Special Deliveries from the Heart (just a gentle story and a smile)

MOMS CHICKEN SOUP

My 25 year old soup pot is special to me.  I use it to make all of my soups and stews.  It has been used, washed and scrubbed hundreds of times.  When I bring it out, I never fail to think of the meals I've made for my family and friends in my special pot. This week was no different.  With 2 family households having someone recovering from a recent surgery and another family member battling a winter cold, I thought it was a good time for a large pot of homemade chicken soup to share.  I only use my Mom's recipe and every time my soup slow cooks on the stove all afternoon, it reminds me of how our home smelled when I was growing up when Mom would make her chicken soup.  While my soup cooked on this particular day, I made hot biscuits and chocolate chip cookies as a special treat to go with my soup deliveries. When everything was done, I packaged the soup in containers, bagged them with the biscuits and cookies and away I went to make my deliveries.  My heart was full knowing my moms soup and I were able to bring some joy and comfort to many I love and care about.

Is there a special recipe you make that has been passed down to you?  

Stay well and have a ;good weekend.

The Magic of Soup

There is something magical about a pot of soup on the stovetop all day. It's the simplicity of the process that soothes the soul. Homemade soup can change your day There is nothing fancy about the making of soup.This soup pot of mine is over 20 years old and one of my favorite kitchen items. I take it to our lake home when the whole family is together to create my stews, chilis, and soups and back home again. There have been a lot of meals served with love that have come out of this pot and it serves a purpose.  No recipes needed, just cook fro the heart. Fill your favorite pot with chicken or beef broth, slice fresh carrots, onions, green beans, celery, zucchini, and egg noodles to simmer for a couple of hours for vegetable soup. For chicken soup, chicken broth, sliced carrots, onions and celery, salt and pepper, cooked diced chicken and add egg noodles 15 minutes before it's done.  Cook on stovetop a couple of hours on low-medium.  

There is a chill in the air and soup will create a warmth in your home that will nurture your spirit.  

SOUP TUESDAY - DO YOU HAVE A VITAMIX?

VITAMIX TOMATO SOUP

I have had my eye on the VitaMix Professional Series 200 for over a year and I finally took the plunge and purchased it recently.  It is on the pricey side I admit , however, if you like to cook like I do and are committed to fresh foods, this is an item to put at the top of your Christmas list!  It can be used for smoothies, dips, hummus, salsas, grinding your own flour or coffee beans and fresh soups.  One of the fastest and easiest meals and an absolute favorite at our lakehome particularly in the winter months is the Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Combo.  Here's a simple recipe for your Vitamix for fresh Tomato Soup.  I made it yesterday and it is now a front runner in my weekly meal rotation!  It's a great lunch item or a weekend simple supper. The beauty of the Vitamix is the steel blades turn with such power when pureeing your soup, it actually heats the soup after 4-5 minutes.  It's done when you see the steam come out of the top!  Blends and cooks at once!  Easy clean up too.  Drop dishwashing detergent and a cup of water in your Vitamix,  put top on and turn on until its clean, rinse and you are ready for next time!

Ingredients: (this is for single serving so modify for your needs)
1 box of POMI strained tomatoes (see note on bottom)
1 or 1 1/2 roasted red pepper from jar
Dash of heavy cream
Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano and Dried Basil to taste

Try a spoonful of plain yogurt on top when serving!  Delicious!

*I did try fresh tomatoes that I washed and quartered with this recipe too and I loved the taste just as much!


** Pomi strained tomatoes can be purchased on Amazon.com for $8.69 per carton or Soap.com for $6.25 for a 2 pack.  By the way, if you aren't familiar with Soap.com check it out for great deals from household items, groceries, school supplies, makeup, diet and fitness....ALL DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME!

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