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Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Living well in the urban village

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« Bits and Pieces
Early Morning Garden »

A Bowl of Soup

February 24, 2014 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

You know, I love to cook.

I understand completely that it’s not everyone’s thing, and that many people view it as a chore, but I find it soothing and relaxing. I think that sometimes (not always), I like to cook more than I like to eat. I often find the process of preparing food – sitting at a table folding dumplings, or piping meringues, or shaping bread – more enjoyable than consuming the finished dish.

Sometimes, life gets big, and tiring, and complicated. When that happens, I find solace in a little comfort cooking. It helps me to focus my attention on the minutiae, and  allows me to create, to feed, and to nurture. I find it incredibly satisfying on a soul-deep level.

Last week, I tried making char siu. It was very good, but the flavour wasn’t quite right (so I won’t be posting a recipe yet)…

Later that day, I needed a late lunch. I took a container of treasured Burrawong Gaian chicken stock and a handful of homemade wontons out of the freezer. The stock was defrosted in a small pan, while the wontons were boiled for ten minutes in a separate saucepan of water. Once cooked, the dumplings were added to the stock along with the sliced char siu, and lunch was ready.

As I sat down to my bowl of soup – made with stock that I’d meticulously saved months ago, dumplings which I’d folded the previous weekend, and pork that I’d made that morning – I felt instantly restored. With the exception of the chilli sauce, everything in the bowl was the product of my efforts. It was satisfying in a way that restaurant dishes never quite seem to achieve.

My bowl of homemade soup was small, soothing and comforting. It reminded me that, even though it can occasionally get big, tiring and complicated, life is always good!

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Posted in Musings, Recipes | 91 Comments

91 Responses

  1. on February 24, 2014 at 5:54 pm Liz Posmyk of Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things

    Oh love, this is just my kind of thing for when I need comfort… truly! I’ve had a lovely day, but I could go a bowl of your beautiful soup, dumplings and pork right now. xoxo


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:11 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      So happy to hear you’re enjoying retirement, Lizzy! xxx


  2. on February 24, 2014 at 6:07 pm TS

    BRAVO!!
    Waiting for the recipe.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:13 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I have to get through this batch first, then I’ll try again! :) I’ve frozen most of it, so I can have instant char siu and dumplings midweek! :)


  3. on February 24, 2014 at 6:07 pm Kim

    Home made Char Sui! Something I’d never thought of doing but how useful that would be to have on hand in the freezer. Look fwd to seeing the published final result Celia.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:14 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Kim – this batch was a Kylie Kwong recipe, and it was very nice, but not quite right. Sometimes it’s hard to chase a food memory taste! :)


  4. on February 24, 2014 at 6:33 pm Kate

    I know exactly what you’re talking about….I’m the same! I’d also add that using food you’ve grown or sourced directly from the farm/dairy etc (as opposed to the supermarket) is much the same!


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:14 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      It’s so rewarding, isn’t it! I’m glad you can relate, thank you! :)


  5. on February 24, 2014 at 6:41 pm ardysez

    Looks fantastic Celia. I swear I can almost taste it.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:16 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Ardys. It was hot and silky and delicious – and it reminded me of soups I’d eaten growing up.. :)


  6. on February 24, 2014 at 6:49 pm Kari @ bite-sized thoughts

    When I read your comment about liking to cook more than liking to eat, I initially thought “no way!”. But then I paused and realised that, yes, sometimes the relaxation of the preparation is far more meaningful and even enjoyable than the brevity of the eating. You’ve certainly excelled with this dish and I hope it delivered in the making and the eating :)


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:17 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Kari, thank you, it really did. :)


  7. on February 24, 2014 at 7:10 pm Debra Kolkka

    Cooking can be therapeutic. I especially like to cook on cold miserable days, when being in a warm kitchen is a good place to be.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:19 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Deb, the kitchen is certainly the best place to be in winter! Although then the bread dough takes forever to rise!


  8. on February 24, 2014 at 7:26 pm Claire @ Claire K Creations

    Very wise words Celia and a delicious looking lunch!


