Indulge in Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup: Your Perfect Companion for a Cozy Fall Lake Picnic
There’s nothing quite as comforting and soul-warming as a bowl of creamy homemade tomato soup, a beloved favorite that shines any time of year. It’s superb in its classic pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich, as an elegant side dish with a fresh salad, or simply for dipping a slice of crusty toast. But imagine the sheer delight of packing this amazing soup in a thermos on a crisp fall day, ready to be savored during a special picnic. Whether you prefer a rustic, chunky texture or a velvety, smooth consistency, this homemade version far surpasses anything you’ll find in a can! With options to use either fresh, ripe tomatoes or high-quality canned varieties, you’ll discover just how incredibly easy it is to prepare. Join us as we recount our unforgettable late autumn picnic by a serene lake, and perhaps inspire your next outdoor culinary adventure with our other delectable picnic fare.
This autumn has blessed us with an unusually warm stretch of weather here in Alberta, granting us the precious opportunity to squeeze in one last glorious fall picnic before the colder temperatures truly set in. We’ve been soaking up every last ray of sunshine, meticulously crafting beautiful summer memories to carry us through the cooler months ahead. Embracing these fleeting moments, especially outdoors, feels like a true gift.
Do you recall the timeless fable of “The City Mouse and The Country Mouse”? It’s the charming story where two mouse friends exchange homes, each convinced that life must be better on the other side, only to discover in the end that their own home truly is the best fit. Well, this past month, we embarked on a delightful adventure with our wonderful blogging friends, Nicoletta and Loreto from ‘Sugar Love Spices’. We had not one, but two spectacular Fall Picnics! The first was an absolutely stunning urban affair in the city, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Edmonton skyline. The second, which we’re sharing today, was an equally gorgeous country retreat by a tranquil lake, surrounded by a forest glowing with autumnal hues.
And guess what? Unlike the mice in the story, we simply cannot decide which experience was superior. It’s a complete draw! Each picnic offered its own unique charm and unforgettable moments. Perhaps you can help us decide? You can view the captivating photos from our vibrant city picnic here, and then scroll down to immerse yourself in the details of our serene country picnic below.
An Idyllic Picnic by the Lake
On this particular beautiful fall day, we journeyed to Chickakoo Lake, a picturesque regional recreation area located about a thirty-minute drive west of Edmonton. This enchanting woodland area is a mosaic of several small lakes and tranquil ponds, interconnected by a delightful network of walking trails. Since our mission involved transporting a substantial load of picnic gear, we carefully scouted out a secluded and peaceful spot by one of the ponds that wasn’t too strenuous a hike from the parking area. We must have looked quite the sight – like a blend of country and city mice – as we pulled our wagon, piled high with baskets and blankets, towards our chosen sanctuary!
This cozy little area we discovered by one of the ponds was absolutely perfect: private, serene, and dappled with welcome shade. The only sounds that accompanied us were the gentle rustling of leaves and the melodious calls of birds from around the lake, providing an exquisitely peaceful backdrop as we lovingly unpacked all our delightful picnic treats. It felt like our own private corner of paradise, a perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Our ‘Late Fall Picnic by the Lake’ Menu
Appetizer
Roasted Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Hummus with crackers
Prosciutto-Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Main
Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup
Italian Panini
Dessert
Welsh Cakes and Spice Cookies
Beverages
Hot Chocolate with Homemade Marshmallows
Sparkling Water
Delicious Appetizers to Start
With the fresh lake air sharpening our appetites, we wasted no time diving into our tantalizing appetizers! We brought along our cherished prosciutto-wrapped stuffed Medjool dates – a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and herbaceous. Each date was carefully filled with a flavorful mixture of chopped walnuts, fresh parsley, aromatic thyme, and bright orange zest, then snugly wrapped in a thin, savory blanket of prosciutto. They truly are the perfect bite-sized blend of textures and tastes. Nicoletta and Loreto, masters of deliciousness, contributed a superb Roasted Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Hummus. This hummus was incredibly creamy and deeply satisfying, crowned with toasted pumpkin seeds and a vibrant drizzle of paprika and za’atar-infused olive oil. Served alongside an array of crisp, nutty crackers, it was an irresistible start to our meal, perfectly complementing the autumnal setting.
Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup and Artisanal Panini Sandwiches
Our garden tomatoes have truly outdone themselves once again this year, astonishing us with their abundance and incredible flavor. (I’ve already transformed over 85 pounds of them into rich, concentrated tomato paste!) These particular tomatoes are a wonderful, somewhat unknown German variety, cultivated from seeds generously gifted to me by my German friend, Gisela, during a memorable trip there a few years ago. They are uniquely sweet, incredibly fleshy, and possess an absolutely amazing, complex flavor profile that elevates any dish they grace. Naturally, they make the most exquisitely delicious homemade tomato soup. This soup, while simple in preparation, boasts a rich and profound flavor that is profoundly superior to any store-bought canned version you could ever find!
For this special picnic, I prepared the soup to be wonderfully smooth and silky, perfect for sipping directly from a mug on a cool day. While sometimes I adore leaving this creamy homemade tomato soup with a rustic, chunky texture, for our thermos-packed picnic, a puréed and strained consistency was ideal. It meant we could easily pour and enjoy every luscious, warm spoonful. Imagine wrapping your hands around a steaming bowl, feeling the warmth spread through you! For an extra special touch, especially if serving at home, this soup is fantastic with our fun and festive Seeded Croutons, adding a delightful crunch.
