Medieval Times Dallas Food Drive (and Tomato Bisque Recipe!)

The Dallas castle of Medieval Times is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is partnering with Dallas Life as part of their Chivalry in Action campaign this January and February.  That’s right, participate in the Medieval Times Dallas Food Drive by bringing any non-perishable food item to the Dallas castle and you will receive 45% off adult admission for a Thursday, Sunday or the 2pm Saturday show now through February 12th. 

Fill the Pantry Benefiting Dallas Life

Suggested food items include the makings for soups, including tomato sauce, beans or peas, broths or stocks, and canned vegetables.  

Soups are a great option nutritionally, they provide us with lots of important nutrients including vitamins and minerals for relatively few calories. Soup can be a simple addition to any meal and a great way to make sure that you and your family get the essential servings of whole grains, vegetables and protein in one bowl.

“There is no secret to creating an amazing soup,” said Frank Dameron, Director of Food Services at Medieval Times. “It’s all about the ingredients. The best herbs and fresh produce will help keep even the coldest Dallas/Fort Worth winter days at bay.” 

Dallas LIFE reaches out to homeless men, women and children with food, clothing, shelter, education – and a proven path to recovery and self-sufficiency.  It is the largest homeless shelter in North Texas, housing up to 500 people per night.  For more information, visit DallasLIFE.org.

I am happy to partner with Medieval Times to bring you this announcement!  It’s a great way to help others in the community and also receive a substantial discount on an entertaining, and delicious, outing that is perfect for the whole family.  It would also make a great night out with the guys or girls or a fun date night.

The Dallas Castle is located at 2021 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207 and you can also call for more information at 1-888-WE-JOUST (935-6878).

Have y’all been to Medieval Times yet?  They have a delicious soup that they serve before the main meal.  It is a tomato bisque and is so creamy and satisfying.  They recently emailed me with a home version of their classic recipe.

MEDIEVAL TIMES TOMATO BISQUE  (home version)

You Will Need:

2 Tbsp canola oil
2 medium carrots, peeled
1 celery stalk, cleaned and trimmed
½ medium onion, peeled
1 tsp garlic, minced
(2) 6 oz. cans tomato paste
(1) 15 1/2 oz can tomato puree
5 cups water
1 tsp paprika
3 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp salt
¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
Pinch Italian seasoning
½ lemon, for juice

To Make:

1. Cut the carrots, celery and onion into small pieces about ½ inches. Place the carrots, onions and celery into a food processor fitted with the knife blade and pulse until they are finely minced, almost pureed.
2. Heat the canola oil in a 5 – 6 quart stainless steel sauce pan or pot. Add the finely minced carrots, onions and celery and cook until vegetables are soft but not browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the tomato paste and stir into the vegetables to combine well and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add the tomato puree, water, paprika sugar, salt, ground pepper, Italian Seasoning and juice from ½ lemon.
6. Bring soup to a boil while stirring frequently. Once soup comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and continue to simmer for 20 minutes, while stirring frequently to prevent soup from scorching.
7. When soup is finished cooking, remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately.

If Dallas gets some chilly weather again, I’m totally making it!  My whole family loves it, and the home version could be paired with a grilled cheese – classic combo, right?

I hope you’ll consider participating in this limited-time offer with the Dallas LIFE food drive at Medieval Times Dallas.  It’s a win-win for you and for the homeless folks of North Texas.  It’s a good time you can feel even better about!