Week 181: Mushroom Beef Barley
Hello & Welcome to the final menu of 2021
Over a quarter of all customers who ordered soup last week donated diapers, thank you so much for your generosity. But don't worry if you forgot, we can pick up your diaper donations this week or you can drop them off all next week at MPH.
The week of December 13th is Sweet Cheeks week at MPH Brewing with plenty of events for you to enjoy and raise money for a great cause. And don't forget about my Holiday Happy Hour at MPH on December 18th from 4-6 PM, more details to follow.
This is the final menu of 2021 ... where did another year go? It seemed like the past year was a bit more normal than 2020, which was something we all needed!! My year was filled with active, happy kids, the return of family and friend events, and even a few big milestones like a Bar Mitzvah and the first college acceptance letter. And, of course, my year was filled with making gallons of soup and dozens of loaves of bread for all of my awesome customers. I am humbled you allow me to cook for your families each week.
On the menu for TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14th is MUSHROOM BEEF BARLEY SOUP with ITALIAN SUPERMARKET BREAD. This flavorful soup is filled with mushrooms, barley and slow cooked beef that will melt in your mouth; it's pure comfort food in a bowl!
The soup begins with cooking a little bit of bacon in the pot ... just enough to start the soup off right . Once the bacon is crispy, the beef is added and seared to enhance its flavor.
Next, carrots, onions, celery, garlic and mushrooms are added. Once softened, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, and reconstituted dried mushrooms are added along with homemade chicken stock, balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce and brought to a boil. The soup simmers for a few hours, until the meat is fork tender. Pearled barley is added towards the end of cooking to add a chewy bite and it's garnished with fresh parsley.
The bread companion this week is my, ITALIAN SUPERMARKET BREAD. Just like the name says ... it's a fresh loaf of bread that tastes like the loaves of Italian bread you used to be able to pick up from the supermarket. It has a crispy exterior with a nice chewy bite and is coated in sesame seeds. It is simple, but tastes anything but.
On the menu for dessert are SALTED CARAMEL SNICKERDOODLES. When you bite into this cookie, you’ll have a nutty brown butter flavor (from using my browned butter technique) along with a gooey sweet caramel center. The cookies are still very soft and rolled in cinnamon and sugar. You don’t want to miss trying out this fun spin on a classic cookie! Finally, if you need any dessert items this holiday season, my holiday menu is attached. -Jenny from Jenny Sue Delights