Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

July 2, 2026 by Kimberly

By the first spoonful at the latest, you understand why homemade vanilla ice cream just feels different. It is not simply cold and sweet, but melts slowly on your tongue, turning soft, creamy, and almost a little nostalgic. Suddenly, your mind is somewhere between a warm summer day, a bowl of ice cream on the balcony, and that little evening moment when you only meant to have one scoop and then somehow find yourself going back to the freezer.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

9 hrs

SERVES

6 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Some things sound so simple at first that you almost underestimate them. Vanilla ice cream, for example. At first glance, it is the classic, the safe choice, the flavor that is somehow always there. But when vanilla ice cream is made really well, it suddenly is not plain at all. It is creamy, rounded, soft, aromatic, and exactly the kind of ice cream that makes you think after the first spoonful: Oh, this is what it is supposed to taste like.

For me, homemade vanilla ice cream felt like the perfect way to start our little ice cream month. If you are going to begin with ice cream love, you might as well begin with the foundation. With the recipe that shows whether an ice cream is truly good. No hiding behind toppings, sauces, or wild flavor combinations. Just milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla. But done properly.

And that is exactly why two vanilla pods go into this base. Not because we want to be dramatic — although, maybe a little — but because real vanilla simply makes all the difference. Those tiny black specks do not just look beautiful; they give the ice cream that warm, deep flavor that store-bought vanilla ice cream so often misses.

To be honest, I had a little respect for making ice cream with egg yolks myself, but in the end, it is much more doable than you might think. You take a little time in the morning to prepare the base, let it chill peacefully in the fridge, and then pour it into the ice cream maker in the evening. And then that moment happens: the machine is running, the mixture becomes lighter, thicker, creamier — and at some point, the ice cream looks like the softest vanilla ice cream in the world. Straight from the machine, it is basically like soft serve, which for me personally is already a very strong argument for going in immediately with a spoon.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream


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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 8 hrs + 60 min
  • Yield: 6 portions 1x

Description

By the first spoonful at the latest, you understand why homemade vanilla ice cream just feels different. It is not simply cold and sweet, but melts slowly on your tongue, turning soft, creamy, and almost a little nostalgic. Suddenly, your mind is somewhere between a warm summer day, a bowl of ice cream on the balcony, and that little evening moment when you only meant to have one scoop and then somehow find yourself going back to the freezer.

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 500 grams heavy whipping cream
  • 500 milliliters full-fat cow milk
  • 190 grams white sugar
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 2 vanilla beans
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In the morning: Add the milk, cream, scraped vanilla seeds, vanilla pods, salt, and half of the sugar to a saucepan and heat slowly. The mixture should become hot, but not boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
  2. In the meantime, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until well combined.
  3. Slowly pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Then pour everything back into the saucepan.
  4. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 84°C and slightly thickens.
  5. Pour the ice cream base through a fine sieve. Add the vanilla pods back in so they can continue to infuse the mixture while it chills.
  6. Place the mixture directly in the fridge.
  7. In the evening: Remove the vanilla pods from the well-chilled ice cream base.
  8. Pour the mixture directly into the ice cream maker and churn until creamy.
  9. Serve the finished ice cream immediately or transfer it to a suitable container and freeze for another 4 hours until firm.
  • Prep Time: 60 min
  • Passive Time: 8 hrs

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Bakery Style Vanilla Caramel Cookies

Bakery Style Vanilla Caramel Cookies

Bakery Style Vanilla Caramel Cookies

Bakery Style Vanilla Caramel Cookies

May 14, 2026 by Kimberly

These bakery style cookies with vanilla and caramel chocolate are slightly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly chewy. Thanks to a little trick with butter flavoring, they taste like they came fresh from a really good bakery, only homemade. The cookie dough is perfect for making ahead and can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy warm, thick chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven whenever you like.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

30 minutes + chill time

SERVES

10 cookies

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Out of a million cookie recipes, this is the one I would bake again and again. Truly. Some recipes are good, some are even really good, and then there are these cookies. These thick, soft, slightly chewy bakery style cookies that look like you did not simply bake them in your own kitchen, but like they came from a small, very good bakery where everything is a little too expensive, but you still fall for it every single time.

