This Chilled Honeydew & Champagne Soup is cool, refreshing and delicious! Topped with walnuts, mint and creme fraiche this soup is perfect for summer entertaining!
As I put the finishing touches on packing up our life to relocate to North Carolina (the last of the bathroom necessities in its proper box, the final picture frame wrapped in bubble wrap, making sure I didn’t pack ALL my shoes! Oops!), I can’t help but look around and become flooded with emotions and memories. Some bad, but mostly good.
The guest room where my father took his final breath and passed on; and the living room floor where my oldest fur child decided my dad needed her company, those top the list of “bad” memories.
But, they are accompanied by a LOT of joyful ones- my dad living with my husband and I for a couple good months and all the cooking we did together; bringing my youngest fur baby home and all the destruction that came with her (sorry carpet- you really need to be replaced); my office where I hit publish on my first No Spoon Necessary blog post; and Boy declaring he needed a man cave and the Christmas-like joy on his face when he got one out of our second spare bedroom.
There are also just random memories and occurrences, things I won’t really miss, like the sound of my neighbors.
Do you unknowingly and accidentally spy on your neighbors? To be honest, I swear I don’t mean to. I’ll be happily minding my own business, sitting outside on the porch, enjoying the weather (when it’s nice out), working on a blog post, and I will hear an argument break out. I immediately become intrigued and my ears perk up… is that bad? I mean, it’s not really my fault that I can hear them! Right?
I thought I had heard it all in my 5 years of living in this townhouse. Bickering, little girls singing the Frozen song a million times in a row- at the top of their lungs, very drunk shenanigans, cops arresting a neighbor’s brother for a fight… good times. Lol.
But, I heard a first yesterday. A teenage girl complaining to her mother that she needed to have a life and her mom needed to let her have one. OMG, there was a lot of groaning, moaning and like an hour long argument over this subject. Finally the teenage girl had enough. She said, in a very loud, shrieking voice, “ALL the kids talk about me not having a life! I NEED Chipotle, mom!!!!!!” I couldn’t help but laugh and almost fall out of my chair. I didn’t know this entire argument revolved around Chipotle Mexican Grill AND I had no idea Chipotle could solve all the world’s problems. Who knew??! Shoot, that place is less than a mile away! I really should get out more!!! Well, crap. It’s not going to be only a mile away in North Carolina… google just told me its 29.8 miles away. 🙁 Guess I’m stuck having problems in my life. (<– Sorry for the digression and my rambling!)
But, on the flip side, I will no longer have to hear my neighbors and their quirky antics. You see our house is on a good amount of land, and there are big berms between the homes. This equals peace and quiet for me! The very first thing I am going to do is enjoy a delicious meal outside on our deck with Boy and a nice glass of white wine. Or I could combine the meal and the wine into a two-fer of deliciousness by whipping together this – Chilled Honeydew and Champagne Soup with Mint, Walnuts and Crème Fraiche.
This soup is quintessential summertime scrumptiousness in a bowl. It’s cool, refreshing, effervescent, slightly sweet and all around very simple and ‘clean’ tasting. The toppings of walnuts and crème fraiche add a touch of crunch and rich creaminess. They enhance and compliment the soup, so I don’t skip them!
This chilled soup is also like the easiest thing on the planet to whip together and it requires NO cooking! Roughly chop up some honeydew, throw everything into your best friend, Mr. Food Processor, and blitz together. This chilled soup is great for lunch, as an appetizer, or paired with a salad or grilled chicken for a light and healthy dinner. You could also serve the soup in chilled shot glasses as an aperitif. Essentially, this soup is perfect to enjoy anytime of the day… preferably without the sound of your neighbors in the background. 🙂
Oh, I almost forgot! You can also substitute the honeydew for cantaloupe or watermelon and the champagne for a sparkling wine, Moscato or Rose. Regardless of the fruit or wine you utilize, I know you are going to love this invigoratingly delicious chilled honeydew and champagne soup! Until next time, Cheers to peace n’ quiet and happy soup slurping!
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
Chilled Honeydew & Champagne Soup {with Walnuts, Mint & Creme Fraiche}
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) Ripe Honeydew Melon – skin and seeds removed and flesh roughly cubed (should yield about 5 Cups)
- 1 TBS Lime (about ½ lime)
- ¼ Cup Sweet Cuvee Champagne (can substitute sparkling wine)
- 1/8 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ¾ tsp Fresh Ginger - grated
- 2 TBS Fresh Mint leaves – roughly chopped
- 1/8 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 TBS Honey (can substitute pure maple syrup)
- Optional Garnishes:
- Walnuts – roughly chopped
- Crème Fraiche
- Mint Leaves
- Lime or Lemon zest
- Honey
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor, or blender, fitted with metal blade add the honeydew, lime, champagne, vanilla, ginger, mint and salt. Pulse mixture until smooth. Process mixture (let the processor run) for 1-2 minutes until soup is light and airy.
