Sweet Soul Baking - Barbara’s thoughts for the month

I remember writing my first recipe in my ‘recipe book’ when I was 11. I was always curious about what my mum was putting in the cakes she made to make them taste so, so delectable. As I got older, I continued writing my recipes here and there. Saving them for the day I would compile them together in a complete manuscript. Thanks to the publication of my new book, Sweet Soul Baking, that day has arrived. Enjoy my recipes, thoughts, and inspiration. I hope I can give you confidence to start baking and know you are enough.

Recipe for October

Spicey Pumpkin Soup

This is one of my favourite winter recipes. Nothing better than snuggling down on a cold evening with a big bowl of thick Pumpkin Soup with or without the spice. Accompany with some chunky bread if you like. Freeze should you make too much. Enjoy!

2 tbspns Olive oil

1 small Onion, finely chopped

1 med Carrot, peeled and chopped

1 small Leek, sliced (optional)

1 stick Celery, peeled and chopped (optional)

2 cloves Garlic, chopped

1kg Pumpkin or squash, peeled, deseeded, and chopped into chunks

700ml (3 cups) Vegetable stock or chicken stock

1 Sprig Rosemary

1 Bay leaf

A dash of Chili oil

150ml (¾ cup) Double cream

Method

1.     Heat olive oil in a large saucepan, then gently cook the chopped veg for 5 mins, until soft but not coloured.

2.     Add pumpkin chunks, to the pan, then carry on cooking for 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften and turn golden.

3.     Pour strong vegetable or chicken stock into the pan and season well with salt and pepper.

4.     Add the rosemary and bay leaf. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 mins until the squash is very soft.

5.     Cool. Take out the herbs and puree in a Nutribullet, food processor or immersion blender until smooth. Strain into a clean pan. Add a splash of chili oil.

6.     While warm taste to check the seasoning and adjust to your taste.

7.     Before you serve finish with double cream. If you are making this soup for meal prep and will freeze it do not add the cream until the soup has been defrosted and reheated.

MY AMAZON LINK FOR BOWLS - https://amzn.to/3tqV7Yi

MY AMAZON LINK FOR A BEAUTIFUL PAN - https://amzn.to/46qs71m