I have tried so many cookie recipes over the past few years. Some were beautifully crisp like these White Chocolate Coconut Lime Cookies and some wonderfully soft like these White Chocolate Blueberry Cookies & Blueberry Icing. But this recipe feels like another level to me. And the little trick that makes the flavor so special is almost too simple: butter flavoring. Just a few drops and suddenly the dough no longer tastes like regular homemade cookies, but like those really good bakery cookies where you wonder why they taste so much better.

After baking, you can of course decorate the cookies however you like. I drizzled a little more vanilla chocolate on top and used colorful sprinkle pearls.

And the best part is: you can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. That means you can have warm, freshly baked bakery style cookies at home whenever you like, almost instantly.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Bakery Style Vanilla Caramel Cookies
Bakery Style Vanilla Caramel Cookies
Bakery Style Vanilla Caramel Cookies
Bakery Style Vanilla Caramel Cookies
LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS
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Bakery Style Vanilla Caramel Cookies

Bakery Style Vanilla Caramel Cookies


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 10 cookies 1x

Description

These bakery style cookies with vanilla and caramel chocolate are slightly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly chewy. Thanks to a little trick with butter flavoring, they taste like they came fresh from a really good bakery, only homemade. The cookie dough is perfect for making ahead and can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy warm, thick chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven whenever you like.

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 115 grams soft butter
  • 90 grams brown sugar
  • 40 grams white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • a few drops butter aroma
  • 240 grams all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp corn starch
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 100 grams caramel chocolate
  • 50 grams white vanilla chocolate
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS
  • 50 grams white vanilla chocolate for drizzle
  • sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Add the butter to a mixing bowl and beat for about 3 minutes, until pale and fluffy. Add the brown sugar and white sugar and beat for another 1–2 minutes, until creamy.
  2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and butter flavoring, and mix just until everything is combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, and mix briefly until the dough has almost come together. Add the chocolate and mix just until no streaks of flour remain and everything is evenly incorporated.
  4. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop one ball of dough and place it onto the baking sheet. Then scoop a second ball of dough, place it on top of the first one, and press down firmly so the cookies form into little ice cream scoop shapes. Depending on the size, the dough should make about 9–10 cookies.
  5. Place the shaped cookie dough balls in the freezer for at least 3 hours.
  6. Before baking, fully preheat the oven to 190°C / 375°F. Place the frozen cookie dough balls on a baking sheet with enough space between them so they do not spread into each other. I bake 6 cookies per tray.
  7. Bake the cookies for about 12–14 minutes, depending on how browned you like them. Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes.
  8. The cookies can be eaten once they have cooled, but they are especially good if you let them rest in the fridge for a few hours after they have cooled completely. That is when they get that real bakery-style texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 13 min
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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Rhubarb Strawberry Almond Galette

Rhubarb Strawberry Almond Galette

Rhubarb Strawberry Almond Galette

Rhubarb Strawberry Almond Galette

May 1, 2025 by Kimberly

It tastes like warm weekends and early summer light. Flaky pastry, buttery almond cream, jammy fruit on top. It’s rustic in the best way. Best served with friends or a spoon.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

2 hrs + 40 min

SERVES

8 pieces

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

You know those desserts that feel like you didn’t try too hard, but still look like a dream? This is one of them. A buttery, golden crust, soft-set fruit, and the kind of almond cream that makes you wonder why we ever stopped baking with frangipane in the first place. It’s the dessert you make when you’re trying to impress someone (including yourself) without sweating over it. Peak cozy elegance, especially in spring or early summer when berries and rhubarb are at their best.

