Colonial Soup-Servers (Sippits): A Taste of History

The aroma of warm, creamy peanut soup always transports me back to a quaint colonial tavern I visited years ago. It wasn’t just the soup itself, but the unique way it was served that truly captivated me – with crispy, golden-brown “sippits” acting as both spoon and edible delight. These little bread sticks added a playful and delicious touch, transforming a simple soup into a memorable culinary experience. I’ve been making them ever since, eager to share this charming tradition with friends and family.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
• Total Time: 10-15 minutes
• Yields: 40 sippits
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 8-10 slices day-old bread
• Cooking spray or butter

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Broiler

Instructions

1. If using butter, thoroughly butter both sides of each slice of bread.
2. Cut the bread into 1-inch “sticks”.
3. If using cooking spray, lightly spray all sides of the bread sticks with your choice of flavored cooking spray. For a richer taste, use butter-flavored cooking spray. Garlic-flavored cooking spray can add a savory dimension.
4. Place the bread sticks on a cooking sheet.
5. Toast the bread sticks under the broiler, watching very closely to prevent burning, until browned on top and bottom. This process usually takes just a few minutes, so keep a close eye on them.
6. Once golden brown and crispy, remove the sippits from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. Serve the sippits immediately with your favorite cream soup.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Day-old bread works best for sippits because it’s slightly drier, which helps it crisp up nicely in the broiler. If your bread is too fresh, you can leave it out for a few hours to dry out slightly.
• The key to perfect sippits is careful monitoring under the broiler. The high heat can quickly turn them from golden brown to burnt, so keep a close watch and adjust the distance from the broiler if needed.
• For a more uniform color, consider flipping the bread sticks halfway through broiling.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of bread. Sourdough, rye, or even whole wheat can add unique flavors to your sippits.
• To prevent sticking, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
• If you don’t have a broiler, you can also toast the sippits in a regular oven at 350°F (175°C). Keep a close eye on them, as oven times can vary.
• For even more flavor, try sprinkling the sippits with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs before toasting.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Sippits are best served warm and crispy, directly from the broiler. They are traditionally used as an alternative to spoons for enjoying cream soups, especially cream of peanut soup, which was popular in colonial taverns.

To store leftover sippits, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp for a day or two. However, they are best consumed fresh. You can also reheat them in a low oven or toaster oven to restore their crispness. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as they will become soggy.

If you want to make sippits ahead of time, you can prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them briefly before serving.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	13.3 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	1 g	11%
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	34 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	2.5 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	0.2 g	0%
Protein	0.4 g	0%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Sippits: Use gluten-free bread to make these suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Sippits: Ensure that you are using a butter alternative if you want these to be vegan.
• Spiced Sippits: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to the bread before toasting for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Cheesy Sippits: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or other hard cheese on the bread before toasting for a savory, cheesy twist.
• Herb-Infused Sippits: Brush the bread with olive oil infused with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano before toasting for a fragrant and flavorful variation.
• Sweet Sippits: For a sweet treat, brush the bread with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before toasting.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What are sippits traditionally served with?
A: Sippits are traditionally served with cream soups, particularly cream of peanut soup, offering a fun and edible alternative to spoons.

Q: Can I use different types of bread for sippits?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, rye, or whole wheat, to add unique flavors to your sippits.

Q: How do I prevent the sippits from burning under the broiler?
A: Watch the sippits very closely under the broiler and adjust the distance from the heat source if needed to prevent burning.

Q: How long can I store leftover sippits?
A: Store leftover sippits in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, but they are best consumed fresh for optimal crispness.

Q: Can I make sippits ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare sippits up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them briefly before serving to restore their crispness.

Final Thoughts

I urge you to try making these delightful colonial soup-servers – they’re incredibly easy and add a touch of historical charm to any meal. Imagine the delight of your guests as they discover this unique and delicious way to enjoy their soup! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different bread types and seasonings to create your own signature sippits. And if you do, please share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures with this charming dish! These little treasures pair perfectly with a hearty stew or a creamy tomato soup, offering a textural contrast and a delightful flavor boost that will leave you wanting more.