Capital Cooking with Lauren DeSantis 
National Soup Month: Cream of Parsnip and Duck Confit
Celebrate National Soup Month with Cream of Parsnip and Duck Confit Soup! Yum!
Soup soothes the soul. This is one of my favs!
Thinking of Drinking: Hot Toddy
Howdy! It is freezing in St. Louis. Cure that winter cold with a Hot Toddy!
Recipe: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Photo by Emily Clack January is National Soup Month. I love to start out the New Year by making some soup to celebrate. There's nothing better than homemade chicken noodle. The key to this soup is to sweat the vegetables to extract the flavor. This soup is perfect for this time of year because it is light and refreshing but still makes you feel warm inside.
What I'm Eating: Comforting Baked Potato Soup
Cold weather calls for a comforting and creamy bowl of soup. One of my favorites is baked potato. Try my comforting recipe below. You can find this recipe and more in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.
New Recipe: Gumbo
I made this over the weekend and it turned out so good. Enjoy!
Recipe: Lamb Chili
I love chili season. Take your pot up a notch!
Thinking of Drinking: Champagne Cocktails
It is a new year and it is time to celebrate! Break out the bubbly! Try my Italian Kiss Cocktail or 11 Pipers Piping featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook. Add some sparkle to your evening.
National Soup Month: Broccoli and Cheese
Chef Michael Harr at Food, Wine and Co shared his recipe for Vegetarian Winter Broccoli Soup with Broccoli Floret Carpaccio, Asiago Cheese, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup
Cheeseburger soup? What? Sounds strange. I thought so too, but I made Food and Wine Magazine's version last night and it was pretty tasty. The pickles really make the dish. Give it a try yourself.
Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Soup topped with Homemade Croutons and Truffle Oil
Cauliflower is a cultivated member of the cabbage family and was being planted in American colonies by the 1600s. Cauliflower is a bunched mass flower stems. Most cauliflowers grow in large heads of thick white clusters. However, there are some new varieties that produce green and purple colors as well. I didn't eat much cauliflower growing up. Being that my New Year's resolution is to eat more meatless meals, I decided to try cooking cauliflower for the first time. I thought this soup is a good starter. Expect to see more veggie recipes for me this year! Please share any cauliflower recipes that you have below in the comments.
Recipe: White Chicken Chili
There's nothing better than a warm bowl of this delicious soup and game night with friends. Jump in and try it soon.
A St. Louis Culinary Journey: Akar's Elevated Flavors
Akar, a hidden gem in St. Louis, offers an unforgettable dining experience that takes your taste buds on a global adventure. Led by the masterful Chef Bernie Lee, the restaurant boasts a menu that combines Malaysian influences with a touch of international flair.
Football Food: Chips and Queso
Sometimes it gets annoying to watch the games at a bar. It can get so crowded and hard to find a seat. Save some cash and watch the Super Bowl at home. Invite your friends over for some chips and queso. Go Chiefs!
Football Food: Grilled Wings with Tarragon Ranch
Can you have a Super Bowl party without wings? It seems like a staple. Go Chiefs!