This tart doesn’t need much, just something creamy on the side to balance the tang and crunch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream? Always. Lightly whipped cream? Also yes. A drizzle of vanilla sauce? Go for it. Serve it slightly warm or at room temp so the flavors can really come through. I like it best the day it’s made, shared at a table that’s maybe still messy from dinner and filled with good company.

Wrap up any leftovers and pop them in the fridge. It keeps well for up to two days, just reheat slightly before serving. And the best part: the crust stays crisp, which honestly feels like a little bit of magic

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Rhubarb Strawberry Almond Galette
Rhubarb Strawberry Almond Galette
Rhubarb Strawberry Almond Galette
Rhubarb Strawberry Almond Galette

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Rhubarb Strawberry Almond Galette

Rhubarb Strawberry Almond Galette


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 2 hrs + 40 min
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • mixing bowl
  • plastic wrap
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • two small bowls
  • rolling pin

Ingredients

Units Scale
DOUGH
  • 200 grams all-purpose flour
  • 150 grams butter, cold & cubed
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 60 milliliters cold water
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 egg (for brushing the crust)
  • 2 tbsp white sugar (for topping the crust)
ALMOND CREAM
  • 50 grams butter, soft
  • 50 grams brown sugar
  • 70 grams grounded almonds
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
FRUITS
  • 200 grams fresh rhubarb
  • 200 grams fresh strawberries
  • 1 tsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp corn starch
TOPPINGS
  • sliced almonds
  • ice cream, whipped cream or vanilla sauce

Instructions

  1. For the dough, combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold butter in small cubes and work it in quickly with your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter throughout. Add the cold water and apple cider vinegar, then bring everything together with your hands until a rough dough forms. Shape it into a rectangle on your work surface, cut it into four equal pieces, stack them on top of each other, gently press together, and wrap the stack in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for about 45 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, wash the rhubarb thoroughly, peel if necessary, and cut it into finger-length pieces. Depending on your preference, slice them into thin strips or slightly thicker chunks. Toss the rhubarb in a bowl with cornstarch and powdered sugar, then set aside. Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them as well.
  3. Next, prepare the almond cream. Cream the soft butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the egg, salt, vanilla extract, and ground almonds. Mix until smooth and set aside.
  4. Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 392 °F. Remove the chilled dough from the fridge, let it rest briefly on a floured surface, then roll or press it out into a large, rustic circle using short movements. Don’t worry if the dough tears slightly, this is typical for shortcrust pastry and can be patched with leftover scraps. Gently roll the dough around your rolling pin and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Spread the almond cream evenly over the dough, leaving a border of about 8 cm (3 inches) all around. Distribute the prepared fruit over the almond cream, then fold the edges of the dough over the filling and press them down gently. Brush the crust with oil or a beaten egg, sprinkle with sliced almonds and a bit of sugar, and bake the galette for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
  6. Serve best while still slightly warm paired with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or vanilla sauce. I used pistachio ice cream, which pairs beautifully with the almond cream and the tart rhubarb.
  • Passive Time: 1 hr + 40 min
  • Cook Time: 60 min

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Pink Deviled Eggs

Pink Deviled Eggs

Pink Deviled Eggs

Pink Deviled Eggs

April 17, 2025 by Kimberly

Tangy, creamy, a little crunchy. This snack turns heads and taste buds. Bold color, punchy flavor, and that one friend who says “Wait, what’s in these?” every single time.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

2 hrs + 20 min

SERVES

6 eggs / 12 halves

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

They might look fancy, but these little guys are secretly the easiest crowd-pleaser ever. You know those recipes that make people pause mid-bite and go, “Wait—what is this?” Yeah, it’s one of those. The vibrant color comes from a quick beet juice bath (don’t worry, they’re not beety, just beautiful), and the filling is creamy, tangy, and somehow nostalgic and elevated at the same time. Perfect for Easter brunches or as appetizers for dinner parties.

