charm. Hope all is well with you and yours AND that you look amazing for your shoot.
Hi Edie! This had me laughing OUT LOUD: I’m ‘in my forties’ now and apparently that means I’m either gonna have to run 10 miles a day or occasionally tell myself no. The ‘no’ seems a little more reasonable but reasonable has never been my strong suit. Oh sister can I RELATE! Can’t wait to hear & see what’s been happening in your life
You’re inspiring me already!
Edie-
) to Whole9Life- I am now on day 27 of my 30 day challenge. I have NEVER felt BETTER! EVER! The results have been amazing. My energy has sky-rocketed! I would never have believed it if I had not been experiencing it. (I was a HUGE SUGAR JUNKIE!) It has/is changing my whole life. I now exercise NO MORE THAN 20 MINUTES a DAY! MAX!!!
I have tried “all kinds” of weight-loss through the years. Different programs at different times. As a result of a trip to Atlanta, Ga. in July, I met with a woman, an RKC trainer, Delaine Ross of Condition Gym. I was introduced (via an email that I had NOT intended to read, THANK YOU GOD I listened to the voice that said read it!
I am so grateful. I am probably not supposed to write as long as it would take (right here) to share all of it with you? Bottom line, IT WORKS! I was ready- Good Luck- Julia
Wow, Julia! Sounds like you’ve found a great program. It’s hard to find something that works and that’s doable. I feel the same way—I’ve been off sugar and caffeine almost completely and for me, that’s nothing short of a miracle! Keep up the good work:))))
This sounds so ‘fall’ – I can’t wait to try it!! I am sharing on my facebook page for other mamas!!!
Yum! This looks delish….I will definitely be trying the vegetarian version as soon as my month of zero spending is over.
1. This was hilarious.
2. I think I’m in love with you.
3. Heavens to Betsy is fo’ sho my new swear.
4. I too need to lose some serious bulge so I will be waiting with baited breath for your crack providers contact information.
okay, the most hilarious comment EVER. and i’ll hook you up, girlfriend!
))
we usually make ‘the drop’ in Trader Joe’s parking lot. It’s pretty legit:)))))
and the ‘crack shakes’ work. fo’ shizzle.
i’ll post soon but the program is a 24 day challenge by a company called Advocare.
i’m pretty impressed because anything that has me off sugar and diet coke for 20 days without anyone being injured is pretty awesome.
Ya’ll. Edie just talked to me so we are officially besties now. =D I’m like…SERIOUSLY so excited about this. Ahhhh!!!!!! I’m off to show the three people I know and that includes my family buuuut so what I’m cool now cuz I know Edie. Big smiles!!!!
A homeschoolin’ mom who says legit and fo’ shizzle…I mean come ON! Love it girl.
slurp.
pumpkin anything and i’m THERE.
thank you , go vols, and blessings to ya!
I found your blog while blog hopping sitting in the hospital. It has been a blessing to me to read such strong christian messages. Please pray for our family as we struggle through a difficult time.
I’ve never tried pumpkin before –in any way — but this sounds really good. I’m hoping to give it a try soon. Pretty sure my family wont eat it if they know all the ingredients so I’ll have to be sneaky. Hope you’re feeling better soon. And I really wished I lived closer, as opposed to being far away in MS, cause I’d surely be at your party. Hope you have a great outcome.
Is it the 24 day challenge? My husband and I recently became Advocare advisors and the products and the opportunity are great! Just a note – you may be experiencing some detox effects, hence the virus – I’m sure I’m telling you stuff you already know, though! I will definitely be trying this recipe very soon. Thanks!
Yes, it’s Advocare! I’ve been very happy with it—although, detox is never easy:))))
We just had the soup recipe for dinner,,,totally totally AWESOME!!!,,,I used sour cream,,,and took your advice and salted at every stage,,,,The house smells very fall like. It may be a while before it gets cool here. We are just so thankful that Isaac scooted past us here in Tampa Bay.
OH how awesome, June! Thanks for posting and so glad you enjoyed it:)))
hilarious.
you had me at starter kit.
you DO NOT want to see my “before” shot. depresses me just to think about it.
not to rush…but hurry on up with that post.
I need to learn a thing or two about saying no to myself, too.
I get started on these kind of things and my family brings home Krispy Kreme….they beg me to eat the crap bc apparently I’m so much nicer.
i’m such a sucker for a starter kit, myself:))))
and i won’t say that noone has offered me delightful treats. i may or may not have been a little testy at times.
but no sugar, (almost) no coffee, no diet coke and nearly no bread for 20 days and i’ve not been jailed—–it must work! i’m posting soon but it’s advocare’s 24 day challenge.
difficult but wonderful!
mucho loves,
edie
What a good laugh…thanks for being real. I needed it!
Hey Chicky, i never comment but this post really hit home for me…the recipe & advocare’s 24 day challenge. I have followed your blog for almost 2 years (just before the f—) and have experienced every emotion from laughing my butt off to crying myself to sleep at night. You and your family have been such an inspiration. Can’t wait for the advocare post. I will be turning 50 next February and have always struggled with my weight. Diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 12 yrs my weight has always been an issue. Luckily I love being active, working out and eating healthy…most of the time. Last March my hubby and I ran our 1st 1/2 marathon and loved it. We trained with a local running club and quickly became hooked. A little over a year ago I started having shoulder pain. I ran the1/2 marathon with my right arm bent at the elbow and holding it close to my body (most comfortable position for me at the time). On April 20th, I had rotator cuff surgery (muscle pulled 95% off the bone) and have had some complications. Dr adviced to hold off on the running and any other exercise until I’m better. I have gained 10 pounds and feel horrible about myself. While I was training for the 1/2 marathon I started seeing a sports nutritionist so I have been eating healthy but the weight still found it’s home on my butt and tummy. I was so excited when you mentioned the advocare program and can’t wait to hear about how you did. This might be just what I need to get back in shape. Lots of Love from Texas. Keep posting and bringing at little bit of sunshine to those of us who read your blog. P.S. Love your new home especially the kitchen.
Looking forward to trying this! Just not sure how many ounces are in a carton of stock? I’m going to replace with homemade, just not sure how much. thanks!
Thanks for sharing the soup recipe, I am going to make for my family this weekend. Unfortunately my husband can do barley can I substitute brown rice instead? Or should I just leave it out.
Thanks Edie
Just back from my first holiday party of the season and not exactly sure how I landed on your website (again), but you all must know that this soup is wonderful. I first made it last Nov. while my dad and his wife from So. Cal were visiting. They fell in love. Took recipe to So. Cal and have spread the love to the west coast. It smells so darn good while cooking.
Person above: You could totally substitue brown rice for the barley, but don’t leave it out.
{ 2 trackbacks }