Soup Fatigue

That big pot of soup is good for a few meals, but toward the end, we got tired of the same flavors. Each time it was reheated, the soup got richer and deeper, but it was essentially the same. My Beloved is a variety guy, so the fourth time I mentioned it for lunch, his expression was not exactly joyful.

Clearly he had soup fatigue. Time for a change.

We had been to a happy party the night before, cousin Jan's annual stocking party to which the guests bring a silly little gift for each of the other guests and Jan provides the stockings to put them in. Then, after a delicious dinner that Jan prepares, we all open stockings filled with great little treasures. This year, she had a great big, bone-in ham, smoky, porky and really, really good. My Beloved carved it for her and, after the party, everyone got to take some home - and Jan has the bone to make soup from. Now, does that sound like a great party, or what?

Anyway, when My Beloved gave his half-hearted smile at the idea of soup again, I pulled out our package full of ham and cubed a slice to add to the pot, changing the entire character of the soup in a flash. Magically, now it was hearty ham and bean soup - and My Beloved slurped down every last drop with a big smile.

When you have made a pot of soup that seems bottomless, think of cousin Jan and the instant remedy for soup fatigue.