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:19 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks love. Saw your gorgeous pics on IG, your little man is growing so fast! :)


  9. on February 24, 2014 at 7:32 pm Anne @ Life in Mud Spattered Boots

    I understand completely that you sometimes like to cook more than to eat. I find cooking meals a bit of a chore sometimes but I love baking because I don’t have to do it. I have to put supper on the table every evening but I don’t have to bake my own bread or cakes so it’s a joy and once I get started I find it difficult to stop.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:21 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Anne, I love baking too – know exactly what you mean about it being hard to stop – I sometimes have to prowl the street looking for eaters! :)


  10. on February 24, 2014 at 8:15 pm Kavey

    Aah, I wish we lived closer. I love to eat more than I love to cooking, and it’s not that I dislike cooking (unless it’s a task that makes my back ache) but that it’s a means to a (very enjoyable) end!

    But I know many friends who, like you, find the act of cooking soothing in its own right, and of course, like you, they are feeders – natural nurturers!


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:22 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Kavey, you KNOW I love eating too, right? :) I just find the creative process of cooking so soothing sometimes, but then again, I rarely have to cook under time pressure. People always say, “oh you should go on Masterchef”, and I think, “but then I’d end up hating cooking!”.. :)


  11. on February 24, 2014 at 8:22 pm Padaek

    The char siu looks mighty fine to me! :) Delicious looking soup – all wonderful ingredients. I love homemade food because I often know what’s in it and often it’s made with love. :)


    • on February 26, 2014 at 5:24 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you! It’s hard to beat homemade (I think, at least).. :)


  12. on February 24, 2014 at 8:46 pm Jane @ Shady Baker

    Beautiful Celia & so delicious too! I agree…I often cook things not because I necassarily want to eat it myself, the pleasure is in the process of creating something wholesome for our families or friends x


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:11 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jane, when I see the things you produce in your kitchen, I KNOW they’re a product of great passion and creativity! :)


  13. on February 24, 2014 at 8:48 pm Pat Machin

    I get more joy out of that sort of meal ~ combining what I have ~ than the most carefully planned dish! It looks delicious.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:12 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Pat, there’s something about being able to creatively make use of what we have on hand that makes us feel very clever, isn’t there? :)


  14. on February 24, 2014 at 8:53 pm alison@thisbloominglife

    I love you Celia! These past few weeks of not being able to cook, you’ve described it all perfectly. Take care xxx


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:12 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      You poor love, I hope you’re on the mend. I can’t cope with my stove being out of action for a few days, let alone my hands! xxx


  15. on February 24, 2014 at 9:46 pm Karen

    I know I would enjoy a bowl of your comforting soup. I agree with you about the joy of cooking.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:13 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Karen, I’d love to be able to share one with you! xx


  16. on February 24, 2014 at 9:47 pm nancy@jamjnr

    Nothing is more soul comforting than a bowl of wonton soup. I often spend hours in the kitchen cooking for the freezer just because I need to cook. You have such a lovely way with words Celia.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:13 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Nancy! I don’t think the char siu is an authentic addition… :)


  17. on February 24, 2014 at 10:34 pm Norma Chang

    Like you I find cooking very comforting and, hard to believe, but also stress relieving. I big bowl of your wonton soup would be very comforting right now the temp where I am at this moment is 29 degrees F and this will most likely the high for the day.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:14 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Norma, you’ve had so much cold weather in the US! I hope it eases up for you soon.. xx


  18. on February 24, 2014 at 11:37 pm Maureen | Orgasmic Chef

    I understand the cooking before eating thing. I find cooking really relaxing in a way that artists do. It’s an exercise in creativity.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:15 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Maureen, you’re so right – it’s a chance to make and create something from scratch. And it’s an economical hobby too! (Most of the time.. ;-))


  19. on February 25, 2014 at 12:16 am heidiannie

    I’d love a bowlful of your soup, Celia. And I like cooking on its own merit- I enjoy cooking with others as well. My sisters and mother and I used to cook together- and I just came home from a time with my niece and daughter in law where a lot of the cooking was done communally. Although I am now down with another cold- I can’t seem to get around my grandchildren without catching their germs- I think I’m going to make some soup.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:16 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Heidi, I hope you’re feeling better soon! I know you always think any time with the grandkids is worth the inevitable cold that follows! :D


  20. on February 25, 2014 at 1:12 am Manuela

    A delicious looking soup! Sure to pick up and warm a body. Could have used it yesterday…we had -34°C! Looks like another cold morning today as well. Maybe I’ll make soup for lunch today!


