When Life Gets Stormy, Soup Provides Comfort: My Ham and Collard Green Soup story:

Life’s unpredictability often catches us off-guard, and this Monday was a prime example. I juggled a flurry of tasks: offering a ride to a friend, juggling doctor’s appointments, and caring for my partner who was under the weather. To top it off, a formidable storm was brewing. Amidst this chaos, I found refuge in my kitchen, embarking on a mission to make a comforting pot of soup, unaware of the significant role it would soon play in our lives.

The Storm’s Impact:

Our state was battered by the storm, with ferocious winds surpassing 80 mph leading to widespread power outages. Over 400,000 homes were plunged into darkness, some grappling with the aftermath of fires and floods. Our power outage lasted about 48 hours, a minor inconvenience compared to others. During a doctor’s appointment, as we were discussing my plantar fasciitis, the power suddenly cut out. In a somewhat comical response, I found myself clambering onto the doctor’s desk to let in some light, much to her alarm and my later amusement.

The Soup’s Role and Party Story:

In the whirlwind of these events, the soup I had prepared earlier transcended its role as a mere meal. It became a source of comfort and warmth, a soothing presence for Sean and me. This Ham and Collard Green Soup, infused with hearty leftovers from our weekend Christmas party, seemed almost like a premonition, a preparation for the tough days ahead. Our Christmas party was a heartwarming affair, filled with laughter and joy. We organized a Yankee swap, setting a modest $20 limit for the gifts. The game was lively, with people eagerly choosing to either unveil a new gift or playfully “steal” one that had already been opened, creating a fun, engaging atmosphere. For the feast, I prepared a grand 20 lb ham, garnishing it with an assortment of pears, grapes, figs, orange slices, and a mix of walnuts & pecans. Its presentation was a nod to a bygone era of elegance and abundance. After the festivities, I found myself with a generous amount of leftover ham, inspiring the creation of the soup. A delightful mix of ham, collard greens, and various vegetables, the soup wasn’t just a clever way to use leftovers, but it also served as a nurturing and immune-boosting meal during this hectic, storm-affected week.

The Great Ham and Collard Green Soup Adventure

So, there I was, surrounded by the culinary aftermath of a festive party: a mountain of leftover ham staring at me as if to say, “Now what?” With the weather outside mimicking a scene from an overly dramatic nature documentary, I decided it was time for some kitchen wizardry.

Act I: The Gathering of the Ingredients

Armed with a sense of purpose and a dash of desperation, I embarked on my quest. In my arsenal: the heroic leftover ham, brave collard greens, a band of sturdy vegetables (onion, potatoes, carrots, celery), the ever-important garlic (no vampire incidents today, thank you), homemade chicken stock, and the secret weapon – an array of seasonings.

Act II: The Great Collard Green Wash

Picture this: me, transforming my kitchen sink into a makeshift spa for greens. I scrubbed it to a gleaming shine, then filled it with an elixir of cold water and white vinegar. The collard greens, unaware of their spa day, took a dive. This wasn’t just a wash – it was a 15-20 minute battle against dirt and those sneaky, tag-along insects. After their soak, I liberated the leaves from their stemmy overlords and chopped them into what I like to call ‘spoon-friendly’ sizes.

Act III: Sauté and Simmer, the Aromatic Ballet

Now, on to the pot. I introduced the onions, celery, and carrots to a gentle dance over medium-low heat. As they twirled and softened in the pot, I added the garlic – but beware, garlic is a prima donna, prone to burning if ignored.

Act IV: The Grand Ensemble

Into the pot went the potatoes, collard greens, the ham (our star!), and the stock. The pot was a cauldron of potential, a simmering promise of the feast to come. A bit of boiling, a dash of simmering, and a 20-30 minute interlude for flavors to mingle like guests at a ball.

Finale: The Taste Test and Triumph

The final act – a taste test. A pinch of this, a dash of that, adjusting to perfection. And voilà! The soup was ready, steaming with stories, flavors, and a touch of kitchen magic. It was more than a meal; it was a narrative in a bowl, ready to comfort and warm the soul.

As I served the soup, I couldn’t help but think: In the grand drama of life, sometimes all you need is a bowl of Ham and Collard Green Soup to set the world right. Or at least, make it taste a bit better.