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minimalfall1.5 hoursServes 4

A Fall Soup Night by the Fire

A casual midweek gathering. Three friends, one big pot, no ceremony. The bread is the centerpiece. The wine is what someone brought.

Steps

  1. 01Hour before — soup on the stove, lid askew so it thickens.
  2. 02Twenty before — slice the pear, dress the greens just before serving so they don't wilt.
  3. 03Five before — bread on the cutting board, butter at room temperature.
  4. 04Hostess gift: a loaf of dense bread you didn't bake but found, or a tin of good butter.

Notes

  • Menu: a thick lentil soup with sausage, a dark loaf of bread torn at the table, a salad of bitter greens with shaved pear.
  • Drinks: whatever guests carry in. A jug of water on the table.
  • Setup: bowls and spoons stacked at one end of the table. Self-serve. Sit on the floor by the fire if there is a fire.