January 29, 2014

MISS NORMA'S CREAM OF SPINACH SOUP.....AND A SOUTHERN SNOWSTORM


Gridlock in Atlanta
 
From the Divine Miss M: "Do you believe this? At 12:54 PM, I received an email from the school that they are closing at 1:00 PM. I am on my way to school to pick up Luke and I have been at a stand still for 15 minutes. I am only 1/2 mile from the house!"
 
SNOW.....in Atlanta!
SNOW!.....in Mississippi
SNOW!.....in Alabama
SLEET!...In Pensacola
SNOW!......in Houston
 
At 3:00 PM, she was 4 miles from the school stuck in traffic going nowhere.
 Bus service was suspended due to the snow and ice. 3 1/2 hours in the car!
After 5 1/2 hours she finally reached the school safely, teary and upset.
This is normally a twenty minute drive.
Several comments on facebook from other young mothers stated
they had to abandon their cars and walk home in the snow storm.
Yes, the Divine Miss M, along with others, ended up spending the night at school!
The South was just not built for winter!
 
It seems that much of the country received a winter storm on this day, the 28th of January!
 
So, why not think hot soup!
Soup will always do!
 
Our most favorite café in Pensacola was Norma's on the Run!
Miss Norma had three successful locations for almost 20 years. 
 
Her Champagne Chicken Salad was simply the best you will ever taste!
 

And oh honey...
the Bread Pudding with Amaretto Sauce was always on our most requested list!

 
Many times, we stopped in to have lunch on one of our shopping excursions!
This Cream of Spinach soup is one of Miss Norma's recipes.
When I learned it included Stouffer's Spinach Souffle in the ingredients,
 I knew this was going to be incredible!
 


Norma's is now closed. Miss Norma decided  to move on with other things in her life. What a successful run she had and we were so fortunate to be a part of it! The good news is, she shared her prize winning recipes so we can continue some good cookin'....tea room worthy!

 

I love this stuff!
 
 

 
Cream of Spinach Soup
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups chopped onions
½ stick butter
½ cup flour
1 gallon water
½ cup chicken base
½ gallon milk
½ quart heavy cream
2 packages frozen spinach soufflé, thawed
2 bay leaves
½ t. pepper
½ t. nutmeg
1 cup warm heavy cream

 In a large stockpot, saute’ the celery and onions in the butter over medium-high heat until tender. Add the flour. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add the water and chicken base and mix well. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the milk, heavy cream and spinach soufflé and mix well. Cook over low heat for 30 minutes. Do not boil.

Stir in the bay leaves, pepper and nutmeg. Cook for 35-40 minutes. Whisk in the warm heavy cream. Cook for 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves before serving.

12 comments:

  1. I am so happy that we are able to share the wealth of snow and ice that we have here with our southern states. :-) Keep warm and stay safe!

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    1. LOL....incredible Beth! Atlanta only had 2 1/2 inches but it was the ice that brought the city to a stand still. They just are not prepared for ice like the North is.....this too shall pass, right?

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  2. That sounds wonderful! Is the chicken "base" chicken stock?

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    1. Hi Penny! Yes, I should have clarified that....it's just chicken broth or stock! Hope you enjoy the recipe!

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  3. We had a Southern snow storm in the Triangle area of North Carolina...luckily it was only 2 or 3 inches and we should be melting tomorrow. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I remember a wonderful Cream of Spinach Soup I had in California and this will definitely be made in my kitchen! Stay warm, XOXO

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    1. I remember having this soup at Miss Norma's and I couldn't believe it had the spinach soufflé in it! It's very, very good! Hope you enjoy this Susan!

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  4. Wow, that's incredible how things came to a stand still with the snow and ice there. As you said, you just aren't prepared for this type of weather at all. The soup sounds wonderful and is perfect for a stormy day. Take care out there.

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    1. It was a crazy day for certain. But hopefully, after a long night, everyone is now safe and sound at their homes! Thank you Pamela for visiting today!

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  5. What a nightmare for your daughter! Can't time seem to stand still in such situations?
    That soup is making my mouth water. I need to bookmark this one...

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    1. If you like this type of soup Cheryl, I promise you will enjoy this one! There was a good reason Miss Norma was so successful....her food was delicious! She always had a line out the door. Enjoy and thank you so much for visiting Estelle's!

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  6. Each recipe you mention sounds like I would like it, including the champagne chicken salad. Stay warm. It is 68 here most days and I am getting ready to plant seeds.

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    1. I will publish the recipe for Miss Norma's chicken salad next month Terra. Next to her bread pudding, it was probably her most requested dish! Thank you love, for taking time to stop by. Planting seeds? Oh sounds so fun...cannot wait to join you on that!

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