Step 3: Get to swapping! As guests arrive, give them the opportunity to socialize. This is a fun event, so while everyone is sampling the soup, play some music, offer drinks, and let them chat it up. After an hour or so, it’s time to get down to business. Soupswap.com recommends having guests draw numbers for tasting order. Try each creation one at a time until you’re out of soup! You don’t have to follow this structure, of course. Find a method that works best for you and your guests. Bonus: Use Mason jars. Readily available in bulk at most grocery stores, Mason jars are leakproof and easier to transport than plastic storage containers. Plus, they’re inexpensive and fairly easy to replace. No one likes hounding their friends for precious glass containers weeks after a party. Soup swaps are guaranteed fun all year long. Looking for more advice to help throw the perfect soup swap? The Kitchn, a popular food blog, has everything you need to know at thekitchn.com/january-soup-swap- gatherings-from-the-kitchn-214906. HOW TO HOST A SOUP SWAP
‘Tis the season for delicious, hearty food, and nothing quite hits the spot on a cool winter evening like hot soup. Everyone has their favorites, whether it’s a classic bowl of chicken noodle or a Tuscan white bean and garlic soup, so why not share the love at a soup swap? Similar to white elephant gift exchanges, guests arrive at a soup swap with a several helpings of their favorite soup and leave with something entirely new. Here’s how you can host your own. Step 1: Send out the invites. The more the merrier. Invite all your soup-loving friends. Instruct everyone to prepare at least 4 quarts of soup. If you invite six guests, make sure everyone brings their soup in six separate containers. Everyone should go home with the same amount of soup they brought. The soup that guests will give away should be frozen, but remind guests to also bring a separate warm serving of soup for tasting. Step 2: Prepare the tasting stations. Soup can get a bit messy, so lay down a simple tablecloth on your table for easy cleanup later. Prepare a handful of blank labels — you can use chalkboard paint, scrapbook paper, or really anything fun — for guests to fill out and place on their soup when they arrive. You’ll want to provide plenty of spoons and maybe some bread, crackers, or other snacks. PREPARING TO CAST INTO 2018 February Is for Planning, Not Fishing
For those who cast from the bank, this may be as simple as restringing your rod and cleaning the guides and reel mount. This will take care of any dust that’s built up or grime left from your last outing. Not only will your rod look great, but it will last longer. Those who kayak have a little more work to do. You’ll want to start by checking the hatches, bungees, and hardware. Make sure nothing has come loose since you were last out. You can’t afford to deal with bad rigging while out on the water. Next, give the boat a good
While every season is fishing season in Louisiana, some months are definitely better than others. Hardcore bass anglers can still land reliable numbers in February, but the cold weather and frequent rain makes for a miserable experience. So, should you simply rest on your laurels and wait for winter to end? Why not use this time to prepare instead? If your fishing gear has been sitting in the garage all season, February’s the perfect time to take stock and do some maintenance. The last thing you want is to race off to your first fishing trip of the spring, only to be plagued by technical difficulties that could have been avoided by a little foresight.
cleaning, taking the time to apply some sun protectant to prevent the colors from getting washed out. Finally, if you’re feeling industrious, make some modifications to the kayak — all those little additions you’ve thought of while fishing. Last but not least, make plans. Look up maps, read articles, and research all the places you want to fish in 2018. Maybe call some buddies and make plans before their summer schedules fill up. This will get you back in the fishing mindset and excited for the coming season. Come May, you’ll be glad you used your time wisely.
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