This one was puzzling . I mean, it’s just canned tomato soup and cranberry juice, served ice cold. I think this is supposed to be a chilled soup appetizer, but I’m not sure for what occasion. A Halloween party? Dinner with an enemy? And where does California come into the picture? Was this some celebrity diet trend? I had so many questions.
It’s surprisingly not awful, especially if it’s served straight from the fridge. There’s nothing transformative or revelatory – it still mostly tastes like cold tomato soup – but the added acid and sweetness make it unexpectedly refreshing. I’m not going to put this on a dinner menu anytime soon, but I can see myself offering this as a small hors d’oeuvre in a soup spoon or disposable cup, or as a palate cleanser between courses. It would also pair well with a sandwich on a hot day.
For an update ‘inspired by’ this weird little dish, see my California Cup Mocktail recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 can condensed tomato soup
- 1/2 soup can cranberry juice cocktail
- 1/2 soup can water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- dairy sour cream
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except sour cream. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve in small bowls - top with a dollop of sour cream.