I would be remiss if I didn’t include this magical recipe in my blog. After all it is a feature element of the title of my recipe category. I learned this recipe as a young scout using a campfire as the heating element, but it can easily be modified to work in a modern kitchen.  The key element when planning this dish, besides getting the perfect stone of course, is that it is meant to be a group cooking event.  The more the better!  Which means PARTY!

Here is what you will need:
1 Large Stock Pot
1 Stone or Pebble – One should take great care in selecting the perfect stone or pebble for the intended group. Shape, size, color and interesting marbling should all be taken into consideration, as each attribute contains particular magical properties (you will know your stone and what those properties are once you have found it!) Oh…and one more thing…be sure you have thoroughly cleaned the stone before cooking.
Invitations! – You certainly can’t hold a Stone Soup Party without these! Start with the usual, “You’re Invited!”, Date, Time, Place (and directions if needed), and then add instructions: “Admission to the Party requires One Can of Soup – Any kind will do!”
As the perfect host or hostess, you will also want to provide other side dishes such as bread (you can find my famous Beer Bread recipe here) or crackers, beverages, perhaps a nice green salad, dessert and napkins, bowls, utensils, etc.

On party day, once all your guests have arrived, gather everyone (each with their can of soup in hand) to the kitchen or the campfire where you will have placed your stock pot. This is when you will present the “magic” stone to everyone, explaining it’s particular magical qualities, not the least of which is the ability to render anything that is added to the pot edible. And not “just” edible, but the “Most amazing delicious soup they have ever tasted!” Then place the stone in the bottom of the pot and invite your guests, one by one, to present their soup and add it to the pot.

There will be doubters of course.  Especially when each person opens their can of soup and pours it in (note: if the soup is condensed, add the appropriate amount of water). Some will be certain that their cream of “this” and your tomato or chicken or clam “that” couldn’t possibly taste good together.  Someone is likely to even bring a can of split pea, which will certainly raise an eyebrow or two. And don’t get me started on the chowders!  But never fear…just let the stone do its magic! (You may need to assure everyone else at this point too!)

Once everyone has contributed their soup to the recipe, turn up the heat and give it a good stirring until it is simmering and bubbly hot. Serve with the sides you have provided, and enjoy!

The real magic of course is not that you have just created the most delectable, one of a kind, impossible to replicate soup recipe of all time, but that you have done it with family or friends and spent a lovely time together doing it!