Chicken Florentine Soup, a dish that has its roots intertwined with history, culture, and culinary artistry. This soup, with its creamy texture and wholesome ingredients, is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Let’s journey to learn its origins, the reasons behind its popularity, and how to make this masterpiece in your kitchen.

What’s the Origin of the Name ‘Chicken Florentine’?

The term “Florentine” in culinary lingo often points towards dishes that feature spinach. But why? The story traces back to the 1500s when Catherine de’ Medici of Florence, Italy, moved to France to marry Henry II. With her, she brought her cherished Italian chefs and her adoration for spinach.

While it might sound exaggerated that Catherine demanded spinach in every meal, there’s no denying the influence she had on French cuisine. Like Zuppa Toscana, this soup, though reminiscent of Italian flavors, is a nod to French culinary traditions, making it a beautiful blend of two rich cultures.

What Makes This Soup Stand Out?

In a world brimming with soup recipes, what makes Chicken Florentine Soup so special? It’s the simplicity paired with depth of flavor. Within just 30 minutes, you can have a pot of this creamy delight ready, making it perfect for those busy weekdays. Plus, its mild yet savory profile ensures it’s a hit with both kids and adults.

Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Main Components:

• Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless
• Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves: Roughly 2 cups

Soup Base:

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced
• Carrot: 1 medium, peeled and diced
• Celery: 1 stalk, diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

Liquids & Creaminess:

• Low Sodium Chicken Stock: 4 cups
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup

Seasonings & Flavors:

• Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Ground Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
• Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup

Thickening Agent:

• Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons (mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of water)

Instructions:

1. Beginning with the Base: In a large saucepan, combine olive oil and butter. Saute the onion, carrot, and celery until they soften. Introduce the garlic and let it cook briefly.
2. Infusing with Chicken: Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Add the chicken breasts along with the seasonings. Let it simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
3. Creamy Transformation: Once the chicken is done, remove and shred it. To the pot, add heavy cream and parmesan. Introduce a cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the soup.
4. Finishing Touches: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add in the spinach leaves. Adjust the seasonings if necessary.

Soup’s on and it’s laugh-out-loud good! 😂 Pin the pic below to your Pinterest and serve up a ‘souper’ surprise to your followers!

Chicken Florentine Soup: Variations

1. Vegetarian Florentine Soup:
   • Replace: Chicken breasts with tofu cubes or chickpeas.
   • Stock: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
2. Creamy Tomato Florentine:
   • Add: 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes.
   • Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
3. Florentine Soup with Grains:
   • Add: ½ cup of cooked quinoa, barley, or rice for added texture and heartiness.
4. Seafood Florentine Soup:
   • Replace: Chicken with shrimp or chunks of white fish like cod or tilapia.
   • Cooking Tip: Add seafood to your soup towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
5. Kale Florentine Soup:
   • Replace: Spinach with kale. Make sure to remove the tough stems and roughly chop the leaves.
6. Low-Carb Florentine Soup:
   • Omit: Cornstarch.
   • Add: Extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
7. Dairy-Free Florentine Soup:
   • Replace: Heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk.
   • Omit: Butter and use olive oil or coconut oil for sautéing.
8. Spicy Florentine Soup:
   • Add: 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
9. Mushroom Florentine Soup:
   • Add: 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (like cremini or shiitake) sautéed with the onions and garlic.
10. Artichoke Florentine Soup:

• Add: 1 can of drained and coarsely chopped artichoke hearts along with the spinach.

Pro Tips:

• Always opt for freshly shredded parmesan for a smoother texture.
• Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
• For a quicker version, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

Serving and Storing

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or homemade breadsticks. If you’re looking to store it, ensure it’s in a sealed container in the fridge. Due to the cream content, it’s best consumed within 4 days.

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, family, and, of course, sumptuous meals. The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinners is the turkey; we have the perfect recipe to ensure yours is the talk of the table. Dive into Maple-Glazed Turkey, a dish that promises a golden, crispy exterior with a juicy, flavorful interior.

Maple syrup, a sweet sap derived from maple trees, is often associated with breakfast pancakes and waffles. However, its culinary applications are vast. In this recipe, maple syrup serves as a glaze, providing a sweet and savory balance to the turkey. The sugars in the syrup caramelize during roasting, ensuring crispy skin and a deep, golden hue.