- Taste and adjust for salt; adjust for sweetness with additional honey. Transfer mixture to a bowl or large container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 6, to allow flavors to marry.
- Pour into bowls and garnish as desired.
Notes
*Chill soup bowls for a few hours in the refrigerator for a more pleasant presentation and taste
*-Or- Reserve the hollowed out honeydew rind and use it as serving bowl for a fun presentation
*You can substitute cantaloupe for watermelon or honeydew.
*Can substitute Lemon Juice for Lime Juice
*Soup will keep, covered and stored in the refrigerator, for up to 2 days. You will need to whisk or process soup again before serving. *Nutritional Information doesn't include optional garnishes.
Oh YUM! What a gorgeous looking delicious soup! champagne and honeydew, and chipotle sounds just WOW! AWESOME share!
Oh my gosh, wowie! What an amazing soup. Champagne and honeydew sounds so luxurious and decadent I love it! The flavours sound so refreshing too, and perfect for summer! I’ll have to try this!
This looks so refreshing! Have to try it 🙂
This sounds SO refreshing and delicious! Um….you didn’t know that Chipotle solves all problems? Chipotle is my life and soul :). Good luck with your move!!!!
I’ve always wanted to move to North Carolina, I’m sure you will love it and I can’t wait to read more about it in your future posts. This was a lovely post, and also a beautiful recipe, it seriously is so pretty and sophisticated/classy!
So basically what the teen next door claimed is that the line that separates cool kids from un-cool kids is whether you eat at Chipotle or not. Weird.
I have to admit this is the first time I hear something like this.
But you know what’s not weird? This soup. It’s uber fancy and looks so delish!
PS Good luck with the moving! 🙂
I felt that way when we left our last apartment! So many good/bad memories…but still memories! I’m sure you will make a gazillion new memories in your new place, so something to look forward to.
I am looovvviinnngg this soup. Anytime alcohol is include in food, it is a good thing…but this is extra fancy and fabulous.
I really enjoyed reading your post! I need to go to Chipotle too. Good luck to you on your move to north Carolina.
Velva
wow! this is really cool 😉 I have never ever thought about putting champagne in soup! it sounds delicious!
It’s hard when you leave a place – I felt the same way when we left DC after 7 years … good memories and not so good ones but they all definitely hold a place in your heart!
And that mom / daughter story is hysterical. Chipotle! haha You’ll have to let me know when you get all settled … you’re not too too far from where we live (I think it’s about an hour or so!) 🙂
This soup is so unique! I’ve never thought of combining those flavors but now I’m really curious to do so!
What a fancy schmancy soup! Perfect for a dinner party. I totally understand the plight of that teenager regarding her favorite casual/fast food. I feel the same way about Chick-fil-a and, if I don’t get it, I will cry like a cranky baby who needs a nap. Poor girl, hope she gets some Chipotle soon. In the meantime, I’m busting out the champagne and making some soup! BTW, happy moving and safe travels to you both 🙂
OMG – this is so FANCY. I think I’d have to keep my pinkie out the whole time I ate it. Love the presentation!
What a glorious soup! I love the combination of flavours and the pretty presentation as well.
Good luck with move!
Angie
Holy moly girl. this is one fancy soup! But it looks delicious! I feel like I could really impress some people with this one, and I LOVE your photos!
Haha that’s too funny that the argument was about Chipotle Good luck with your move to NC! Love this gorgeous honeydew soup! It looks so refreshing and delicious!
This soup looks fab! I’ve never actually made a chilled soup so I definitely need to try this!
What a beautiful post! I loved reading about your memories. I am a little bit jealous that you get to live in a house, as I’m still living the apartment-life! I hope your new home bring you many good memories and that you guys are very happy over there, even without Chipotle near by. But who needs Chipotle when you have the amazing food you make? This soup, for example, is looking FANTASTIC! And the pictures? They look out of one of those expensive food magazines.
Good luck with the move to North Carolina! Sounds like you had both joyful and sad memories in your current townhouse. . thanks for sharing with us. . and ok that conversation (or argument?) with that teenager about chipotle. . hilarious!!! what an elegant and beautiful soup!
Thank you, Alice. Loving my new house. Minus the boxes. 😉 Cheers!
Mmm, I love the idea of this soup..so light, summery and effervescent. It seems to me a perfect toast to a home that has beautiful stories to tell…some funny and others sad, but all beautiful.
Thank you so much, Annie!! <3 You are right, even the sad memories are still beautiful. I always love your outlook on life! Cheers, my dear!
