Cafe Zuppa

Super awesome Sandy and James Rojo got a really nice article in todays paper. I haven't eaten there yet, but the menu of paninis is incredible! The ham, brie and Dijon panini sounds quite nice. If you're in Helena, stop by and give them a try.


(Photos by Dylan Brown. You can read the article at helenair.com)

And here' a tasty treat from Sandy at Cafe Zuppa:

Cafe Zuppa’s Spicy Carrot Soup

2 jalapeno chilies, halved lengthwise, seeded and chopped

1 lb. carrots, peeled and chopped

1 large onion, peeled and cut into large chunks

2 tbsp. butter

½ tsp. dried thyme leaves

1/8 tsp grated nutmeg

1/8 tsp. white pepper

1 bay leaf

2 cups vegetable stock

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 ½ cups milk

Melt butter in a 3-4 quart stock pot over medium heat. Add jalapenos, carrots, onion, thyme, nutmeg, pepper and bay leaf. Stir well to coat vegetables and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 cup vegetable stock, increase heat to high, and bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook at a slow boil, stirring occasionally, until carrots are very tender, about 30 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

Working in batches, puree carrot mixture in a blender, mixture will be smooth. Return to pan and add remaining 1 cup stock, heavy cream, milk and salt to taste. Stir well. Reheat to medium, do not let it boil. Taste adjust seasoning, if necessary. Serve.

Makes about 6 servings.