Soup Group, Seven Years Later

Back in January 2019, my friend Liz I had the bright idea to start a soup group to help us get through the long, dark winter. The rules were simple. The six friends would rotate homes every few months, with the host making the soup and the guests bringing salad, bread, and dessert.

The evening was such a hit that we continued it through the winter and have now held soup groups every few months for the past seven years (!). One of my favorite recipes was Lindsey’s Tortilla Soup.

A few times we lashed out and skipped the soup and served pasta or pizza instead…

…or took a “field trip” to a neighborhood restaurant.

And children often make cameo appearances. I love this photo of Toby standing in court.

Last month we went to Liz’s apartment. Her husband is Swedish and it was fun to find out sweden fish On everyone’s plate.

And all of my recent birthdays have been celebrated with pumpkin cake.

And last night we went to my friend Lindsey’s house. She is famous for her legendary Christmas tree. (Want a primer on how she does it? She previously worked at Martha Stewart Living and is, as Anton said, “a genius at understated decor.”)

Anton came with us, so we didn’t stay long, but it was fun hugging everyone and secretly eating grilled cheese sandwiches.

Over the course of seven years, we talked about everything: jobs, marriage, kids, books, hiking, manicures, iguanas, and went through a lot: illness, surgery, loss, depression, divorce, heartbreak, and so much more. “Soup Group is the safest place,” Gisela texted this morning. “All topics are welcome and accepted.” It’s so comforting to know that soup is coming every few months. You don’t have to plan much and always know what to do. It almost feels like a church.

“There is no place in this world or in history where a group of women is not speaking,” poet Kate Bear told me. Recent Big Salad interviews. “No matter what happens, we’re going to find each other and help each other.”

Tell me: Do you have any friend rituals like this in your life? (Regular walks? Cookbook club? Errands?) Want to start? I always love hearing about different ways to get together. Also, if you have any recommended soup recipes, please let me know! I’m hosting one in January and need ideas 🙂

PS How to make friends as an adult, and Toby’s genius way of making friends.