Maple-Glazed Turkey Recipe

Ingredients:

• Turkey: 14-pound, thawed
• Lemons: 2, halved
• Mandarin oranges: 4, halved
• Coarse salt: 2 tsp
• Freshly ground pepper: 1 tsp
• Pure maple syrup: 2 cups
• Ground paprika: 1 tsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• White pepper: ½ tsp
• Garlic powder: ½ tsp
• Dried crushed thyme: ½ tsp
• Dried rosemary: ½ tsp
• Fresh sage leaves: 1 TBSP, finely chopped

Instructions

Maple Glaze Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix together maple syrup, rosemary, paprika, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and finely chopped sage leaves.
2. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Roasting Turkey:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Prepare the turkey by removing any packaging and patting it dry.
3. Position the turkey on a baking rack set in a roasting pan.
4. Fill the turkey’s cavity with halved mandarin oranges and lemons.
5. Generously brush the turkey with half of the prepared maple glaze.
6. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting it every 30 minutes with its juices and reapplying the glaze as needed.
7. Continue roasting until the turkey achieves a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.
8. Once cooked, allow the turkey to rest under a foil cover for about 10 minutes before carving.

Note: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked safely and perfectly.

Embraced the warmth of this Maple-Glazed Turkey delight? Spread the Thanksgiving cheer! Pin the image below to your Pinterest board and let others savor the magic too.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Maple-Glazed Turkey:

1. Thawing the Turkey:

• Always allow ample time for your turkey to thaw. A good rule is to allow 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.

2. Uniform Cooking:

• To ensure even cooking, consider trussing your turkey. This keeps the wings and legs close to the body and promotes uniform cooking.

3. Basting:

• While basting helps keep the meat moist, avoid opening the oven too frequently. This can cause significant temperature fluctuations. Instead, aim to baste every 30 minutes.

4. Maple Glaze:

• If you find your glaze thickens too much as you baste, you can slightly warm it to make it more spreadable.

5. Monitoring Temperature:

• Invest in a good quality meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh but not touching the bone. This will give you the most accurate reading.

6. Tenting with Foil:

• If your turkey skin is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.

7. Resting is Key:

• After removing your turkey from the oven, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist turkey.

8. Carving:

• Use a sharp knife and start by removing the legs and thighs. Then, slice the breast meat against the grain for tender slices.

9. Leftovers:

• Turkey tends to dry out when reheated. To prevent this, drizzle some broth or gravy over the meat before reheating.

10. Sage in the Glaze:

• Fresh sage can have a strong flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether.

Maple-Glazed Turkey Serving Suggestions for a Thanksgiving Feast:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes:

• Yukon gold potatoes: 5 lbs, peeled and cubed
• Roasted garlic: 1 head
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Butter: 4 tbsp
• Salt and pepper to taste

2. Green Bean Almondine:

• Fresh green beans: 2 lbs, trimmed
• Butter: 3 tbsp
• Toasted almonds: 1 cup, sliced

3. Homemade Cranberry Sauce:

• Fresh cranberries: 12 oz
• Orange zest: from 1 orange
• Cinnamon: 1 stick
• Maple syrup: ½ cup

4. Savory Herb Stuffing:

• Crusty bread cubes: 8 cups
• Onions: 2, diced
• Celery: 4 stalks, diced
• Sage, rosemary, and thyme: 2 tsp each, finely chopped
• Chicken or turkey broth: 2 cups

5. Roasted Root Vegetables:

• Carrots, parsnips, beets, and sweet potatoes: 2 lbs total, peeled and diced
• Olive oil: 3 tbsp
• Rosemary: 2 tsp, chopped
• Sea salt: 1 tsp

6. Sweet Potato Casserole:

• Sweet potatoes: 4 lbs, peeled and boiled
• Pecans: 1 cup, chopped
• Brown sugar: ½ cup
• Butter: 4 tbsp, melted

7. Gravy:

• Turkey drippings: 2 cups
• Flour: 2 tbsp
• Chicken or turkey broth: 1 cup
• Salt and pepper to taste

8. Pumpkin Pie:

• Pumpkin puree: 15 oz can
• Pie crust: 1
• Eggs: 3
• Sugar: ¾ cup
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: 1 tsp each

9. Mulled Wine or Cider:

• Red wine or apple cider: 1 bottle (750 ml)
• Cinnamon sticks: 3
• Cloves: 10
• Star anise: 2
• Orange slices: from 1 orange

10. Freshly Baked Rolls:

• Bread flour: 4 cups
• Active dry yeast: 1 packet
• Warm water: 1 ¼ cups
• Sugar: 2 tbsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Butter: 4 tbsp, melted

When it comes to holiday dinners, a beautifully glazed ham often takes center stage. But have you ever tried a Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham? This delightful twist on the classic ham is visually stunning and packed with flavors everyone will enjoy. Let’s dive into the world of this delicious ham and discover why it should be your next dinner centerpiece.

The Magic Behind Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham

The combination of pineapple and honey brings the ham a unique blend of sweetness and tartness. The brown sugar adds depth, while the pineapple slices and juice infuse the meat with a tropical flair. The maraschino cherries, aside from being decorative, balance out the flavors with their distinct taste.

