SO SIMPLY SWEET... POTATO SOUP

INGREDIENTS:

(Serves 2-4 depending how hungry you are... or if you want to share!)

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

3 cloves garlic, rough chopped

1 large Vidalia Onion, rough chopped

2 large Carrots, peeled and rough chopped

3-4 large Sweet Potatoes, peeled and rough chopped

2 medium size Apples*

  *choose your favorite apples ( we love our Grannies and Galas), large chop one apple; peel and small dice the other apple of your eye and set aside

1 12 oz. bottle Samuel Smith Cider (our choice of cider, also Organic, but if you fancy another go for  it!)

1/2 cup water

salt

pepper

1Tsp. Cinnamon

1 Tsp. Ginger

1 Tsp. Nutmeg

¼ cup Brown sugar

1 cup Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (Vegan substitution of Silky Tofu)

Curried Pecans* (optional for those who like a lil more savory, a lil more heat,  and a lot more flavor and complexity!) Recipe follows!

PREPARATION:

~ Heat olive oil, garlic, and onions in a medium size saucepan and sweat until soft

~ Add carrots, sweet potato, apple (only the rough chopped apple)

~ Add the bottle of cider and enough water to cover the ingredients, place a lid on the pot and bring to a boil

~ Uncover and add seasonings and spices

~ Cook until carrots, sweet potato, and apple are tenderly soft

~ Remove from the heat and with an immersion blender, standard blender, or food processor blend the soup until smooth, adding the  sour cream, yogurt, or tofu for desired consistency

~ Add peeled and small diced apple

~ Taste and adjust seasonings as needed

~ Serve each bowl with a spoonful of curried nuts

~ Savour each delicious mouthful with a loved one or keep it to yourself and repeat!

*To Curry Yourself Some Pecans:

Preheat Oven to 350' degrees

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp butter, melted (Vegan substitution of Maple Syrup)

2 Tbsp curry powder (found in all grocery spice aisles at varying heat levels. WE like it hot. You know how you like it...)

1/2 cup pecans, chopped  (walnuts would also be a tasty option if you prefer)

~Toss all ingredients in a  mixing bowl

~Spread nuts on a baking sheet and place in oven for 10-15 minutes

~Remove nuts from oven and allow to slightly cool

Our Mission

Having grown up in the Allentown West End and recognizing the great Gastronomic tradition of our neighborhood, we intend to carry on and celebrate the passion for food and social interaction that brought us to great Eateries like The Shanty, Rascals, The Haviland Grille, Kern's, Henry's Salt of the Sea, etc., and brings us today to Ringer's, Wert's, Callaghan's and Stooges, to name a few. Initially we will host scratch-food Dinner Events in different West End locations -- whether as a Pop-up Restaurant, Pub Take-over, or Multiple Course Charity Dinners -- with emphasis on locally raised and grown, sustainable, farm to table ingredients prepared with both reverance and humor. Ultimately, we want to encourage individuals to come out to enjoy what's made the West End a great neighborhood wherein to grow up; to make it "an Evening" socializing in our great pubs, shopping from our unique, local businesses, catching a movie or show at the theatre, and experiencing an unforgettable dinner with the Gastro Club.