Few things say Mardi Gras like a big bowl of gumbo. Gumbo is a traditional Louisiana dish consisting of a thick stew with meat and seafood served over rice. This version combines Andouille sausage and shrimp to create a gumbo that’s smokey-spicy with a Cajun kick. Serve over rice […]
Soups
Split Pea Soup
It’s hard to believe this blog is 5 years old and this is my first pea soup post. I love pea soup. Honestly, my hesitation in making this soup was the ham bone. I don’t typically make ham and I’m not the person who walks away from a party asking for […]
Everything Grilled Cheese And Roasted Tomato Soup
It’s that time people. Fires, comfy clothes, warm socks AND grilled cheese and tomato soup. This recipe combines shredded cheddar and havarti. But the difference maker and the ingredient that turns a grilled cheese sandwich up too many notches to count is…Trader Joe’s Everything But Bagel Sesame Seasoning!! Yep, spread butter, […]
A Simple Carrot Soup
This is the simplest of carrot soups. It has 5 ingredients….onions, carrots, curry paste, coconut milk and lime. Saute and puree. To finish be creative. I topped with a squeeze of lime, micro-greens, roasted chickpeas and a few dollops of chili oil. Enjoy a bowl of warm, cozy, healthy and […]
Creamy Piquillo Pepper and Chickpea Soup with Chicken
Five ingredients and about 10 minutes. Done. The secret to this delicious soup is the piquillo peppers. Sweet. Smoky. Incredibly versatile, piquillo peppers come exclusively from Northern Spain. Their long, triangular shape resembles a birds beak. (Piquillo means beak in Spanish.) Adding hummus to the soup creates a creamy velvety […]
Lentil Soup With Sweet Potatoes And Spinach
Lentils are small but mighty, often referred to as “the poor man’s meat.” A member of the legume family, they are an excellent source of cholesterol-lowering fiber (16 grams per cup). They are also beneficial in managing blood-sugar disorders. Lentils provide excellent amounts of seven important minerals, our B-vitamins and […]
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
You are going to love this simple, rustic chicken soup with its autumnal flavors. This soup is as easy as sauteing a few vegetables, adding chicken or turkey and then the star…wild rice. With its distinctive nutty, earthy flavor and chewy texture, the rice turns this soup into a rich hearty […]
Creamy Parsnip Soup
It’s the season of tubers and root vegetables. Parsnips, with their unique rustic flavor, tend to be an under appreciated vegetable. Combining this ivory-colored root veggie with celery, onion, and garlic creates a savory, creamy and slightly sweet soup. Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and phyto-nutrients, this soup delivers […]
White Chicken Chili
A Hearty White Chicken Chili with a spicy kick! You can never have too many chili recipes in your arsenal when the temps start to drop. This comforting one-pot meal cooks in under an hour and you have a chili that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. The […]
Sweet Corn Soup With Toasted Corn Guacamole
Make this soup! A simple, delicious, fresh corn soup with a touch of southwest flavors. The Avocado Salsa has the perfect mix of sweet and savory, with the poblano’s giving it a nice kick. This comfy soup has a creamy texture and is loaded with fiber, antioxidants and minerals. Thanks to Barb, […]
Artichoke Soup with Crispy Salami and Lemon-Parsley Quinoa
It’s artichoke season. As much as I love a braised artichoke, enjoying every leaf until I can get to that coveted heart….this soup is one more way to enjoy this healthy seasonal vegetable. Studies show that artichokes have more antioxidants than any other vegetable, aid in digestion, are great for liver health and […]
Potato Leek Soup
YEP….still making soup. Yep, it’s still winter. To us the perfect meal…healthy, hearty and easy!! Potato leek soup is naturally creamy with a velvety texture. This humble soup calls for only 4 ingredients plus a bit of half and half ….I opted out of the latter for a lighter version. Last […]
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Short of soaking in a warm bubble bath, not many things can warm you to the core like a great bowl of soup. This tortilla soup with its bold southwest flavors and spicy, smokey notes will no doubt do the trick. Make this bowl of comfort your own and garnish with […]
Thai-Style Grilled Corn Soup/ Spring Rolls And Dipping Sauce
This meal came from cleaning out the vegetable drawer after a busy weekend. Leftover grilled corn, miscellaneous farmstand vegetables and fresh herbs from the garden were all on hand. A quick run to Whole Foods to pick up the wraps and coconut milk……and a fresh, healthy dinner done. This meal […]
Asparagus and Ramp Soup
Ramps (or wild leeks) are wild onions that resemble scallions. This spring delicacy is usually compared to a combination of onions and garlic. Asparagus, with its grassy green flavors, and ramps make for an elegant, casual soup. The best part of this creamy soup is that no cream is used. […]
French Onion Soup
It’s chilly. No, actually it’s freezing. I think a bowl of hot soup is just what the Doctor ordered, especially when the soup is filled with onions that are high in flavonoids and Vitamin C…..a known immune system booster. This classic dish is rich, savory and comforting. Great for […]
Chicken Pot Pie
As I’m rolling out the dough, it’s snowing…..it’s perfect! I love winter. I love snow. That + this= comfort. This warm, hearty chicken stew loaded with vegetables and savory sauce makes the ultimate winter classic. A couple of years ago my Mom gave me the chicken pot pie she received as […]
Black Bean Soup With Guacamole And Chips
Are you looking for a low-fat black bean soup recipe that will warm you up in 30 minutes? Well, here it is! The ingredients below are typically in my pantry so this soup comes together quickly. This south of the border family favorite has a rich, creamy texture and delivers […]
Tomato Soup With Parmesan Crisps
What are your memories when you hear tomato soup? I think snow, brisk cold air, sitting in front of a roaring fire, skiing, sledding, ice skating, grilled cheese, family and other simple pleasures. Tomato soup makes me feel warm and fuzzy! Do yourself a favor….don’t open “the can.” Make this […]
Cioppino
(Update from 2012!) Cioppino is an Italian seafood stew. The base is brothy and light allowing the fresh seafood to really shine. It’s surprisingly easy to make and great for entertaining because you can make the flavorful broth ahead- then simply add the fish right before serving. Garnish with lemon and […]
Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower just doesn’t get the love. This cruciferous vegetable is full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and healthy fiber. While the health benefits are impressive, it’s just not the fan favorite. Try roasting these florets, add celery root and the result is sweet, nutty…. with a rich depth of flavor. I am confidant […]
Chicken Chili
Fall, football, chili and beer! Is there a better combination? I think not. The aroma of onions, garlic, and cumin filling the house makes game day something special. I have been making this version of the fall classic for years. The original recipe was made with *(ground turkey). I prefer […]
Butternut Squash Soup
Hello Fall! This is my favorite season….crisp air, bonfires, sweaters, football and fabulous autumn fare. (And a very welcome change from the summer to forget). I have vivid memories of my Mom baking halves of acorn squash filled with butter, salt and pepper and serving all eight of us this […]
Gazpacho
Chicago, like 80% of the country, is burning up. I’m starting to feel robbed as we are losing much of our summer to indoors and air-conditioning! In lieu of BBQ, we are eating lots of salads and cooler alternatives. I have never been a big fan of cold soups but […]