When it's cold outside, it's all about the soup

Brrrrrr, it’s cold outside! And when it’s cold outside, it’s all about the soup. I think one of the best things about the winter months in Oklahoma City is dusting off the recipe box and trying out some of grandmother’s favorite soup recipes.

Scratch that, I know one of the best things about the low temperatures and cold winds here is warming up with a nice, hot bowl of soup. Unlike some U.S. cities, Oklahoma City is faithful to the four seasons. That means you can almost bet your bottom dollar that cold, ice, and snow will pay a faithful visit. That makes this time of the year more bearable when soup’s on. No specific recipe is necessary as long as it warms the soul. Homemade chicken noodle or split pea soups are hearty favorites that go well with chatting with family and talking about what’s going on in town.

Making soup is a good way to rid the refrigerator of leftovers and reset the eating tone after a festive season of holiday eating. Just add your favorite herbs, spices, and other ingredients from the fridge and your pallet will thank you for seasons to come. Making soup is also a great time to laugh and share with family in the kitchen. Especially when the outdoors is dusted with light snow and cold winds; making and talking soup is a favorite family activity among residents in Oklahoma City. You can involve the entire family with cooking during the cold winter months, especially since the kitchen will be the warmest place in the house. Just be sure to top it off with a fresh pan of homemade sweet cornbread—a true Oklahoma favorite.

Winter months make me nostalgic for childhood days when I sat in my room and the aroma of onions, bell peppers, curry, potatoes, celery, chili seasoning and ginger root filled the entire house and mom chopped fresh ingredients and chatted with my siblings at the kitchen table. When I did spend time away from home, it made me miss talking soup with family or visiting places about town, like Mr. Charlie’s records store off Classen Circle. I loved listening Mr. Charlie educate customers on the joy music brings to the soul; much like grandmother’s soups. Okay, so maybe winter is about more than just talking and eating soup. It’s about time with family, creating memories that last a lifetime, and warming the body, heart, and soul. That truly makes the winters in Oklahoma City a warm and tasty time of the year.