September 9, 2010

Crab Bisque

My Mum-in-Love and Emma and I
enjoyed time together at a little tea shop a few months ago.
It was a delightful day.



Mum and I ordered soup for lunch and it was YUMMY!
This little tea shop has British owners and I felt bold enough
to ask for the recipe.
Maybe it's because they know Mum and share her heritage.
Or maybe it's because I'm just bold.
Whatever the reason, it didn't matter.

It all fell flat.



The man who created the soup was not there to
tell me his secrets.
The man's wife said that he likely wouldn't
be able to be much help anyway.
He doesn't write his recipes down and
"tweaks" them as he cooks.

What to do?



I was craving some of that soup.
I *googled* Crab Bisque...
I called my sister...
I looked in my recipe books...
but *the* recipe elluded me.

Out of desperation, the following recipe was created.
And now, I'm sharing it with all of you...
I do hope you enjoy it! :)




~ Camille's Crab Bisque ~

~ Ingredients ~

1/3 cup Butter
2 or 3 medium Leeks (white and light green part only)
4 large New Potatoes (red, white or yellow)
2 Red Bell Peppers
6 cups Water
2 Organic Vegetable cubes (stock)
2 tins of Crab Meat (drained)
2 cups Half and Half Cream
1 tsp Curry Powder
Salt, Pepper and Cayenne Pepper ~ to taste

~ Method ~

Melt the butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
Add in the chopped leeks and toss and cook a few minutes.
Add in the chopped potatoes and red peppers and cook a few more minutes.
Add in the water, vegetable cubes and spices.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and simmer, partly covered,
for about 15 minutes ~ until the potatoes are softened.
Blend soup in a blender, or use a hand-held stick blender right in the pot,
to make the soup smooth.
Add in the drained crab meat and cream.
Stir and simmer another minute or two.
Adjust seasonings to taste.

Serves six generously.

ENJOY!

9 comments:

Nadine said...

Sounds delicious...thank you for sharing your recipe! :)

Blessings!
~Nadine

Intentional Living Homestead said...

Okay...you don't have to post this...but were you talking about Clayburn General Store?

Jill said...

Looks so yummy! I can just smell it! LOL Perfect for a cool fall day!
Enjoy!
blessings,
Jill

Camille said...

Dear Nadine ~ If you try it, I hope you like it! :)

Dear Treasures ~ Yes I was...isn't it sweet? :)

Dear Jill ~ A fall day indeed! I am craving soups these days! :)

Blessings,
Camille

Lady Farmer said...

Wasn't desperation the mother of invention? Anyway ~ I love creamy soups and your Crab Bisque sounds divine! Can't wait to give the recipe a try!
Have you ever tried Superior Touch's Better than Bouillon? It comes in chicken, beef, clam and organic (at least those are the ones I have found in the store)? It is a thick paste that is stored in the refridgerator. I like it so much better than the little cubes.(but not as much as homemade!)
Thanks for sharing your original recipe ~ if you ever meet the man from the restaurant, you will have to compare notes ~ He may want your recipe! ;~P
Blessings!

Unknown said...

Girl.. you look like such an awesome cook.. your family must be so excited come dinner time..
You Go Girl..
Love ya.. Talk to ya soon

Camille said...

Dear Raeann ~ Oh I do hope you like the soup! Put in the spices and herbs that you like...it would be very flexible that way. About that stock base...I think I've seen it...I'll have to look! Thanks for the tip! LOL...the soup at the restaurant was better than mine ~ I would *love* to compare notes to make it more like his! :)

Dear Karen ~ You make me smile! Last night it was "french toast" and fresh peaches for dinner...sooooo, not all my food is "gourmet"! I like to try new things, but the kids don't always enjoy the results. They liked this one though. :)

Blessings,
Camille

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

Oh, this looks yummy...I was sorry y ou were not able to question the fine maker of the yummy crab bisque...but you'll just have to go back for some more...:) :) :) :) That's amazing that he doesn't write his recipes down...I'm glad you were able to find soemthing online!!!

It's interesting you mention the British heritage.I have a family tree tracing some of my family back to Great Britain..specificaly England of the 1500s..and right around the time of the early colonies here..:) :) :)

Have a great weekend, Camille. Love and hugs from Oregon.

Camille said...

Dear Heather's Blog-o-rama ~ How interesting that you have been able to trace your family history so far back! What a rich heritage you have...many of the early settlers were Christians...what a thought! :)

Have a wonderful weekend too!
Blessings,
Camille