Sounds like you have a lot of wonderful memories, Cheyanne! And I know you will have a lot of new ones to create, too! This soup sounds absolutely amazing! I’ve never had a champagne soup before, let alone a chilled one. I know, I’m so behind the times! Love the pretty color and flavor. Sounds just perfect!
Thank you so much, Gayle! You totally need to put champagne in a soup.. or in everything really 😉 lol. <3 Cheers
I think it would be rude if I didn’t say a few words to you, Cheyanne! I love everything in this post – all your warm memories (even though some of them are sad, they’re still warm), pictures, and this stunning soup idea. Glad to hear you won’t have too many neighbors around you. Do you think your current neighbors might have been the reason ANY food parcels from you and to you have been delivered? I guess, that sounds plausible. After all those examples you mentioned. I bet that might have been that ledy singing Frozen Song. Or perhaps that who demanded chipotle. Definitely she is! If you have time, you should investigate this.
Ben, I’m pretty sure my neighbors stole your food. But, they are no longer my neighbors. Your parcels should be safe from now on out, because hello southern hospitality up in the NC! <3
What a gorgeous soup! You’re always so creative, Cheyanne…you inspire me to cook with new flavors and ingredients. This honeydew soup sounds so lovely, especially with the drizzle of creme fraiche and walnuts you added on top. Yummy!!!
Also, LOL about your neighbors. Trust me, I feel you. And you know, sometimes a teenager just needs a little Chipotle to get her a$$ to calm the freak down. hahaha people in this world…smh
Moving is always bittersweet, but I’m so excited for you and know that you will make wonderful new memories with your hubby in North Carolina and I’m sure wonderful new friends and neighbors. I mean, how could you not with all the amazing things you make and your sweet personality! XO
Thank you, Beeta! You just made my day with your kind words! 🙂 Moving has been CRAZY (<–understatement). Too.Many.Boxes! xo
Hello, handsone and highly anticipated Soup! I’ve been waiting for your appearance for a long time – since your owner mentioned you. You’re absolutely gorgeous, and I’m not buttering your up! Melon and sparkling wine really is a sophisticated summer combo. You can ask your owner – I do love sophisticated combos! You’re absolutely perfectly paired with the mint, vanilla, ginger, and honey. Moreover, you’ve probably inspired me to make sorbet or even a sorbet dressing for a salad. You should be proud of yourself (and your owner)! Hope to see you again!
*Giggling* Sorry to keep you waiting, Ben. But, good things come to those who wait! Love your sorbet dressing, I can’t wait to try it. I just need to find my brain and kitchen appliances… they are all in a box somewhere. 🙂 Cheers!
This looks B-E-Y-O-N-D delicious! I LOVE cold soups during the summer time. Plus, all of these beautiful, seasonal fruits in this are perfect for the summer! And I just so happen to have both a mint plant the other day. I HAVE to make this! 😀
Thank you so much, Kennedy! I’m jealous you have a mint plant… I’m definitely going to be planting LOTS of herbs in my new backyard! 🙂 Cheers!!
Wow! Your neighborhood sounds like it’s more exciting than General Hospital! Who knew that you need Chipotle in order to have a life? I’m totally guilty of being sucked into drama when I hear it too. Your new place sounds a lot more peaceful. This soup would be perfect for your first meal on the deck of your new home. It’s so pretty and elegant too, so you can feel all fancy pants while drinking wine and eating boozy soup! 🙂 Good luck with the move!
Lol, Rachelle!! Let’s just say I DON’T miss the sound of my neighbors! And, yes… way more drama there than the GH! My new house is amazingly peaceful. LOVE it!!! Cheers, pretty!
Hi Cheyanne, I love NC, my husband graduated from UNC, so it holds a special place in my heart. I love the state, its fields, mountains, beautiful roads and beaches, the southern charm is the cherry from the cake. I am still trying to convince my husband to move over there.
I totally get what you mean by “bad” memories, things that just hurt, objects that remind you of the pain you went thru, especially when loosing a loved one, its same with me after loosing my grandfather.
I hope the new place will bring you only happiness, so you can create many happy, lasting memories.
Katalina, OMG I LOOOVEEEE this State- NC rocks the house! I hope you convince your hubs to move here – lets be neighbors!! 🙂 Cheers, to creating new, happy memories- for both of us! xo
This soup is purrrrrfect for these summer hot days!! love this recipe!! hope to try it real soon! hugs girl!
Thanks, Gaila!! Hugs back at ya! <3
Wow, this is so beautifully presented. It also goes to show that soup is not just for winter. Yum!
Thank you, Dannii! Soup is totally not just for winter, well as long as its not a heavy, steaming bowl of stew (can’t even imagine eating that in this weather. Ick). <3 Cheers, girlfriend!