As a child I remember being told the moon was made of green cheese. Come to think of it, I was told a number of tales, but anyway, one evening my Mom took me outside to show me the night sky. Looking up, she said, “See those funny dents in the moon?They’re holes in the moon’s cheese.” And with a little imagination, I believed the lunar surface was casting a moldy Swiss-cheesy glow.
Now, I’ve got news for you. Today, you can taste a soup that’s been all the way to the moon, and it’s not made with cheese.Yes, Moon Soup, a heavenly cream-based verdigris broth is as scrumptious as a starry night. The recipe is condensed and sold in cans.I’ve seen them stocked in gourmet shops around the country or you can order online.
Back in the late 1960’s, astronauts often flew small planes to Lake Wales, Florida.They would land at the private airstrip of the Chalet Suzanne Inn and enjoy a home cooked meal.
Lunar Module pilot, Jim Irwin, grew particularly fond of the Inn’s romaine soup and chose it for his space menu.NASA freeze-dried the creamy green broth and carried it aboard Apollo missions.Chalet Suzanne then renamed and marketed their velvety mixture as Moon Soup.
Visit Central Florida like I did and take a taste.Better yet, spend the night at Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.The family run facility offers 27 guest rooms and operates its own cannery, producing Moon Soup among thirteen varieties and three sauces.
July 20, 2009 marks the fortieth anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s first step on the moon. Those of us who were around can certainly remember that out-of-this-world historic moment. To celebrate and reminisce, why not plan a lunar party? Serve Moon soup, Moon Rocket Chicken and astronaut ice cream for dessert. In case you don’t know, astronaut ice cream is also freeze-dried and comes in air-tight packages.
Take one giant step and plan a summer space party now.
Moon Rocket Chicken
Cut uncooked chicken breasts into pieces, about 1 ½-2 inch squares. Place the pieces of chicken on heavy aluminum foil, each with enough for one serving.Top each serving with about a teaspoon of butter and a tablespoon of half and half cream.Add a few sliced mushrooms or very thinly sliced green pepper. Then seal the aluminum foil rolling and making it into a rocket shape.Give it a pointed nose at one end.
Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, then serve in foil to retain the juices.Each guest can unwrap their own rocket.
Add a side of long grain and wild rice to complete the meal.You’ll have to order the space ice cream ahead of time, unless you live near the Kennedy Space Center or National Air & Space Museum.
