4 Essential Tools My Mom Swears By for Perfect Soup During Cold and Flu Season

Every autumn, when the summer heat fades, my mom begins her soup-making ritual. She calls her chicken noodle soup “Jewish Penicillin,” whipping up large batches whenever anyone gets sick.

With flu season upon us and a Nor’easter looming, I decided to follow in her footsteps and make some soup. I reached for the tools she’s trusted for years, including a heavy-duty stockpot, a good immersion blender, and handy freezer molds.

### Essential Soup-Making Tools

Let’s get into the must-have tools for making soups that warms both body and soul.

#### Stockpots

A sturdy stockpot is key for any soup enthusiast. My mom swears by her favorite 8-quart All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Stockpot. It can handle everything from chicken noodle to hearty vegetable stews.

If the price of high-end stockpots seems steep, there are affordable options that do the job well. The Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Stockpot, for example, is durable, easy to clean, and comes highly rated by over 3,000 users.

#### Ladles

A good ladle makes serving soup much easier. Look for one with a long handle and a deep bowl for hearty servings. My mom has several ladles, but her go-to is the All-Clad Specialty Stainless Steel Soup Ladle.

There’s also the Ototo Nessie Soup Ladle, a fun choice for families with kids. Its playful design makes cooking more enjoyable, and it can stand on its own—no spoon rest necessary.

#### Immersion Blenders

My mom introduced me to immersion blenders, and I use mine every soup season. They are perfect for creating smooth textures without the hassle of transferring hot soup to a countertop blender. The All-Clad model is a favorite for its powerful motor and easy-to-use buttons.

For a cordless option, the Zwilling Xtend Cordless Hand Blender is a fantastic tool. It’s part of a line that includes various cooking gadgets, simplifying meal prep.

### Gadget Wonders

Beyond the main tools, there are helpful gadgets for making soup with ease. My mom recently started using the Earlywood Wooden Tasting Spoon, which helps her taste from deep stockpots without any struggle.

#### Souper Cubes

For those who meal prep, Souper Cubes are a game changer. They allow you to freeze small servings of soup, making it easy to grab a quick meal during the week.

#### Soup Socks

My mom also loves Regency Wraps Soup Socks. These act like large tea bags for broth, helping infuse flavors effortlessly. They can hold whole chickens, spices, or vegetables, meaning less mess when straining is needed.

### Trends and Insights

Between 2020 and 2022, interest in homemade soups surged. Many people turned to comforting meals during uncertain times. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram were filled with soup recipes and tips, leading to viral trends like ‘soup season’.

According to a recent survey by the Food Institute, over 60% of people now prefer cooking at home to dining out. This shift points to the comfort and satisfaction of homemade meals, particularly soups, as they offer warmth and nurturing.

### Closing Thoughts

Making soup is more than just cooking; it’s a tradition filled with love and care. Whether you’re stirring a pot for your family or whipping up a quick meal for yourself, having the right tools can transform the experience. So grab that stockpot, ladle, and blender, and let’s cook up some warmth this season!



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