About the Author

Meet Grant Bangerter, the creative mind behind the stories here on “Soupy Memoirs”. As a math teacher at an alternative high school, Grant uses real world activities and food to motivate reluctant students to do their work.

One thing he discovered along the way is the undeniable power of soup. Every Friday, the enticing aroma of homemade soup fills his classroom, acting as a savory incentive for students to conquer their end-of-the-week math quizzes.

Grant’s background in language arts shines through as he creates stories from his culinary creations, transforming each bowl of soup into a narrative masterpiece. You may notice that these memoirs are like folktales – legends based on bits of truth. While some of these elements are present in our author’s life, some are just part of the universe that the Soupy Memoirs exist in. After all, who doesn’t love a good story?

Beyond the classroom, Grant occasionally dons the hat of an online instructor, teaching an introductory writing course at the local college. In the summer months, Grant and his wife enjoy camping, thrifting and pedaling their matching trikes down to the pickle-ball court.

His talent for improvised cooking and knack for turning thoughts into captivating stories make “Soupy Memoirs” a delightful space where nostalgia, frugal ingredients, and creative cooking converge, offering a savory experience for both cooking enthusiasts and story lovers alike.

Becoming a “maker of soups”

People often ask Grant how he became a “maker of soups”.

Influenced by family who cooked with whatever they had on hand, Grant has always been a home cook who utilizes thrift and frugality. As a young adult when money was tight, he developed the habit of prioritizing ingredients according to their expiration dates and limiting food waste. Cooking shows like “Chopped” and “Iron Chef,” where chefs masterfully utilized secret ingredients, also ignited his creativity.

Grant started sharing his talents more widely when he began teaching an after-school cooking class and was regularly involved with after-school activities. These events resulted in a surplus of leftovers which led to soup, which led to making soup every Friday to motivate students to complete their math quizzes.

Why do the recipes make so much soup? Why do they usually take a week to make?

Every week, Grant transforms large quantities of leftover ingredients into gallons of soul-warming soup. This intentional approach not only minimizes food waste but also reflects Grant’s big-hearted commitment to fostering a sense of togetherness within the school community. Sharing these hearty soups extends beyond his math class, reaching other students and faculty throughout the school.

The recipes you find on this blog are authentic to Grant’s distinctive cooking method, documenting the original use case where large batches are crafted to nourish a communal gathering. While we occasionally share smaller quantity recipes, we encourage you to embrace the spirit of experimentation by adjusting the ratios to suit the needs of your own table. So, whether you’re preparing a feast for a crowd or an intimate family dinner, our recipes invite you to savor the joy and shared experience that come with the heartwarming aroma of homemade soups.

Soupy Memoir Values

• Delicious and nutritious meals can be crafted from simple pantry ingredients, even on a tight budget.
• Anyone can be a cook, and we celebrate the creativity and resourcefulness that come with using what you have on hand.
• Our kitchen philosophy centers on avoiding food waste and repurposing ingredients for good use.

• Memorable healthy meals are often made from scratch and shared with loved ones around the table.
• Good food is even better when shared with others, and our greatest joy is sharing our stories and food with you.
• We hope to inspire you to create home-cooked meals and create lasting memories around the dinner table with your loved ones.