A number of years ago, I was a finalist in a Cooking Light cook-off. This was back when I was OCD about entering recipe contests. I have refocused that obsession to this blog now and I haven’t entered a contest in quite a while. I think my last winner was in 2011.
Anyhoo—one of the judges for the Cooking Light contest was Jeanne Kelley. During the final dinner and winner reveal of the contest festivities, The Hubs and I sat with Kelley and the then new editor of Cooking Light, Scott Mowbray. It was a bit awkward at first, but after a glass of wine (or two), everyone loosened up. There were some interesting stories told.
I didn’t win.
Kelley had just published her cookbook and was quite proud of it as I recall. I bought it as soon as we got home from the trip with the intentions mailing it to her to autograph. I never got around to it.
But, I do refer to it every now and again. (See Nutty Granola.)
Here is another recipe from Blue Eggs and Yellow Tomatoes by Jeanne Kelley.
Rosemary-Pumpkin Soup with Pancetta
based on “Butternut Squash Soup with Proscuitto and Rosemary” from Blue Eggs and Yellow Tomatoes by Jeanne Kelley2 T. olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
4 large cloves garlic, chopped
2 c. white wine
8 c. pumpkin puree
32 oz. chicken broth
1 c. unsweetened apple juice
1 t. fresh rosemary, minced
4 oz. pancetta, cooked crisp and choppedHeat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add onions and saute for about 8 minutes. Add garlic and continue to cook for a couple of minutes more. Add white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan.
Add pumpkin, broth and apple juice. Add rosemary and stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce to simmer. Simmer, stirring often, for about 20 minutes. For a smoother texture, you can use a stick blender at this point. Add pancetta. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or apple juice.
This is a really light and healthy soup and is really helping me keep up with one of my New Year’s resolution to cook healthier.
Comments & Replies
26 responses to “Rosemary-Pumpkin Soup with Pancetta”
A finalist? Impressive indeed and so exciting too:) I’m sure the experience was memorable. I love the flavor combinations in this soup, Debra. I do believe I have some frozen pumpkin hanging out in the freezer. Just enough to “play” with this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing…
Hope you do get to play with this.
I just had a large bowl of cauliflower soup, but still have the appetite for another bowl of your flavourful pumpkin soup!.
Now you have me hankerin’ for some cauliflower soup.
I’ve only entered one recipe contest so far. They’re so much work that I haven’t wanted to do any others. The only thing that that bowl of soup needs is a grilled cheese sandwich to sop it up with.
Grilled cheese? Yes, please.
I’ve never heard of this cookbook – good to know about!
Congrats on being a finalist. That’s a very cool thing!
This soup looks wonderful.
Thanks, Mimi.
Yum! Love pancetta!
Hey, soup is the way to go and adding pancetta (or any other porky thing) just makes it betta’!!!!
The only recipe contest I ever won was for chili. That was thrilling cause I scored some kitchen goods. I love pancetta but if I am out I use smoked bacon. Mmmmm.
A hearty bowl of soup is needed in January!
I usually sub in bacon, too. I just happen to have some of those pre-packaged pancetta packets in the fridge. I wish I had time to get back into the contest thing. It was fun!
This looks fantastic! Anything with pancetta is fine by me. 🙂
Pancetta, bacon, ham….all pork is good!
Healthy, yes, but not lacking flavor! Sounds lovely, Debra!
Thanks, Liz.
Sounds delicious and I love that deep rich color, Debra. To me, rosemary makes everything better, of course pancetta doesn’t hurt either!
Rosemary is a great herb. I use it in a lot of sauces and soups.
I’ve never entered a food contest, and doubt if I ever will – it’s just not me. But I admire anyone who does – must be an interesting experience. Anyway, love this soup! Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs (second, right after thyme). Really nice – thanks.
Fun? It was an experience—a bit stressful. I love rosemary!
I am like you I entered a few recipe contests and won a few. I have never been picked for the Mother load of recipe contests the Pillsbury bake off. Some day, some day. I haven’t had much time with the blog to enter so I sympathize. Love the soup. Rosemary and pancetta go great together.
I was majorly OCD about the Pillsbury Bake Off. I don’t know how much $$ I spent on products to test recipes. I’m kind go done with that for now. (Especially since I never had success with it.). 🙁
You’re so right – this does look light and healthy! I’ve never seen rosemary use with pumpkin. It sounds wonderful! Love the use of the pancetta as well. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Hope you try this, M.J.
Oh wow – so light and refreshing – You should probably submit to FoodFotoGallery.com so I can share 🙂
Well, you are too kind. I will but I think you over estimate my “foto” abilities.