Why Opt for This Glaze?

1. Unparalleled Flavor Profile: The mix of brown sugar, pineapple, and honey creates a glaze that’s both sweet and tangy, enhancing the natural flavors of the ham.
2. Visual Appeal: The pineapple slices and cherries not only add to the taste but also make the ham look festive and inviting.
3. Versatility: This ham pairs well with various sides, from southern green beans to white rice, making it a versatile choice for any feast.

Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 Pound Spiral Ham (Bone-in, Fully cooked)
• 5-6 Pineapple Slices
• ½ Cup of Pineapple Juice (from the can)
• ½ Cup of Honey
• 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
• 5 to 6 Maraschino Cherries (16oz jar)
• 1 1/3 Tablespoon Maraschino Cherry Juice (from the jar)

Instructions:

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Before starting, ensure you have all the ingredients on hand. This will make the process smoother and quicker.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Giving it time to reach the desired temperature ensures even cooking.

Creating the Glaze:

3. Choose a Mixing Bowl: Opt for a medium-sized bowl that gives you enough space to mix without spilling.

4. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and cherry juice. Using a whisk or a spoon, mix until you achieve a smooth, consistent glaze.

Preparing the Ham:

5. Positioning: Place the ham in a baking dish, ensuring it’s on its side for even cooking and glazing.

6. Decorative Touch: Attach a pineapple slice to the front of the ham. Then, secure a maraschino cherry in the center of the pineapple slice using a toothpick. This not only adds flavor but also gives a festive look.

Applying the Glaze:

7. Pour and Rub: Gently pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it covers all parts. Using your hands or a brush, rub the glaze into the ham, making sure it seeps into the slices.

Baking:

8. Cover the Ham: Using aluminum foil, cover the ham. This helps in retaining moisture and ensures even cooking. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the pineapple and cherry decorations.

9. Initial Baking: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. This allows the glaze to penetrate and flavor the meat.
10. Basting: After 1 hour, carefully remove the ham from the oven. Using a baster or spoon, collect the juices from the bottom of the dish and pour them over the ham. This step enhances the flavor and keeps the ham moist.
11. Final Baking: Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the top turns a golden brown and slightly charred.

Safety Check:

12. Temperature Check: Before serving, it’s crucial to ensure the ham is cooked thoroughly. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. It should read at least 145°F (63°C).

Serving:

13. Resting: Once out of the oven, let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist slice.

1. 14. Slicing: Using a sharp knife, slice the ham against the grain for the tenderest cut.

Tried this Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham and loved it? We bet your friends will too! Click below and pin it to your Pinterest board. A dish this good deserves to be shared.

Variations to Try

1. Dijon Mustard: Introduce a tangy twist to your ham by adding a touch of Dijon mustard to the glaze. It brings out a sharp contrast to the sweetness, making every bite intriguing.
2. Soda Glazes:
   • 7-Up: A splash of 7-Up introduces a lemon-lime zest, adding a refreshing note to the ham.
   • Coke: The caramel undertones of Coke can deepen the sweetness and give a unique caramelized flavor to the glaze.
3. Cajun Ham: For those who enjoy a kick in their dishes, sprinkle a hint of Cajun seasoning into the glaze. It adds a spicy dimension that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze.
4. Maple Syrup: Swap out some of the honey for maple syrup. This will give the ham a woodsy, autumnal flavor that’s especially great for fall feasts.
5. Orange Zest and Juice: Add the zest and juice of an orange to the glaze for a citrusy punch. This variation is bright and perfect for spring celebrations.
6. Rosemary Infusion: Add finely chopped rosemary to the glaze. Its aromatic and earthy tones complement the sweetness of the ham.
7. Bourbon Glaze: Introduce a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a smoky and rich depth of flavor. This variation is perfect for an adult gathering.
8. Peach Preserves: Mix in some peach preserves for a fruity and tangy twist. The peach flavor pairs wonderfully with the savory ham.
9. Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the ham after glazing. Its tartness will cut through the sweetness and add a gourmet touch.
10. Chipotle Adobo: For a smoky and spicy variation, add some chipotle in adobo sauce to the glaze. It brings a warm heat that’s tantalizingly delicious.

With these variations, you can customize your Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham to suit any occasion or palate. Experiment and find your favorite combination!

Storing and Common Queries

Storage: Store in an airtight bag or wrap loosely in aluminum foil and refrigerate.

Can you freeze-baked ham?

Yes, it’s possible to freeze for later use.

Is it gluten-free?

Absolutely, this ham is gluten-free.

Shelf life in the fridge?

Typically, 3-5 days.

What’s uncured ham?

It’s ham without any chemical preservatives, considered healthier.