Soup Up Your Winter

Frigid winter nights require something warm and filling for dinner.  What better comfort food than soup!  Homemade soup can be very easy to make, and usually doesn’t take much time.  You can save money by using less expensive cuts of meat, because they are going to tenderize as they cook.  They can be very nutritious–filled with lots of vegetables.  Soup can be a time saver also.  You can make a big batch and freeze some for future meals.

There are so many varieties of soup that it’s hard not to find one you like.  You need to start with a liquid of some sort.  Broth, bullion cubes, tomato juice, water from vegetable cooking, milk-any of these will do.  Then you usually need a protein item, and this could be meat, fish, milk or cheese, beans or lentils, or soy.  Next, pick out a filler, like vegetables, pasta, rice, lentils, barley or noodles.  Finally, add seasoning to taste, like herbs, spices, wine, and flavored vinegars.  Let the pot simmer for awhile, and voila!  Soup is on!  Add a crusty roll or grilled sandwich, and you are ready to sit down to a yummy meal.  Many soups taste better the second day, so make it the day before, and reheat it for lunch or dinner.

As always, keep food safety in mind when making soups.  Keep foods cold or hot.  Do not cross contaminate foods by using different cutting boards, and wash your hands often.  Finally, cool down your soup quickly by placing it in smaller containers or placing it in an ice bath.  It needs to get below 41 degrees F within four hours to be safe to eat again.  Here is a simple soup recipe to add to your file.  Give it a try tonight!

                                           Mom’s Quick and Easy Vegetable Soup

        1 (46 ounce) can tomato juice

1 bag of frozen vegetables

1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Heat thoroughly to 165 degrees F and eat.  You can add anything to this and jazz it up.  Meat, pasta, rice, potatoes, garlic, etc…   Your imagination is your only limitation.