Subtle Glamour….

Disclosure – This is a sponsored post, but all the views within this post are honest, and original. I only promote products, and companies, that I truly believe in.

Summer is coming to an end and once again we are on the verge of fall weather. As summer melts in to fall, salads, cold sandwiches, and iced tea get pushed to the side for soups, casseroles, and other warming comfort foods. I can’t lie, I don’t have a season for salads, or soups. It has been almost 100 degrees here for over two months, and no relief in sight until about mid-November, but for some reason I have been craving soup like crazy! I’ve read studies that claim that drinking hot liquid cools you down when it is hot out. I have yet to figure out if it is true or not, but if it keeps me from looking insane, I will stick with that study and use it as gospel.

Some of my favorite soups are chicken tortilla, tomato, split pea, potato, the list goes on. I am a soup person through and through. But one of my all-time favorites is French Onion Soup, and I have been meaning to make some for two years now. You are probably wondering what was holding me back. The answer is time. I love recipes that taste like they took all day to cook but cook under 30 minutes. French Onion Soup is one of those recipes that I thought had to be simmered for hours to achieve that gourmet creamy flavor that gets topped with bread and broiled, oozing cheese. Before I tell you any more, I will say, “You are welcome”.

My cooking is all about achieving gourmet flavor with minimal ingredients, and short cooking times. It is about bringing little bits of flavorful beauty to a minimalist life without a ton of work. I have tried to apply this idea to every area of my life. With little bits and sparkles we can keep a moderate amount of “stuff” around with “gourmet” results. And when it comes to anything, but cooking, I am not a DIY girl, so I have no problem taking help from the professionals that can help dress up my life. I found a little gem nearby in Atlanta, Georgia, that can help me with dressing up my life a little bit. At East Point Foundry, Ronda and Scott, are more than happy to bring your ideas to life. They pride themselves on saving their customers money by cutting out 3rd party re-sellers and manufacturing on site.

I love the idea of bringing a bit of extra glamour into our home with custom ornamental designs; such as door knockers, kick plates, or ornate handles. As a general contracting company, it also helps to set our houses apart from everyone else’s. East Point Foundry creates name plates perfect for developments, or memorials, lettering which will dress up the front of our office, and plaques to declare important facts, and memories. East Point Foundry has been bringing the highest quality plaques, name plates, lettering, architectural designs, and castings since 1948 so you know that you are in good hands for all your needs. Use their super handy contact page so you can give them a call, or drop them an email, and they will be happy to try and turn your ideas into solid beauty.

Now you are all set! You can dazzle your company with a soup that tastes like it cooked all day, and discreet fixtures that bring a touch of elegance and glamour to your home. I must throw one more plug out there for this soup. It takes less than 30 minutes. That’s right, you heard me. I do need to caution you though, this isn’t one of those soups that you can make ahead. Well, you can, but just the soup portion, it will get soggy if you top with the bread and then the cheese. Plus, it is so quick to make that there isn’t any need to make ahead. Throw it together, indulge, and love the glamour that surrounds you while you sit back, relax, and enjoy!

How are you going to minimally glam up your life?

Easy French Onion Soup

By Angie Gouchenour

2 Servings

Ingredients

1 hot dog or hamburger bun (White or wheat)

1/16 teaspoon salt

1/16 teaspoon garlic powder

1 Tablespoon butter

1 cup of frozen chopped white onion

1 ½ cup water

2 beef bouillon cubes

½ cup Monterey jack cheese shredded

Directions

Turn the oven on high broil

Break the bun up into slightly larger than bite size pieces and place on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet; sprinkle with salt and garlic

Place the pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown (Don’t walk away. They will burn)

Place the bread cubes to the side

In a fry pan melt the butter and then add the onions

Sautee for 5-10 minutes until caramelized, aromatic, and golden brown.

Add the water and the bouillon cubes to the pan and bring to a boil until the cubes dissolve. (About 2-3 minutes)

Slide the parchment paper off the cookie sheet and place two 10-ounce ramekins in the middle

Ladle the onion soup into the ramekins evenly, top with the toasted bread, and sprinkle ¼ cup shredded cheese over the top of each

Place back under a high broiler for 2-3 minutes until brown and bubbly

Serve immediately

Enjoy!