About Us
I started making the soups several years ago when a friend of mine, who is physically challenged, told me that she could no longer stand at her kitchen counter for long enough to prepare meals. She is particularly fond of bean soups. This was further complicated because, at the time, I lived in New York and she lived in Illinois. But off to the kitchen I went and started "tweaking" her recipe so she could try them, and after numerous attempts (and lots of postage charges) she told me that my soup was better than the original. After my first success with the French Market Soup, she said I should try some original. After my first success with the French Market Soup, she said I should try some different kinds of bean soups. There were more failures but in time I developed all the soups on this website. Initially, we gave them as gifts at Christmas and House Warmings. Our family and friends kept asking for more and eventually someone suggested that we make them available to everyone.
The dips soon followed when another friend kept asking me to make dips for her. She still asks for the Dil-liteful Dip - her personal favorite.
Shortly after starting, we were given the opportunity to participate in the Best of Missouri Market, an annual event at the Missouri Botanical Garden that features only Missouri made products.
The rest, as they say, is history. We welcome your comments, so please let us hear from you.
Product Description
We produce all-natural low salt soup and dip mixes. Our primary concern is that our products must be delicious food, you are proud to serve to your family and friends.
French Market Soup Mix - the French would make this soup on the day they took their wears to market. They would put it on to cook before they left and it would be ready to eat when they returned late in the day. Place it in your crock pot in the morning, and when you get home dinner is ready to serve. Our version works equally as well. This is a robust, flavorful soup made with many different beans, peas, lentils and barley, and the perfect mix of spices. Package will serve 8 to 10 hungry people.
Italian Bean Pasta Soup Mix - this soup in the true Italian tradition. Flavored with only the highest quality garlic, basil, oregano and other spices, 3 different beans and pasta. This is a hearty, rich meal. Package makes 8 to 10 servings.
Bean, Beer and Brat Soup Mix - the name says it all. During the summer one of our favorite meals is brats cooked in beer and onions. We missed this during the Winter so I created this soup so we could enjoy this flavor all year long. You have to taste this one to believe it…it's yummy! 8 to 10 generous servings.
Dutch Pea Soup - this one I made using my Mother's recipe. My brothers, sisters and I loved this soup. Made with peas, and lentils with just the right amount of spices and herbs. Just add water to mix - meat is optional. This is a thick, stick to your ribs treat that will put a smile on your face. Makes 6 servings.
Cuban Black Bean - a true Cuban soup with the perfect amount of spices. This is not a spicy soup. Just add water for a great meal. You can also use this mix to make black bean dip by simply decreasing the amount of water. I top this soup with a dollop of sour cream and chives. Makes 6 servings.
Southwest Soup Mix - The zesty flavors of this southwest soup mix will make you think that you have taken a trip south of the border. Like all our soup mixes you simply add water a can of tomatoes. We like to add fresh or frozen corn to ours. This is our newest soup and I think you'll agree; this soup will be one of your favorites!
Cajuns' Revenge - yes it's hot! You take a swallow, wait a couple of seconds and then it hits you. This is for all those people who don't think anything is to hot for them to eat. My husband take this mix dry and sprinkles it on a chicken breast, then puts it on the grill…scrumptious!
Tarragon Dip Mix - A long ignored herb tarragon has a distinct flavor of its own that goes particularly well with chicken and fish. It can also be used as a marinade. I personally like it with chips.
Provence Cheese Mix - this mix is blending of all the herbs and spices specific to the Provence region of France and makes an extraordinary cheese mix. Wonderful on crackers or on a bagel for breakfast. For something really special I stuff mushroom capes with the cheese and put in the oven for 10 minutes. Also yummy stuffed in cherry tomatoes or celery.
Garlic Herb Butter Mix - this is the most versatile mix I have ever seen. A blend of an exact combination of garlic and herbs. It makes unbelievably fabulous garlic herb bread. But don't stop there. I use it in mashed potatoes and green beans. Or sprinkle it on corn on the cob. A friend sprinkles it dry on chicken before baking it. She claims it's the greatest. It also makes the best steak butter you have ever eaten.
Fiesta Dip Mix - this dip is fabulous with just chips, but it also great on tacos and/or taco salad. It also makes a wonderful salsa when mixed with 2 cups of fresh or canned diced tomatoes.
Dill-liteful Dip - the perfect dill dip! The perfect combination of dill, and other spices. I especially like to serve it with a combination of sweet bread and rye bread cubes. Also try it with grilled fish.
Creamy Herb Dip Mix - a precise combination of herbs and garlic make this an incredibly good dip. Try with fresh vegetables and as a salad dressing.
Sundried Tomato & Basil Dip Mix - Chunks of sun dried tomato with a dash of basil and other spices makes this a mild, tasty blend. This dip is great with vegetable-or mix with cream cheese and stuff celery or spread on bagels and/or crackers. You can also thin the dip with a little milk for a really, really good salad dressing.
Smokehouse Onion Dip Mix - Onions and natural hickory flavor combine to create this awesome flavor combination. This is great with chips. But don’t stop there…mix with ground beef for the best hamburgers you have ever eaten. Also makes a superb marinade for beef and pork when mixed with oil and a little vinegar.
Garden Patch Dip Mix - Spinach, carrots, celery and other veggies are wonderful together in this light and tasty mix…very tasty with raw vegetables, crackers or on bagels. Try it…you'll like it.
Parmesan Artichoke Dip Mix - Rich aged parmesan together with dried artichokes…What a combination! Serve hot or cold with pita bread or bagel chips. Simply fabulous!
Sweet Red Onion Dip Mix - This dip is a delight. Red onions are, by nature, sweet, and have a pleasant but lively flavor. We have taken this wonderful flavor and put it in a dip for you to enjoy. We like this with veggies and chips. But try it as a sandwich spread. We like it on hamburgers and club sandwiches.
Locations
Little Pleasures products are available exclusively at:
Local Harvest Grocery - St. Louis and Kirkwood
Yankee Tea Room - Osage Beach, Missouri
Wurst Haus - Hermann, Missouri
Swiss Meat & Sausage - Hermann, Missouri
Plantation Antiques - Brunswick, Missouri
Figuero's - St. Charles, Missouri
Main Street Gourmet - Washington, Missouri
Riverport Market - Glasgow, Missouri
Family Fresh Product - South St. Louis County, Missouri