Norwegian Sweet Soup

This is an old traditional recipe that I got from my Auntie Inga who left this world several years ago.  She was, without a doubt, the sweetest woman I ever knew.  I have Norwegian roots in three out of four of my grandparents so many of the things we ate, or the traditions we kept, were from Norway, but I didn't know that.  It was just the way our family did things.

Auntie Inga lived to the age of 95 in her own home.  Undoubtedly, one of the secrets to her longevity was her attitude to life, but she was also careful about what she ate because she was diabetic.  So even though it's called "Sweet Soup", the sweetness comes from the fruit.  It could also be called "sweet" because it helps keep you regular!


Here's the recipe:

8 cups water

1 package pitted prunes*

2 cups raisins

1 cup dried apricots*, chopped

1 teaspoon cinnamon or a couple of sticks of cinnamon

1/3 cup small pearl tapioca

*Be sure to use unsulphured dried fruit.

Cook the prunes, raisins and cinnamon together slowly in the water for a couple of hours.  In a small separate bowl soak the tapioca in cold water to soften it.  Then add to the soup after it’s been simmering for a long time.  Stir it so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Put in sealers while hot to preserve it and refrigerate when cool and sealed.

Serving ideas:  Can be eaten hot or cold.

Serve on top of unsweetened yogurt or cottage cheese

Serve with sliced cheese on the side (a sharp white cheddar would be nice)

- With loving memories of Auntie Inga