Soul Soothing Soup fit for a Skinny Girl with Fat Genes

    I am so excited for the arrival of colder weather-by the way, love the Zac Brown Band song, Colder weather!.  To me the ushering in of cooler, northern air brings one thing to mind-SOUP!  A good bowl of soup can turn a blue day into a great day.  It can take me places and connect me with people I long for.  The versatility and imagination soup affords its consumers is unsurpassed.  When it is this cold, wet and miserable outside, the only thing that seems to sooth my soul is a good pot of soup.  So, here we go with another great, soul soothing, edible heirloom in a pot that is fit for a skinny girl.

    This recipe comes from my Aunt Ann.  She made this soup a lot when she was cooking for her daughters cafe in Texas.  She said it was a crowd favorite at the cafe, and once you try it, you will know why!

    When we can’t have sunshine and swimsuits:

You might as well put on your comfy pajamas, gather your family, and create some memories around a warm, soothing bowl of yummy soup!

    Here are the makings of a soup that will not let your down.

1.5 to 2 lbs. ground, mild Italian Sausage, (go ahead and use spicy if that better suits you)

2 cans diced tomatoes, (I used the ones flavored with garlic, basil and oregano)

2 teaspoons basil

64 oz. Organic Chicken Broth

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup orzo, (I used whole wheat orzo to keep the recipe clean)

Your ingredients:

    Italian Sausage is a style of pork sausage that is seasoned with many great flavors including fennel and anise.  It is mild and a little sweet, the perfect compliment to a soothing bowl of soup!  When you are browning the Italian Sausage, it really is like aroma therapy.  It smells a little sweet and very pleasant.

    After browning your meat, add all the other ingredients to your pot except the orzo and bring to a boil.   Turn down the heat, add the orzo, and simmer until the orzo is done-about 30 minutes.

    If you are not familiar with Orzo,  it is a rice shaped pasta that can be found in your local grocery store around other rice varieties.   As I said earlier, I used whole wheat Orzo, but if you cannot find whole wheat, regular is fine.  Below is what you will be looking for when finding orzo.

    As with many soups, this just gets better as it sits…kind of like people…most of us get better as we age, (or in food terms,  marinate)!!!!  This is great accompanied by whole wheat crackers, cornbread, or what ever satisfies your cravings.  You will have to look pretty hard to find an easier, budget friendly soup with so few ingredients.  This is a  blue ribbon winner!  The finished product:

    Do you not feel comforted just looking at that spoonful or luscious, silky, soothing and hearty soup?  The sausage is slightly sweet, the orzo is delicate and creamy, and the tomatoes balance it all out with just enough acidic sweetness.  The chicken broth adds the right hint of salt, satisfying your savory craving.  This is truly a treasure in a bowl.   You should gather your family around on one of these cold, winter nights and enjoy each others company while indulging in this delicious soup!  It will definitely be a memory maker!

Cesare Pavese, The Burning Brand

    Our five senses are such great memory ignitors.  Our sense of taste is no exception.  I can eat something that I may not of had for years, and it can instantly bring me back to a place of wonderful memories.  Likewise, it can put me in touch with people who I shared the same or similar meal with at different times throughout my life.  Food is not just about nurturing our bodies, but also our souls, hearts and minds.

    Let your kitchen be your culinary spa.  Pull out some old family favorites.  Put on something comfy, relax and enjoy the display of memories that will begin erupting as you prepare a dish that you shared with loved ones from times past.  Whether it was at a special event, at your grandmother’s table or in your childhood home,   preparing family recipes will be like a day at the spa–replenishing and rejuvenating to your soul!

    Until we meet again friends, please take some opportunities to stroll down memory lane with your family’s edible heirlooms.  It is well worth the walk!