3 Soups to Warm Your Heart ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

Today I'm sharing with you 3 of my favorite soup recipes.  Now is the time of year when I start adding soup to our weekly dinner menu.  I like to make a bit pot for Sunday dinner and then we can enjoy leftovers during the week.  Since I'm working from home I like knowing there is soup in the fridge I can heat up for a hot lunch.  Seriously, is there anything better than a bowl of soup on a cold day?  Here's three of my favorites.  

Since I've already written blog posts on all of these just click the link to take you to the recipe : ) 

♥ Pasta Fagioli Soup  (Rob's all time favorite) 

It starts with a base of garlic, onion, and pancetta.  It's easier to make than you think.  It comes together quick.  Add some warm, crusty bread to dip, and your heart (and belly) will be happy. 

♥ Butternut Squash & Apple Soup 

Don't let the apple scare you.  The apple isn't overbearing, it just adds a hint of sweetness.  Also hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of cayenne pepper make this soup one of my favorites. 

♥ Tuscan Veggie Soup 

Chopping the veggies is well worth the effort.  This is a hearty soup that is so good for you.  I add shreds of fresh parmesan that slowly melt into the goodness of the soup.  It's SO delicious! 

What are some of your favorite soups?  I would love to try some new recipes ♥

Well, that's it for today.  As I type this post it's pouring rain out and I'm grateful to be inside in my cozy cocoon today.  Do you have Halloween plans?  No trick or treating for us this year.  We plan on staying in and watching a scary movie (not sure which one yet...suggestions??).  Our dinner menu will be mummy dogs and our favorite turkey chili, with something sweet and spooky for dessert of course!

Have a nice day everyone! Thanks for stopping by today for a cup of soup. 

Stay safe and cozy! xx

Pasta Fagioli Soup

 

 

 

Hello! Did you know it's officially soup season?! Well, it is to me.  Ever since we've jumped into Fall I've been craving soup.  I've done apples and pumpkins, and now it's time to warm up a bit ♥

 

Making a  pot of soup is very comforting to me.  I love listening to it bubble as I putter around the house. This was my first attempt at pasta fagioli soup. My husband holds this soup to high standards because it's one of his favorites.  After 15 years of marriage (on Friday!) I finally took the plunge and gave it a try.  I got the recipe from one of my favorite blogs, shutterbean.com.  Tracy made it look very easy and you know what - it was!  I was amazed at how quickly this soup came together.  It's perfect for Fall.  Make two batches and freeze one for before trick or treating, or when you just need to warm up on a cool, crisp night. It's so delicious. 

(P.S my hubby loved it : )

 

Here's how to make it:

 

Recipe from Tracy at Shutterbean.com

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 oz. pancetta (or bacon), minced
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes (15oz canned)
a pinch red pepper flakes
salt & freshly ground pepper
4 cups (32 oz.) chicken or vegetable stock
1 15 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup dried pasta, medium shells or elbows
Parmesan cheese and parsley (for garnish)

In a soup pot over medium low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the pancetta or bacon, onion and garlic and saute slowly, stirring until onions are soft, about 10 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, red pepper flakes and salt & pepper to taste and simmer for 20 minutes. (*note: Tracy's recipe adds 1 tablespoon of chopped, fresh sage at this point.  I'm not a huge fan of sage so I left it out.*)

Add the beans and stock and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Add the pasta to the soup and simmer until the pasta is tender, 12-15 minutes.

Ladle the soup into individual bowls.

 Garnish with the cheese and parsley.  Enjoy!

I made a pot of this on Saturday and it's already gone! I'm going to make more tomorrow so we can have it all week. After a long day at work it's nice to know I have a hot bowl of soup to come home to ♥ It's comfort in a bowl ~

I'm excited because tonight I am starting to watch the series The Tudors.  It's all about the life and many wives of Henry VIII.  That period of history is so interesting to me and the series came highly recommend by a favorite podcast of mine, The History Chicks.  Have you heard of them? These ladies have awakened my love of history!   I am planning a future blog post all about my favorite podcasts (coming soon!) and The History Chicks will be at the top of my list. Anyway, I'm looking forward snuggling up on the couch and getting into a good series.  It's getting darker earlier now, so why not make the best of it.  Yet another reason I love the Fall!