Pumpkin & Black Bean Soup

September 24, 2014 Amanda Plott

I'm putting pumpkin in everything while I can since it's 'seasonable' for the next couple of months. I love fall for many reasons, but pumpkin has to be pretty close to the top of the list! In my opinion, there just isn't too much that you can't put pumpkin in; drinks, desserts, entrees... You name it, and I've probably already thought of a way to put pumpkin in it, if I haven't already put pumpkin in it before - that is!

This pumpkin soup is pretty great. I'd compare the consistency of it to a creamy tomato soup. In fact, it's color and texture are pretty much the same too but a lot more soft and calm with it's flavors since tomato soup has the zing of acidity....

Pesto & Chicken Tortellini Soup

April 24, 2014 Amanda Plott

A while back I made this Tortellini en Brodo soup, which is not only one of my favorites, but also a favorite of my mothers. I could seriously eat that soup at least once a week for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. Yes. It's that good.

With spring in full swing and with fresh basil and pesto all around... I wanted to use the same basic idea from my Tortellini en Brodo in a more spring/summer friendly version of the soup...

Black-Eyed Pea Gumbo

January 2, 2014 Amanda Plott

Every year when I was growing up, my mother force fed us black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. What can I say? We're southern and it's a tradition thing. It's supposed to bring you good luck for the upcoming year. But, what eating 'dirt peas' has anything to do with a new year or good luck... escapes me entirely.

The peas were often straight from a can and without any seasoning of any kind. Usually served on the side of some sort of ham. While my mother enjoyed the out dated and rather odd tradition... the rest of us could barely stomach the one spoonful a year which we struggled down just to put a smile on my mom's pretty face. Love you, mom!

Crock Pot Guinness French Onion Soup & Irish Cheddar Crouton

December 28, 2013 Amanda Plott

I spent the day revising this recipe after I had some similar comments regarding the amount of vinegar and beer being too harsh for some. I think everyone will enjoy the new final copy even more than the previous one!

I've kept the same basic recipe with a few minor adjustments and fine-tuning... since I don't want anyone to be displeased with anything they try here (within reason of course.)

Hello, gorgeous... mmm... melted irish cheddar...

Tortellini En Brodo (Broth)

December 18, 2013 Amanda Plott

I'm honestly... exhausted today as I write this. My little girl was up the most of the night with a cough. I tried everything I knew to do and nothing seemed to soothe or calm it. Finally, sometime in the wee hours of the morning I grabbed her up and brought her in bed to cuddle up with me.

After a good hour of wiggling and squirming she finally settled in and we managed to get 2-3 hours of sleep before the sun peeked in. Amazing how the cough went away once she was snuggled into me. Sometimes you just need your mommy...

Skinny Beer, Bacon & Jalapeño Mac-N-Cheese Soup

October 8, 2013 Amanda Plott

This is the perfect soup to serve up for your next game day spread. Plus, it's so easy to customize!

Want to make it more kid friendly?
Swap the beer for more broth and leave out the jalapeño!

Looking for something with more of a kick?
Add in a pinch of cayenne, leave the seeds in the jalapeño, and a drizzle of hot sauce - I like Frank's!...