Lidna's final Fall Into Flavor

This soup is a fall and winter staple in our menu. There are a number of variations possible. In the day when we often had unannounced guests arriving, it was also something that could be stocked in the cupboard and fixed at a moment's notice. With a loaf of fresh bread (That's what teenagers are for - - send them to the store for the bread!), it's a meal in a minute, okay, actually about 30 minutes. Twenty if you work really efficiently.

Tortellini Soup

1 can chicken stock
1 large V-8 Juice (Or just tomato juice if you prefer)

1 box cheese tortellini
1 small onion, peeled, diced
2 carrots, peeled, diced
2 stalks celery, remove strings, diced
1 bell pepper, remove seeds, diced
1/2 stick butter (optional)
Cooked diced chicken (optional)
(Double or triple for large crowds. Guaranteed crowd pleaser)

Rippin' Hurry version
Toss all the vegetables in a pan, add the broth and V-8 juice, on high heat, bring to a boil. Lower heat and add tortellini. Cook until tender. About 20 minutes (Less if you use fresh tortellini)

If you have time for a bit fuller flavor:
Lightly saute the diced vegetables in the butter (or us a little olive oil). Cook only until onion turns translucent. Do not overcook. Add V-8 juice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, add tortellini. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until tortellini is tender.
Add cooked diced chicken during last 5 minutes

For a heartier version: Omit the chicken broth. Add one can of diced tomatoes.
For a lighter version: Omit the V-8 juice. Increase the chicken broth.
For a more gourmet version: use the fresh tortellini from the refrigerator case rather than the boxed one.

Great for emergencies. Keep a box of tortellini, a jar of V-8 juice and a can of chicken soup in the pantry. They'll think you're a miracle worker.

Today I'm Thankful for The Joy of the Lord. I will rejoice in the Lord, no matter. It is that which gives us Strength to draw from the Wells of Salvation.