Making good food comes naturally to Frances Callaghan. Her father was a chef and taught her so much that she worked in the food industry and then started her own company, 2 Ladies Soupin It Up.
“I know he is looking down with a smile and saying, ‘What took you so long?’” she said.
The family-run company makes a variety of packaged soup mixes that can be prepared in a slow cooker or on the stove top.
All are tested and the ingredients provide choices for every taste, including vegetarian and gluten-free. She also makes salad mixes (summer), seasonings and spices, baking mixes and other goodies.
“I love to cook and eat healthy, too. And I love soup, but in today’s busy world it is so easy just to stop for a quick meal at a fast food location or purchase a prepared meal full of sodium and preservatives that is also expensive.
“Who has time to cook these days, but with us all you need is a soup pot or a slow cooker and you are ready for a delicious meal to serve.”
The soup mixes are made with ingredients like quinoa, lentils, vegetables, wild rice, noodles, beans and spices. The company makes its own broths, so is able to control what goes into them, and that includes not using any MSG.
Callaghan started the business with her daughter-in-law Brianne, who now lives in Calgary and will be starting up the Alberta branch of Soupin It Up.
“Family and friends have been a helping hand as well — this is a true family business.”
Callaghan is looking forward to being part of the local farmers’ markets and continuing her adventures in soup making, which will include a new line of soup by the cup in the spring.
“I have had great feedback from all my customers, and look forward to continuing my adventure in soup making. I love the people I have met.”
For more information, e-mail 2ladiessoupinitup@gmail.com or see www.2ladiessoupinitup.ca or find them on Facebook.
Look for Callaghan at Vernon Presents A Festival of Crafts this weekend at Kal Tire Place, 3445-43rd Ave. The annual Christmas show takes place Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crafters from all over British Columbia will be exhibiting their wares. Admisssion is $3, kids under 12 are free, and $1 from each admission goes to the North Okanagan Hospice Society.