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:17 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Manuela, that’s SO cold. Yes, make soup! Hope it warms up soon! xx


  21. on February 25, 2014 at 2:18 am I'm Gonna Cook That

    I feel the same way about cooking. I get very focused when I cook, and the rest of the world just goes away for a bit.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:17 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Yes, that’s a great way to describe it! It’s like a little escape..


  22. on February 25, 2014 at 2:55 am narf77

    When you actively step out to use what you have creatively and store some of it away for later you are rewarded with so much more than “food” when you eat it. Creating and making what you eat are truly soul satisfying endeavours and amount to so much more than just eating a bowl of food. Love your soup. I will be making mine tonight and though it will bear no resemblance at all to your soup, it will be made with my own home grown veggies. When you actively take part in the production of your food (whether it be growing, or creating) it usually ends in contentment :)


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:18 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you – lovely sentiments, and you’re right, it almost always ends in contentment! :)


  23. on February 25, 2014 at 3:22 am Joanna

    the soup vortex is kicking in – guess what we had for lunch? go on guess…


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:19 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Snap! I love the idea that we’re eating matching meals on opposite sides of the world!


  24. on February 25, 2014 at 3:26 am marilynscottwaters

    I agree! I like to cook just as much if not more than eat. (And I like to eat. :-)

    I made chicken and dumplings for the mencats last night. I need to make myself some vegetable soup.

    Wishing you a stress-free peaceful week, Maz


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:19 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you, my lovely friend. Hope you have a fabulous week too!


  25. on February 25, 2014 at 3:32 am Anna

    So good! Exactly what I would like for dinner please!!


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:20 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you! It’s an easy and very satisfying dish.


  26. on February 25, 2014 at 4:54 am EllaDee

    I can relate. But I hate cooking when I’m too stressed or too busy and that’s where the freezer comes in. So good to be able to magically conjure up good home cooked food from it’s icy interior.
    I’m trying not to think about your soup, as it’s not even breakfast time yet, and there’s nothing like it on my agenda today.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:27 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Sorry to do that to you! I hope you found something fabulous and soothing to have for lunch! :)


  27. on February 25, 2014 at 7:37 am Michael's Woodcraft

    Delicious lunch!! :-) Love cooking, it’s relaxing, plus I enjoy having everyone enjoy what I cook!

    First time to your site, great site and lots of wonderful recipes!

    Michael


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:27 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks for stopping by! You have some beautiful pieces on your blog! :)


  28. on February 25, 2014 at 7:50 am lapetitecasserole

    I definitely agree, I love mostly cook than eat. Nothing makes me happier than sharing the food.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:27 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      It’s wonderful to be able to feed others, isn’t it! :)


  29. on February 25, 2014 at 8:13 am lambsearsandhoney

    There’s not much wrong with a day when you can sit down to that kind of lunch. Well done you, my friend.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:27 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Amanda! xx


  30. on February 25, 2014 at 8:43 am Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    Hmm that’s something to ponder… do I like cooking more than eating? That’s a toughie since I really enjoy both! But sitting down to a bowl of that soup is something that would tip it in favour of the latter :)


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:28 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I have all the ingredients on hand now, so whenever you want to come over for lunch… ;-)


  31. on February 25, 2014 at 9:04 am teawithhazel

    same here celia..i love the feeling of being lost in the kitchen..and having home made and produced ingredients just adds that extra dimension of pleasure..x


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:29 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jane, I tend to only eat at restaurants that serve food I really couldn’t make at home – otherwise I tend to miss the cooking of the dish, if that makes sense…


  32. on February 25, 2014 at 12:20 pm Hotly Spiced

    I find cooking therapeutic as well. It’s like a ‘time-out’ from the circumstances that are going on around you. I would find this soup deeply satisfying too – with your own stock, homemade dumplings and freshly cooked pork; it’s a wonder xx


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:29 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Charlie – it was very satisfying on all levels! :)


  33. on February 25, 2014 at 1:55 pm Tandy | Lavender and Lime

    So true Celia, life is always good!


