1-1 Premeier Issue FINAL PROOF.pdf Holiday 2013 | Page 24

COOKING H by Clare Reading

T

he only thing better than living in a small
town, I am realizing, is living in a hip small
town. It’s like the best of both worlds. And
even better, especially when you’re a chef, is a
hip small town that loves food. I have recently
transplanted myself here in Pittsboro, having
been back in my hometown of Houma, LA for
the past 8 years. I came across a post from Chatham Magazine online and immediately said,
“yep, I wanna be a part of that.” I get to explore
my new geographical and culinary “digs” while
sharing my discoveries, excitement, and knowledge with my new friends and neighbors. After
studying in San Francisco, training at Sea Island,
GA, owning and running my own restaurant for
4 years, and then working as a private chef for
the last 3, I have picked up a thing or two about
food. One thing for sure I have learned is that
if I’m not sharing what I know or what I cook
with others then I’m not satisfied with what I am
doing. I am so excited to check out all that Chatham County has to offer and let you know what
I find, answer questions, offer tips and recipes
and hear from you guys about what you think
about the latest and coolest things happening
in food. Keep an eye out around the farmers
markets, cafés, restaurants, and grocery stores
for me and please do not hesitate to stop and
chew the fat.

The holidays are fast approaching,
which means its time for parties, presents,
food, more parties, and more food. Can you
tell it’s my favorite time of year? Parties, food,
presents, AND cold weather? Sign me up. For
some people, it can be super stressful though.
One way to cut down on some of that anxiety
and a lot of prep is to simplify the menu a little bit while still keeping it comforting and delicious. The gathering should really be about
the people that are gathered anyway, right?
The following pumpkin soup recipe is quick,
simple and delicious. Dress it up with toppings such as crumbled goat cheese, toasted
pumpkin seeds, pesto, or in this case, a tangy
cranberry puree. Serve with a big salad and
crusty bread from the local bakery and you’ve
got a yummo holiday lunch or supper. Add a
hors d’oeuvre or two, some hot cider or egg
nog with a shot of rum or bourbon and you’ve
got yourself a party. Make an extra batch and
send your guests home with a jar and they
will thank you the next day. This is also a great
idea for teacher Christmas gifts. What teacher
wouldn’t want a jar of homemade soup they
can heat up for a quick lunch while trying to
squeeze in that last minute shopping! Tie it
up with a pretty ribbon and handmade gift tag
from the little one and it’s perfect.

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