These pop right off the plate, so serve them cold on a pretty platter with a sprinkle of herbs and a little crispy bacon on top. A dusting of everything bagel seasoning makes them feel extra fun and just a little cheeky. Ideal for Easter brunch, a spring picnic, or as that one unexpected hit at your dinner party.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The color stays vibrant, and the texture holds up surprisingly well.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Pink Deviled Eggs
Pink Deviled Eggs
Pink Deviled Eggs
Pink Deviled Eggs

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Pink Deviled Eggs

Pink Deviled Eggs


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 2 hrs + 2 min
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • small pot
  • two small bowls
  • immersion blender (or regular one)
  • piping bag & star tip (optional)
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 eggs
  • 400 milliliters beetroot juice
FILLING
  • (the yolks from the 6 eggs)
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • salt & pepper to taste
TOPPINGS
  • 2 bacon slices
  • fresh dill
  • fresh chives
  • everything but the bagel seasoning

Instructions

  1. Boil the eggs for 8 minutes. Then transfer them to a bowl of cold water and let them sit for about 5 minutes. After that, pour out the water and add the beet juice to the same bowl. While the eggs are still warm, peel them completely and let them soak in the beet juice for about 2 hours.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon until super crispy. Set it aside and let it cool down.
  3. After marinating, carefully slice the eggs in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Be sure to wipe the knife after each egg to keep the next one looking clean and neat.
  4. Gently scoop out the yolks from the 6 eggs and place them in a separate bowl. Mix with mayo, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend everything until smooth using an immersion blender. You can either fill the egg halves using a piping bag with a star tip (looks extra cute) or just use two spoons. It works either way. Pipe or spoon the filling into each egg half until all the mix is used up.
  5. For the topping, I used crispy bacon, fresh chives, fresh dill, and a generous sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning. But honestly? You can top them with whatever makes your heart happy.
  • Passive Time: 2 hrs
  • Cook Time: 20 min

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Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns

Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns

Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns

Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns

April 16, 2025 by Kimberly

Fluffy, golden buns filled with vanilla cream and strawberry jam, topped with buttery streusel. The kind of thing you’d bring out on Easter Sunday for coffee, cake, and quiet joy.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

3 hrs + 30 min

SERVES

12 buns

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

These soft, pillowy buns are one of those things that somehow feel both nostalgic and wildly indulgent. We’re talking golden, fluffy dough, a silky vanilla filling, and a bright hit of strawberry jam, all topped with a delicate crumble of streusel. It’s giving cozy Sunday morning, messy counter, and a “just one more” situation. Whether you grew up with German-style sweet buns or not, this combo is the kind of thing that makes you pause mid-bite and just… smile.

These are lovely served warm, when the vanilla cream is still soft and the jam gently melts into the dough. But honestly? They’re just as dreamy cold. Straight from the fridge works, especially with a cup of coffee on a slow morning. Serve them stacked on a brunch platter or individually in cupcake liners for that little bakery moment. Optional, but highly recommended: a dusting of powdered sugar to make them feel extra special.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns
Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns
Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns
Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns

Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 3 hrs + 30 min

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • small saucepan
  • whisk
  • small bowl
  • stand mixer or electric hand mixer
  • plastic wrap
  • rectangular baking dish

Ingredients

Units Scale
DOUGH
  • 250 milliliters full-fat cow milk
  • 7 grams dry active yeast
  • 60 grams white sugar
  • 525 grams all-purpose flour (in Germany 550er)
  • 75 grams butter, soft
  • 1 egg
  • pinch of salt
VANILLA CREAM
  • 200 grams heavy cream
  • 90 milliliters full-fat cow milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 60 grams white sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 20 grams cornstarch
STREUSEL
  • 100 grams all-purpose flour
  • 70 grams butter, soft
  • 70 grams white sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
OTHER INGREDIENTS
  • 200 grams strawberry jam (homemade or store-bought)
  • confectioners sugar

