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In northern regions of the world, winters can be brutally cold. Nothing is more soothing and comforting after coming in from the wicked cold than a hot bowl of home made soup. Winter soups are meant to warm the body and the soul. There are many soups that can fill that need, but those that do so better than just about anything else are heavier soups that are really meant to be eaten as winter soups.

Here is a look at some of those wonderful soups that are really simple to make.

WINTER BEAN SOUP

Consider a making a bean soup. You can purchase packages of mixed beans for soup at most grocery stores.

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need.

*Package of mixed soup beans
*1 to 3 cans of diced Italian style tomatoes (You can use other style tomatoes if you prefer.)
*4 - 5 finely diced carrots
*3 - 4 sprigs of finely diced celery
*2 - 3 finely diced onions
*2 ham hocks or beef soup bones

Before doing anything, soak the beans over night. Then rinse them thoroughly, sorting out any imperfect beans or dirt and debris that may have risen to the top of the water.

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, saute the onions in a small amount of olive oil. Cook until they are translucent.

Add the celery and continue to cook. Then add the carrots.

Add the beans and then add the canned tomatoes and the ham hocks or soup bones. The bones are essential to the flavor of the soup.

Add water to fill the pot. Cook on high until the soup starts to boil. Don't let it boil over.

Once the pot starts to boil, turn the heat down to a low simmer and allow to cook until the beans fully cooked and the meat has flavored the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the beans are fully cooked,turn the heat off under the soup, remove the ham hocks or soup bones and allow them to cool enough that you can easily cut the meat off the bones. Put the meat back into the soup pot and allow the soup to simmer until it is completely hot.

When ready to serve, grate Parmesan cheese over each bowl and serve with a hot crusty whole grain bread. This makes a great dinner when you are rushed, and it's equally nice for a lunch.

LEEK AND POTATO SOUP

Another great warming soup is the old classic leek and potato soup.

You will need the following ingredients -

*Leeks - either 5 to 6 small ones or 3 very large ones.
*Potatoes - 3 - 4 medium to large potatoes, peeled (if you want,) and cut into moderate sized chunks.
*Chicken broth - 3 one quart cartons of chicken broth (avoid

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