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:29 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Tandy xx


  34. on February 25, 2014 at 3:07 pm Rita Nielsen

    I feel the exact same way. No chore for me. Actually living in China cooking and blogging helped me keep busy and connected to people. Especially the next day. When I had leftovers.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:30 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Glad you have lots of people to share your cooking with! :)


  35. on February 25, 2014 at 5:47 pm theintolerantchef

    What a lovely bowl of wonderful Celia! Life is good indeed- even if I’d have to drink my soup through a straw at the moment :) xox


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:30 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Oh hon, I hope you’re on the mend soon.. xxx


  36. on February 25, 2014 at 7:01 pm Stefanie

    Lovely sentiments Celia, life can sometimes be tough and you are right sitting down to a comforting meal like that can do the trick.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:30 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Stefanie, it’s like taking a little holiday from real life.. :)


  37. on February 25, 2014 at 7:07 pm thefoodsage

    If only you could bottle that soup! Lovely, poignant post x


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:31 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Rachel.. xx


  38. on February 26, 2014 at 12:54 am dianeskitchentable

    Oh that soup looks like just the thing for me. I know what you mean about cooking. As long as I don’t feel pressured I enjoy it & now that I’m retired I feel like I can actually have some time to do more in the kitchen. It’s funny though, I’ve always found ironing to be one of those mindless tasks that I like because I can just do it without thinking.


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:31 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I could never get into ironing – it always feels like a chore. But I know some folks who absolutely love it…


  39. on February 26, 2014 at 4:37 am Sophie33

    A lovely one meal in a soup bowl,…yummm!


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:31 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Sophie! xx


  40. on February 26, 2014 at 6:16 am Fig & Quince

    Totally know what you mean! A restorative meal and a restorative post!


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:32 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Azita, your dishes are always so colourful and elegant – true art!


  41. on February 26, 2014 at 7:31 am saucygander

    I love comfort cooking too! There is not much that can beat the idea that “I made this”. We have been a bit frantic recently, reading this post is like “comfort blogging” – thanks!


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:32 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Saucy! It seems everyone’s flat out at the moment!


  42. on February 26, 2014 at 10:21 am Jody

    It sounds like a very peaceful morning Celia:-)


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:33 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Jody! Hope yours was too!


  43. on February 26, 2014 at 3:06 pm Three Well Beings

    You do inspire me to take more time to really enjoy myself in the kitchen. I love your description of how some of your culinary routines are soothing. And the soup sounded absolutely wonderful! :-)


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:34 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you – I do find pottering around in the kitchen very calming! :)


  44. on February 26, 2014 at 4:03 pm ChgoJohn

    I’m with you, Celia, and really enjoy cooking. It’s a great stress relief for me. This soup that you made sounds fantastic! Whoever said we eat with our eyes was lying. I’ve been staring at your photos and I’m getting hungrier by the minute. :)


    • on February 26, 2014 at 6:34 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      John, how I wish I could share a bowl with you! I guess this is as close as I can get though.. xx


  45. on February 26, 2014 at 8:14 pm Paul Zeidan

    Celia, that looks delicious. we’ve had success with the dumplings. kids loved them. my son was drooling over the pork pictures. Is there a recipe please


    • on February 28, 2014 at 6:01 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Paul, so happy to hear your kids liked the dumplings! The char siu is based on a Kylie Kwong recipe, and it was nice, but not quite right (I seem to have a clear idea in my head of what “right” is, in char siu terms! :)). Once I get one I’m really happy with, I’ll post it!


  46. on March 1, 2014 at 11:29 pm Garden Correspondent

    Oh boy that bowl of soup looks so good! So comforting I felt good just looking at it.



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