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, heat the cream with the sugar, vanilla extract, and half of the milk until it comes to a boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, egg yolk, and remaining milk. Slowly pour the starch mixture into the boiling cream while whisking constantly until it thickens into a smooth pudding. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Set aside for later.
  2. Gently warm the milk to 38°C / 100°F and stir in the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let it sit for a few minutes until slightly foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, egg, soft butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead for about 10 minutes until you get a smooth, soft dough that doesn’t stick. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 90 minutes.
  3. Combine the butter, sugar, flour, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt and mix until crumbly. Chill the streusel until ready to use.
  4. Once the dough has risen, knead it briefly and divide into 12 equal balls, about 80g / 3oz each. Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper and arrange the dough balls inside. Let them rest for 20 minutes.
  5. Use your thumbs and press in the middle of the dough ball to form kind of a bowl shape that is going to be filled each with 1 tablespoon of vanilla pudding and 1 heaping teaspoon of strawberry jam side by side.
  6. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°Ft. Sprinkle the chilled streusel generously over the buns and bake for about 55 minutes, or until golden. Serve slightly warm or fully cooled—both are delicious. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
  • Passive Time: 3 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 min

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Lemony Spring Chicken Soup with Chive Oil

Lemony Spring Chicken Soup with Chive Oil

Lemony Spring Chicken Soup with Chive Oil

Lemony Spring Chicken Soup with Chive Oil

April 13, 2025 by Kimberly

This clear chicken soup with tiny noodles and spring vegetables is true comfort food, inspired by the classic German wedding soup. With tender chicken, little noodles, fresh greens, and that finishing drizzle of chive oil, it’s the perfect broth for both special occasions and cozy Sundays. A timeless recipe full of flavor, ideal for spring, and a real bowl of soul-soothing comfort.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

4 hrs  + 45 min

 

SERVES

2 portions

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

There are dishes that are so much more than just food. They are memories and little time machines. For me, that’s exactly what a clear chicken broth with all the fixings is. The one my grandmother always made for me when I was a child. In Germany, it’s called Hochzeitssuppe, or wedding soup. And honestly, the moment I hear the name, I can picture her standing at the stove, stirring that steaming pot of soup. It was this broth that filled her house with warmth and comfort. It was simply Grandma’s soup, and with every spoonful, you knew you were home.

Today, years later, I cook my own version. Still clear, still light, and with the same amount of love. Chicken bones, vegetables, and a little patience. But also with a touch of my own style. I love finishing it with my homemade chive oil, which makes the soup not only prettier but also a little more exciting.

This is not the kind of soup you throw together on the side. It asks for attention, a bit of devotion. And that’s exactly what makes it special. You take your time and in the end, you get something that warms not just your stomach, but also your heart.

And that’s why I’m sharing this recipe with you. Maybe it will become more than just a broth for you too. Maybe it’s the scent that fills your home when the first spring rain falls outside. Or the dish you cook for people you love. Just like my grandmother once did for me.

 

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Lemony Spring Chicken Soup with Chive Oil
Lemony Spring Chicken Soup with Chive Oil
Lemony Spring Chicken Soup with Chive Oil
Lemony Spring Chicken Soup with Chive Oil

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Lemony Spring Chicken Soup with Chive Oil

Lemony Spring Chicken Soup with Chive Oil


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 4 hrs + 45 min
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

This clear chicken soup with tiny noodles and spring vegetables is true comfort food, inspired by the classic German wedding soup. With tender chicken, little noodles, fresh greens, and that finishing drizzle of chive oil, it’s the perfect broth for both special occasions and cozy Sundays. A timeless recipe full of flavor, ideal for spring, and a real bowl of soul-soothing comfort.

