Fab Foodie Mama

There is nothing that takes the chill out of those single digit temperature days and evenings like a nice hot bowl of soup.  Cream based soups bring that perfect level of comfort to any winter meal, but even broth soups with hearty ingredients hit the spot.  These two very different (and so easy!) recipes are a couple of my favorites: Hearty Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup:  8 servings 1 lb hot or sweet Italian Sausage (use turkey sausage for a lighter version).  Try to find a brand with less fennel seed - I found that too much fennel can overpower the dish 4 C Chicken Broth 2 - 14.5 oz cans Diced Tomatoes, seasoned with basil, garlic, oregano 1 C Uncooked Pasta (shells, elbows, bowties or other small shaped pasta) 4 C Baby Spinach leaves 4 T Grated Parmesan Cheese 4 T Chopped Fresh Basil Heat a large pot over medium heat.  Remove casings from sausage.  Add sausage to pan, break apart, crumble and cook for 15 minutes until browned.  Drain an...