We are preparing for our first holiday season as business owners. With ladles in hand, we are ready to bring comfort to our community. Erin even designed our first merch!

Soup Through the Ages

The holiday season has always been synonymous with tradition. Cherished recipes passed down through generations. But here we are, Erin and Patrick, without a traditional holiday soup to our names. Sometimes, we’ll make Tomato and grilled cheese, or we’ll make Butternut Squash Apple (which made it to the menu). Last year we made a red + green curry. We’re not bound by expectations, but we’re eager to create something memorable. And we’re halfway wondering which ‘new tradition’ will stick.

This got us thinking: What makes a holiday dish truly special? Is it the ingredients, the timing, or the memories it creates? We believe it’s a combination of all three, with a dash of innovation thrown in for good measure. Also, conjuring the image of what ingredients could consist of a holiday soup is somewhat humorous to me. There have been some epic holiday fails in my opinion. For example; fruitcakes, jello salads, and turducken. Those are a few foods that people decided to pass down through tradition. For reasons I can only assume are genuine.

Historically, holiday soups have played significant roles in cultures around the world. French Oyster Stew, in France, is a holiday staple. In Poland, barszcz (beet soup), or borscht, is a Christmas Eve staple. (Love it – Top 15 favorite soups.) And Shurabet el Eid is an Arab “Holiday Soup.” It has tiny meatballs and rice in a flavorful broth and the flavor is compared to Chicken Noodle Soup.

Crafting Our Own Soup Story

At The Soup Aisle, we’re not just making soup; we’re crafting experiences. We strive to create soups that capture the essence of Exeter’s winters – like fish chowder! Perhaps our holiday tradition will be keeping our customers guessing.

We’re also thinking beyond just what goes into the pot. The act of sharing soup can be as important as the soup itself. We’re exploring ideas like “Soup it Forward.” Where customers would be able to buy an extra bowl for someone in need for half the cost. One of the many reasons we’re passionate about our company is our organizing to help the community.

We Don’t Have Generations of Recipes Behind Us…

But we have passion, creativity, and a community that’s eager to try something new.

This holiday season, consider starting a new tradition. Maybe it’ll be a weekly soup night! Remember that traditions don’t have to be old to be meaningful.

We invite you to join us! Follow us on Instagram! Become a member! Let’s stir up some new holiday magic this year together!