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!

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...

Crock Pot Green Chile Chicken & Avocado Soup

October 1, 2013 Amanda Plott

This soup is based on my Healthifed Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, which has been a favorite among my family for a few years now.

The idea for this soup originally sprang into my mind in the midst of the 'Hatch Green Chile' festival that takes place sometime in mid-August. I wanted a 'white' version of the soup that consisted of more of a clear broth base, green chilies, and chicken...

Skinny Chicken & Pumpkin Gnocchi Soup

September 20, 2013 Amanda Plott

It is raining here! Thank you Fall!

Nothing could have hit the spot better at lunch time than a nice warm bowl of one of my all time favorite soups. It's a take-out fake-out sort of day...

I think the very first time I had gnocchi soup was at The Olive Garden. To make this soup I basically used a copy-cat recipe for the infamous one served up at the italian chain...