In celebration of National Animal Cracker Day on April 18th, let’s dive into a whimsical culinary creation inspired by a beloved childhood tune: “Animal Crackers in My Soup.” This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a playful homage to the classic song made famous by Shirley Temple in the 1935 film Curly Top, and to the iconic Barnum’s animal crackers that have delighted generations.
If you’re not familiar with the movie, you’re almost certainly acquainted with Barnum’s animal crackers. These charmingly boxed treats, instantly recognizable by their circus train packaging, continue to be a favorite snack, with millions sold annually. While the price has risen from a mere 5 cents in 1902 to around $1.25 today, the joy they bring remains priceless.
Animal Cracker Soup: A Recipe for Playful Eating
My quest to bring this song to life in a bowl began with a hunt for animal cookie cutters. Surprisingly, finding small ones proved challenging. Opting for slightly larger cutters, I adjusted my vision to a more expansive “soup zoo,” ready to house my cheddar-flavored cracker creatures.
For the soup itself, I chose a simple, comforting tomato base. This pairing is a deliberate nod to another cherished childhood classic: tomato soup and grilled cheese. The cheddar cheese crackers echo the cheesy goodness of grilled cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and nostalgia. Prepare to embrace your inner child and play with your food!
Animal Cracker Soup
A bowl of homemade tomato soup is garnished with cheddar cheese animal crackers, creating a playful and nostalgic meal inspired by the “Animal Crackers in My Soup” song.
Homemade Cheese Crackers (Animal Crackers)
Slightly adapted from Monique of DivasCanCook.com
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- Course kosher salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients except kosher salt in a food processor.
- Process until a dough ball forms (3-5 minutes).
- Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and let soften slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll dough on a smooth surface to ⅛ inch thickness.
- Use animal cookie cutters to cut out cracker shapes.
- Sprinkle crackers with kosher salt, if desired.
- Place crackers on a cookie sheet lined with non-stick foil or parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking as they crisp up while cooling.
- Let crackers cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
A decorative horizontal line graphic separates the cheese cracker recipe from the tomato soup recipe, enhancing visual organization.
Sweet Tomato Soup
Adapted from Dorothy Reinhold of ShockinglyDelicious.com
Ingredients:
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans (white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed or minced
- 2 (3-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary, needles finely chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced & fire roasted tomatoes with organic green chilies in juice
- 3-4 tablespoons honey
- Pinch kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken stock
Instructions:
- Rinse and drain cannellini beans in a colander; set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and rosemary; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes (both kinds), honey, salt, pepper, cannellini beans, and chicken stock to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove soup from heat and use an immersion blender to purée until smooth directly in the pot.
- Serve hot, garnished generously with your homemade Cheddar Animal Crackers.
Yields approximately 10 cups, or 6 servings.
Fun Facts About Animal Crackers: More Than Just a Treat
-
Did you know animal crackers actually originated in England? There, they were first known as animal biscuits, paving the way for the global phenomenon we know today.
-
The iconic Barnum’s animal crackers box was initially designed as a Christmas ornament! Each box was meant to be hung by its string on Christmas trees. Look closely, and you’ll still find that string on boxes today, a nod to their festive beginnings.
-
Over the years, a menagerie of 54 different animals have been immortalized as animal crackers. Barnum’s Animal Crackers, the most popular brand, has featured 37 unique animal designs since their debut in 1902.
Another decorative horizontal line graphic visually separates the fun facts section from the concluding paragraph, maintaining consistent formatting.
For a dose of pure charm, take a moment to watch Shirley Temple herself sing “Animal Crackers in My Soup.” It’s a delightful glimpse into the song that inspired this playful recipe.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane, complete with “swallowing animals one by one.” Remember, this Animal Cracker Soup recipe isn’t just about a meal; it’s an invitation to play with your food and rediscover the joy in simple, nostalgic pleasures. …and then she paused 4 thought.
