The Soup Peddler's Slow and Difficult Soups: Recipes and Reveries (Paperback)

~ (Author) "MY NAME IS DAVID ANSEL and I'm the Soup Peddler..." (more)
Key Phrases: clocktower house, soup peddler, lucky ladle, Bouldin Creek, Old Yellow, Ice Cream Man (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With just a custom-made yellow bike, a used bike trailer, and a few two-quart containers of homemade gumbo, David Ansel began peddling soup to his friends and neighbors in the close-knit community of Bouldin Creek in Austin, Texas. Many flat tires and gallons of soup later, his delivery route has grown from 17 soup subscribers, or "soupies," to more than 700 and counting. In SLOW AND DIFFICULT SOUPS, Ansel (aka the Soup Peddler) ladles out generous bowlfuls of some of the most delicious and lovingly seasoned soups you’ll ever taste. This heart-and belly-warming illustrated memoir is an offbeat homage to the art, science, and joy of soup, offering a utopian vision of a community brought together through their love of spoon-licking comfort food. The Soup Peddler shares humorous stories about the eccentric folks who populate Bouldin Creek, along with classic and exotic creations like South Austin Chili, Smoked Tomato Bisque,Chompy-Chomp Black Bean Soup, and Bouillabaisse Marseillaise. A taste of simpler times in our modern fast-food nation, SLOW AND DIFFICULT SOUPS is a rousing reminder of our basic need to connect to our food —and those who cook, deliver, and slurp it.

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.

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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 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #128,482 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So well-written, December 15, 2005

By	A proud Soupie (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

David's writing is almost better than his soup. I notice this everytime I read something of his, whether the weekly Soupie email, article or something else. He beautifully brings to life the South Austin scene, and does it without condescending, something non-Texans seem hard-pressed to avoid. In fact, his love for the landscape and people in his adopted home comes through in every paragraph. For this, for his soup, for his talent with the written word, I am eternally grateful.

7 of 7 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 (REAL NAME)

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 (REAL NAME)

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!