in the kitchen with…
Souper Soups
Hey, somebody’s gotta do it.
Story by Carol McGarvey
Featured in Autumn 2023
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OK, so it was just shy of 100 degrees at the Iowa State Fair on the day that we at Welcome Home Des Moines got to judge soups. Oh, please let there be some COLD soups. Please.
There was one, and it became the winner, not because of the weather outside, but just because it was that good. Marsha Kephart of Carlisle made the winning soup, a delightful blend of strawberry and rhubarb flavors. Plus, its delicate pink was just that pretty. It would be perfect for a brunch meal or for a baby or wedding shower. On top of that, it is just downright simple.
Second place went to Olivia Smith of Winterset. Country Breakfast Soup was a lovely blend of breakfast goodies all in one dish. It even has dumplings! The soup tasted great and was full of flavor, perfect for a cold, cold winter day. When have we even heard of a breakfast soup?
Patrick Conlan of Pleasant Hill took home third-place honors with his flavorful Cheeseburger Soup, a recipe, he says, he borrowed from his daughter Taylor.
“I just love cooking,” he says. “I learned by helping my mom. I have picked up so many tips from working with her in the kitchen over the years.” His (their) recipe is full of taco flavoring, perfect for an autumn or winter night. Plus, it is easy to prepare.
We even named an honorable mention. It was the Pizza Soup from Jacqueline Riekena, a foodie who loves the Fair. It is full of flavor—from Italian sausage and pepperoni to mushrooms and pizza seasoning. Garnishing and extra topping items include classic pizza touches—mozzarella cheese, black ripe olives, and onions, plus breadsticks.
This Year’s Winners:
- First Place: Strawberry Rhubarb Soup by Marsha Kephart
- Second Place: Country Breakfast Soup by Olivia Smith
- Third Place: Cheeseburger Soup by Patrick Conlan
- Honorable Mention: Pizza Soup by Jacqueline Riekena
