Chicken Tortilla Soup – Some Like it Hot!

There is a crispness in the air, trees are beginning to display their autumn splendor, and days are getting coolers. This time of year, there is nothing more satisfying than a soothing bowl of warm soup. For me, the weather isn’t cold enough for a heavy soup. I much prefer serving Chicken Tortilla Soup during…

A Super Food Soup for Supper

Are you trying to eat more vegetables but are tired of your same-ole, same-ole cauliflower recipes. Try my Cream of Cauliflower Soup. It is delicious. Cauliflower can be found in white, purple, orange, and green colors. The colored varieties began popping up in farmers’ markets and supermarkets about ten years ago. These varieties were not…

White Bean Chili with Chicken

I find the history of chili, which is the official state food of Texas, quite fascinating. From the late 1860s to the 1930s, Hispanic women, called Chili Queens, made a fiery stew of beef and chiles in their home kitchens, transported it to various plazas in San Antonio, and sold the chili, corn tortillas, and…

Ribollita – The Perfect Cold Weather Soup

While visiting Tuscany several years ago, I noticed “ribollita” appeared on the menus of every restaurant we visited. In getting help with translation, we learned this dish is also called minestra di pane (bread soup) or zuppa di magro (bean soup). I had never heard of “ribollita” before this trip. Curious, I had to order…

Spiny Lobsters versus Maine Lobsters

There has been quite a hullabaloo lately regarding Maine lobsters. A legal dispute between environmental activists and the federal government has caused the Marine Stewardship Council to withdraw its sustainability rating for Maine lobsters, which, in turn, caused Whole Foods not to stock Maine lobsters until the rating is restored.There are two varieties of lobster…

Salmon Bisque

Are you a crab bisque lover? This year the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced the Bering Sea snow crab season will remain closed for 2022-23.  Alaska’s fisheries produce 60 percent of the seafood sold in the U. S. With a decrease in supply, crab prices might go through the roof. Crab might become…

Portuguese Style Vegetable Soup

Portuguese bean soup is a traditional dish of Portugal made with kidney beans, Portuguese sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, and garlic. Vegetables like onions, carrots, cabbage, and peas are often added to make the soup fuller and richer. Besides Portuguese sausage, pork, beef, ham hocks, seafood, and poultry can be used in its preparation. This soup is…