If you couldn’t make it to the 2025 Empty Bowls Gala, you were missed—but the spirit of the evening is too good not to share. This year’s celebration of the Rotterdam Community Center and its Bread of Life Food Pantry was nothing short of SOUPer-califragilisticexpialidocious. More than 20 soups—crafted by generous local chefs, restaurants, and home cooks—filled the room with aromas as heartwarming as the mission they supported. It was a night overflowing with community pride, neighborly love, and bowls brimming with comfort.

And while nothing replaces being together, we’re thrilled to bring you a taste of the magic. Today, we spotlight a beloved recipe from Member-Owner Linda Knipper (MO#883)—a steadfast advocate for food justice and a long-time champion of the RCC. Linda’s Cheeseburger Soup was a hit at the Gala, not only because it’s impossibly cozy and velvety-rich (just ask Board Members Adine Viscusi and Eric Johnson!) but because it reflects Linda’s generous spirit. As you’ll see from her well-loved recipe card, this dish has been warming hearts for years.

In Linda’s own words: “Hopefully you can read this recipe—and yes, of course it’s really old! I got this when Central Market—now Price Chopper Market 32—used to host cooking classes, so it’s a favorite.”

Thanks to Linda, you can still savor a taste of that souper evening at home (and don’t worry—we’ve typed out an easy-to-read version below). Even better? It’s never too late to support the community that makes nights like the Empty Bowls Gala possible. Join RCC’s End of Year Campaign and become a Sustaining Member today by making a monthly gift of any amount at bit.ly/buildrcc

Hearty Cheeseburger Soup

Shared by Linda Knipper, with credits to Central Market Samples & Sales
Have fun (maybe even a Field Day) with the brand-placements, and make any replacements as needed ;)  

Ingredients

• 1lb. PRICE CHOPPER Certified Angus Ground Beef

• 1 medium Onion, chopped

• 1 stalk Celery, chopped

• 2 cloves Garlic, minced

• 2 Tablespoons PRICE CHOPPER All Purpose Flour

• 2 cans (14 oz. each) PRICE CHOPPER Beef Broth

• 2 medium Potatoes, scrubbed and coarsely chopped

• 1 can (14½ oz.) HUNTS Diced Tomatoes, drained

• 2 cups PRICE CHOPPER Shredded Cheddar and American Cheese Blend

• 1 can (6 oz.) HUNTS Tomato Paste

• ¼ cup HEINZ Ketchup

• 2 Tablespoons GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard

• 1 cup PRICE CHOPPER Whole Milk

• ARNOLD Home Bakery French Bread, toasted

Instructions

• In a 4 quart Dutch oven cook PRICE CHOPPER Certified Angus Ground Beef, Onion, Celery and Garlic over Medium heat until Meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain off fat.

• Sprinkle PRICE CHOPPER All Purpose Flour on Beef mixture; cook and stir 2 minutes.

• Stir in PRICE CHOPPER Beef Broth and chopped Potatoes. Bring to a boil, stir occasionally. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered for 10 minutes, or until Potatoes are tender.

• Stir in HUNTS Tomatoes, PRICE CHOPPER Cheddar Cheese, HUNTS Tomato Paste, HEINZ Ketchup and GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard.

• Cook and stir until Cheese is melted and smooth, and soup comes to a gentle boil.

• Stir in PRICE CHOPPER Milk; heat through.

• Serve with toasted ARNOLD Home Bakery French Bread.

Enjoy! With each spoonful, you can appreciate how we're building nourishment, belonging, and community—one bowl at a time.