Gratitude Soup

Maybe you’re a little bit tired of turkey by now? I didn’t want to scare you away by posting another turkey leftover dish. But alas, that is what this is…and then some.
Roasted Turkey Soup
 With Pearled Barley and Dinosaur Kale
As I made this soup, I reminisced about Thanksgiving week…
I took the turkey carcass and made a very flavorful stock. And rather than me go through the details, I would like to refer you to Cajun Chef Ryan’s recent post, he details turkey stock perfectly. Cajun Chef Ryan’s blog is awesome.
I added about 1 cup+ of pearled barley to the strained stock, along with a bay leaf, and simmered until al dente, a little over one hour.
Meanwhile, I browned quartered mushrooms in a small amount of olive oil. Also in a separate pan sautéed celery, shallots, and carrots in olive oil until tender, lastly added chopped garlic.
Dinosaur Kale

Remove the main rib from the kale, and tear into bite-sized pieces. Lacinato Kale, also known as Cavalo Nero, Tuscan Kale, and Dinosaur Kale – in honor of my nephews I am sticking with the DINOSAUR nomenclature. 
I added the vegetables including kale to the soup. Simmered until the kale was tender, about 15 minutes Added salt and pepper to taste. 
It was very satisfying and delicious! Especially so, seasoned with a big dose of gratitude:
I had a wonderful week with my family and friends. Thanksgiving is a beautiful holiday, thank you Pilgrims, Native Americans and President Lincoln! 
Thank you to my mother, Joyce, for well, just about everything, but today for being who you are – a very special lady, the family matriarch, and a wonderful role model. My grandparents aptly named you JOY.
Oh, Ma, and thank you for lending me your gorgeous antique Franciscan Apple dinnerware.
Thank you to my brother Don, there is absolutely no one in the world that has a more generous, smart, kind and fun little brother than I.
And to my sister-in-law Kristy, I could not ask for a better one. You are so dear to me, thank you for all your help, and laughter, and sisterhood. I love you.
And to my nephews, Stone who is now seven years old, and Jett who is now five. You are the light of my life. I adore cooking with you. Your visits to California are the highlight of my year. And boy oh boy are you both getting good at basketball! 
Last year I installed a basketball court in my backyard, and we sure have great fun there. Any of you playing basketball during the holiday season, consider our good idea: We play T-U-R-K-E-Y instead of H-O-R-S-E. 

A Savory Life Indeed

To my entire family and all my dear dear friends and colleagues. I wish you a wonderful upcoming holiday season. I am truly grateful for you all. Oh how very fortunate I am to have you in my life. Thank you.

15 thoughts on “Gratitude Soup”

  1. I love the idea of gratitude soup!

    I'm a little sick of turkey leftovers, but now that they're in hte freezer I have a little more time to use them us. And I think this soup will be great when I can look at that turkey again 🙂 I even have some dinosaur kale still growing in the garden.

  2. The title of the soup says it all. Dinosaur kale? How smart! And what lovely dishes to serve the soup in – more ways of giving thanks.

  3. The barley and kale in this soup is a great variation. And thank you for the reference back to my turkey stock and soup post, I am so glad that it helped you in making yours a special one too.

  4. The soup is a great change from all the richness of the last few weeks. I just picked some lacinato kale to turn into a ribollita.

  5. Everytime I visit here I am filled with warmth, hospitality and grace. I only wish I could cook like you Lori Lynn.

    I want to wish you the most blessed of seasons too, enjoy it all,
    xo lori

  6. And then some! Looks like a really good recipe. I love the dinnerware.

    Paz (who's thankful for you and your wonderful blogs)

  7. What a dear and loving post. We love your dedication to family and the soup looks good too. Best from Jefferson's Table, S

  8. Soup is my middle name, and I am glad that dark leafy greens are making their way into soup…I LOVE GREENS AND SOUP combos like yours, beautiful pics too!

  9. I'm sure your whole family are equally as thankful for having you in their lives LL. Are any of you looking for adoptee's?

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