To perfectly complement our heartwarming homemade tomato soup, we savored Nicoletta and Loreto’s truly amazing Italian panini sandwiches. These artisanal creations were a picnic highlight! Half of them were generously stuffed with savory soprasetta and creamy provolone cheese, offering a delightful combination of cured meat and melted goodness. The other half featured flavorful grilled vegetables, providing a lighter yet equally satisfying option. Oh, my goodness, they were so enticing that we all simply had to taste both varieties! Each bite was a testament to thoughtful preparation and delicious ingredients, making for a truly memorable main course by the lakeside.
As we savored our meal, we found ourselves simply reveling in the profound solitude and breathtaking beauty of our surroundings. We lingered over every bite, our conversations flowing easily between laughter and shared stories. The peaceful ambiance of the lake and the vibrant autumn colors created an atmosphere of pure contentment. It was a moment to truly pause, absorb the natural splendor, and deepen our friendships.
A Sweet Dessert and Scenic Stroll
After our delightful main course, we carefully packed up our picnic gear, feeling refreshed and invigorated. Instead of rushing off, we decided to extend our perfect day by meandering down to another inviting spot on the sunny side of the lake. The path, carpeted with a soft layer of fallen leaves, invited us to a leisurely stroll, each step a gentle crunch underfoot.
Here, bathed in the gentle warmth of the late afternoon sun, we indulged in our simple yet utterly satisfying dessert. A thermos brimming with rich, hot chocolate, made even more special with fluffy homemade marshmallows, was passed around. We sipped this cozy beverage while nibbling on delightful little Welsh Cakes and Nicoletta’s wonderfully aromatic spice cookies. The sweet treats and warm drinks were the perfect conclusion to our lakeside feast, offering a moment of quiet reflection and shared joy.
With our bellies full and our souls deeply satisfied by the beauty and companionship, we weren’t quite ready to leave this serene paradise. We decided to further explore the tranquil lake area, venturing along a few more of the scenic trails. The vibrant tapestry of glowing autumn trees provided a stunning visual feast, each leaf a brushstroke of red, gold, and orange, reflecting in the calm waters. It was the perfect way to conclude an unforgettable day in nature.
So, now that you’ve experienced both our metropolitan and rustic outdoor adventures, if you had to choose, would you rather go on the city mouse’s picnic or the country mouse’s picnic? Each offers its own unique charm and delights, but we’re eager to hear your preference!
Drop a comment below if you’d like to weigh in and share your thoughts. We love hearing from you! 😍
Guten Appetit!
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Homemade Tomato Soup
Margaret Bose Johnson
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Ingredients
- 6 cups (3 lbs/1.35kg) peeled diced tomatoes, juice and seeds mostly squeezed out, see instructions below, or 6 cups good quality Italian San Marzano canned whole tomatoes (one large 28oz/798ml can + one 14oz/398ml can) with their juices. See notes, below, if using less flavourful supermarket tomatoes.
- ¼ cup (60gms) butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (~1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (plus more if tomatoes are bland)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups (720ml) vegetable stock divided
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream/whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sherry, optional
Instructions
- Peel the tomatoes using either a serrated vegetable peeler or by briefly dipping them into boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately transferring them to ice water to easily slip off the peels. Core the tomatoes and slice them in half across the equator, then gently squeeze out most of the seeds and excess juices. Dice the tomato flesh into cubes and measure until you have 6 cups (or weigh them if preferred). Set these aside.
If opting for canned tomatoes, simply squish them with your hands to break them up into smaller pieces, and then set them aside.
- In a large saucepan or a medium-sized Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they become softened and translucent, developing a gentle sweetness.
- Introduce the prepared tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, fine sea salt, white pepper, and allspice to the saucepan. Stir in the baking soda – you’ll notice it will lightly foam up, as the baking soda works to neutralize the acidity in the tomatoes, resulting in a milder and sweeter flavor profile for your soup.
- In a separate small bowl, combine ¼ cup (60ml) of the vegetable stock with the cornstarch, stirring until smooth to create a slurry. Set this mixture aside. Pour the remaining vegetable stock into the simmering soup.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow the soup to cook, uncovered, for approximately 20 minutes, letting it bubble gently to meld the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir to re-mix, then gradually pour it into the simmering soup, stirring constantly. Continue to boil for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the soup achieves a slightly thickened consistency.
- Carefully remove and discard the bay leaves from the soup. Stir in the heavy cream/whipping cream and the sherry (if you are using it) into the soup. Cook for just another minute or two, allowing the soup to heat through completely without boiling. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, white pepper, or even a tiny pinch of sugar to enhance the flavors.
- You have three wonderful options for finishing your homemade tomato soup, depending on your preferred texture:
1. For a charmingly rustic soup, leave it exactly as is, embracing its chunky texture.
2. Achieve a creamier texture with subtle bits by puréeing the soup directly in the pot using an immersion blender.
3. For an ultra-smooth, velvety soup, first purée it with an immersion blender, then meticulously pass the puréed soup through a fine-meshed strainer to remove any small textured bits, ensuring a luxurious, silky finish.
- This recipe generously serves 4 happy individuals.
Notes
If you opt for canned tomatoes, always prioritize good quality Italian San Marzano tomatoes. These are typically canned in their own juices and are renowned for their inherently sweet and intensely flavorful profile, far superior to many other generic canned tomato options.
*For a soup with a texture incredibly similar to classic canned tomato soup, purée it thoroughly and then press it through a fine-meshed sieve. This extra step yields an exceptionally smooth and consistent result.
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You might also enjoy these other delightful soup recipes:
German Tomato Salad
Creamy Roasted Root Vegetable Soup
Green Soup
Creamy Zucchini Soup