The Soup Peddler's Slow and Difficult Soups: Recipes and Reveries [Paperback]

David Ansel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

With just a yellow bike, a used trailer, and a few two-quart containers of homemade gumbo, David Ansel began peddling soupto his friends and neighbors in the free-spirited community of Bouldin Creek in Austin, Texas. He dubbed his loyal customers "Soupies," and as word of his grassroots soup service spread, his delivery roster grew into a veritable Cult of the Bowl.THE SOUP PEDDLER'¬?S SLOW & DIFFICULT SOUPS is David'¬?s heart- and belly-warming story of his first soup season peddling to the slacker-philosophers, artist-activists, and celebrity-eccentrics of Bouldin Creek. On his route, you'¬?ll meet a cross-dressing mayoral candidate, a radical coterie of plant liberators, a scheming ice cream man, and Alex the Wonder Dog, among others. To season his stories, David shares 35 of his most popular soups, with eclectic recipes like South Austin Chili, Alaskan Salmon Chowder, Smoked Tomato Bisque, Schav (Jewish sorrel soup), and Ajiaco (Colombian chickencornsoup).A loving homage to the art, science, and joy of soup, and a taste of simpler times in our modern fast-food nation, SLOW & DIFFICULT SOUPS is a rousing reminder of our basic need to connect to our food-and those who cook, deliver, and slurp it.Reviews:"How could you not love a book by a Jewish boy from Texas that combines thoughts about fudgecicles, Baptist preachers, dogs, and a band called the Barbecuties with soups from Austin, Algeria, Armenia, and just about every place in between? Great recipes and a great read."-Ari Weinzweig, cofounder of Zingerman'¬?s"David has produced a book full of insightful, personal stories and well-crafted recipes. SLOW & DIFFICULT SOUPS provides the reader with a front row seat to his unique culinary adventure."-John Campbell, creator of Central Market"SLOW & DIFFICULT SOUPS is filled with the sense of community David and his business embody; it shows us how the slow food movement is meant to be lived."-Steven Bercu, CEO of BookPeople"Reading these tales is like following David on his bike as he brings his soups to the people of Austin. He'¬?s a first-class storyteller and one helluva soupmaker."-Joan Nathan, author of Jewish Cooking in America

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

More than 35 original soup recipes from the Soup Peddler —a thriving soup-delivery service —with colorful stories and delightful illustrations.

The first culinary memoir to feature chase scenes, dream sequences, an ice cream–peddling archenemy, a cross-dressing mayoral candidate, and a furry sidekick.

The Soup Peddler ’s burgeoning business embodies slow food and environmentalist ideals, with emphases on healthy, seasonal ingredients; veggie-friendly options; sustainability; reusable packaging; and a whole lotta TLC.

Soups include Mulligatawny (spicy Indian soup), Ajiaco (Colombian chicken-corn soup), and Armenian Apricot Soup, as well as new twists on comforting favorites like Borscht, Veggie Minestrone, and Salmon Chowder.

About the Author

The Soup Peddler is DAVID ANSEL, a sixth-generation Baltimorean Jew expatriate living in the liberal enclave of Austin, Texas. His transformation from software developer to yoga teacher to bicycle-pedaling purveyor of soup has attracted attention from such disparate media as the Christian Science Monitor and Punk Planet. His booming soup-delivery service has also been featured on the Food Network.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580086519
• ISBN-13: 978-1580086516
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.4 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #811,892 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Far More Reveries than Recipies, February 10, 2007

By 

S. Kohn "Give me a break" - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Soup Peddler's Slow and Difficult Soups: Recipes and Reveries (Paperback)

If you think you are buying a book filled with recipies you are mistaken. In its 181 pages there are 35 recipies--wonderful and tasteful.

If you are intersted in reading David Ansel's reveries, then this is primarily what the book is about. They are fascinating.

Since I expected to find more or the former and less of the latter, I was disappointed.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Viva Soup/Viva Life, August 11, 2005

By 

David C. Smith - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Soup Peddler's Slow and Difficult Soups: Recipes and Reveries (Paperback)

This book is a rare treasure that brings together love for good food and a contagious love for life. I don't consider myself a cook, but the Soup Peddler makes it so easy, you can't miss. You'll be glad you bought this book, and so will all the people who get to share your soup!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gem of a book plus recipes to boot!, August 10, 2005

By 

J. Zemel "soupie" (austin, tx) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Soup Peddler's Slow and Difficult Soups: Recipes and Reveries (Paperback)

I read this book from cover to cover in one evening. My report is that it was a spellbinding and thrilling experience since I live in the vaunted and character-filled "Bouldin Creek" neighborhood. David not only did us justice (yes, I am the haiku priestess...), but the recipes are great as well. You will not regret buying this book!