California sure is one pretty state from top to bottom and east to west. I’ve visited there many times in years past and each time was awestruck by its scenic beauty and diversity. San Francisco was charming. Los Angeles was immense. And my favorite California city – sunny, sleepy, San Diego was paradise. But you know the old song: “you call some place paradise and you can kiss it goodbye.” I feel bad for the direction the state went. On net, it appears more people are leaving than moving in. Who leaves paradise?
Now about 30 miles east of San Diego lies the small town of Alpine. It was there, many moons ago, at a sweet little bakery/restaurant called the “Bread Basket,” that I was introduced to the bread bowl.
The nice folks at the Bread Basket would hollow out a Boule – a rustic round shaped loaf of bread – and fill it with chili, soups, stews, etc. The liquid would sog into the bread as you were eating it. When you were done you tore the stew laden bread into pieces and ate that too.
The key to this recipe is the bread. A small Boule (also known as a “Button”) works best and is the perfect size. A small panela should be fine also though might be a bit larger than the boule. I cannot think of another shape that will work as well as those two.
And thick soups are better than watery soups for this recipe. Creamy soups work the best.
Need This
A round rustic loaf of bread (like a boule or small panella)
1 pint (16 ounces) of soup, stew or chili (preferably on the thicker side)
Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, fresh herbs etc. (optional)
Do This
Using a short sharp paring knife, cut out a circle about 3/4 the diameter of the top of the bread.
Remove the “hat.”
Pull out the bread from the inside of the loaf, again about 3/4 of the loaf diameter. *
Heat the soup until very hot – but not boiling.
Ladle the soup into the bread bowl, top with any toppings and serve immediately.
*You can do this with your fingers or a spoon. But be careful not to puncture the bottom or side of the bread bowl. That would be bad. GMN