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

  • large pot
  • small pot
  • fine mesh strainer
  • cheesecloth
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board

For the consommé version, you’ll also need:

  • an extra small pot
  • whisk
  • small bowls

Ingredients

Units Scale
CHICKEN STOCK
  • 3 liters cold water
  • 2 carrots
  • 4 small yellow onions
  • 1 leek (only the green part)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp black pepper corns
  • 1 lemon
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 kilogram skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
  • 4 egg whites (only for the Consommé version)
SOUP COMPONENTS
  • 10 stems green asparagus
  • 1 leek (only the white part)
  • 100 grams frozen peas
  • 100 grams tiny pasta shells
TOPPINGS
  • fresh dill
  • fresh chives
  • scallions
  • 1 lemon
  • homemade chive oil

Instructions

  1. Peel the carrots, trim the ends, and slice. Cut the roots off the onions and halve them. Separate the white and green parts of the leek. Wash the green part thoroughly and cut it into large pieces. Halve the lemon. Peel the garlic cloves. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat a large pot over medium heat (no oil). Place the onion halves cut side down and let them brown. Then add the carrots, leek, lemon, herbs, peppercorns, and chicken thighs. Pour in 3 liters of cold water.
  3. Slowly bring the pot to a gentle simmer, do not let it boil. Skim off any foam with a spoon. Let it cook uncovered on the lowest heat for 4 to 8 hours, making sure it stays at a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam occasionally and add cold water if too much evaporates.
  4. In the meantime, prepare the chive oil and store it in the fridge until needed.
  5. Once the broth is done, remove it from the heat. Take out the chicken thighs, let them cool, and then shred the meat from the bones and set it aside for later. Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon. Strain the broth first through a fine mesh strainer and then through cheesecloth for a clear result.

If you’d like to turn your broth into a clarified consommé, follow the next steps. If not, jump to the section “Simple Version.”

Consommé Version

  1. Let the broth cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot. In a bowl, whisk 4 egg whites just until frothy. Stir them into the broth. Let everything sit over medium heat for about 15–20 minutes, do not boil, or the egg whites will curdle.Over time, a layer of egg whites will form and trap any remaining fat or cloudiness. Gently remove this layer and strain the broth again: first through a fine mesh strainer, then through cheesecloth. The result: a crystal-clear consommé.
  2. Reheat the consommé and season with salt (about 5–7g per liter). Keep it hot.
  3. Slice the white part of the leek into rings and wash well. Slice the asparagus into chunks or thin rounds. Finely slice the green part of the scallions for topping.Optional extra step for curly scallion strips: Slice the tube lengthwise and open it up. Place the inside facing up and gently scrape off the slimy layer with a knife. Slice into thin strips and store in a bowl of ice water until serving.
  4. Boil two small pots of salted water. In one, cook the noodles al dente. In the other, blanch the leeks first, then asparagus, and finally the peas. Place each component in a small bowl and set aside.
  5. To serve, layer noodles, vegetables, and shredded chicken into serving bowls and pour hot consommé over. Top with freshly ground black pepper, fresh dill, chives, scallions, lemon slices, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of chive oil.

Simple Version

  1. Reheat the broth and season with salt (5–7g per liter). Keep it hot.
  2. Slice the leek into rings and rinse thoroughly. Cut the asparagus into chunks or thin slices. Finely slice the green part of the scallions for topping.
  3. Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles al dente.
  4. Add the leeks to the broth and simmer until soft. Then add asparagus and peas, cooking for another 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the shredded chicken and cooked noodles. Simmer everything for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Serve hot in deep bowls, topped with fresh dill, chives, scallions, lemon slices, and chive oil.

Notes

  • This soup takes time, but it rewards you with depth and flavor.
  • This recipe yields about 2.5 liters of finished chicken stock. You’ll use 1 liter for the soup, the rest keeps for 2–3 days in the fridge or 2–3 months in the freezer for future recipes.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Passive Time: 4 hrs
  • Cook Time: 30 min

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