by Kimberly Wolf

Created on: November 17, 2009

Trees have almost shed all of their leaves and there is a cool nip in the air which can mean only one thing; the cold short days of winter are upon us. Summer gave us the long warm days that filled our bellies with offerings from the grill and cool summer salads. While there are still some die-hard grilling fans still willing to brave the cold, a lot of us have turned our attention towards the warm hearty soups and stews that will warm us from the inside out and fight off that winter chill.

A great thing about these one pot meals is that there are so many varieties. From a thick and meaty chili to a flavorful chicken soup with veggies, there are plenty of options to keep our winter fare interesting. Some good recipes come from a book or online while others are classics that are meant to be passed down and shared. You may even be inspired to create your own family recipe.

When I think of the best soups that help ward off the cold, my thoughts usually gravitate towards thick stick to the ribs stews. Amongst my favorites are chili, beef stew, and ham and bean soup. They have their own distinct flavors yet accomplish the same goal of keeping us warm and satisfied. They also more often than not have my family spooning seconds into their bowls. Packed with protein, vegetables, and carbs, many of these stews are also nutritious as well as great tasting.

Another good thing about soups is that they never have to go to waste. After everyone has had their fill, pour the leftovers into freezer friendly containers to enjoy at a later date without the work. A hearty winter soup is a great meal that is simple and quick and will get your little one fueled up and warm for their adventure in the snow. You can also take a thermos full of your own winter favorite with you to enjoy at work.

Highly versatile with many varieties, a good winter soup is an excellent way to take the chill out of your winter dining experience. Below is a simple recipe that my family looks forward to every winter. Enjoy!

HEARTY BEEF STEW

Ingredients:

1 pound baby carrots

4 diced potatoes

1 package stew meat

4-5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon dried minced onion

salt and pepper to taste

3 bay leaves

1 tsp rosemary

1 tsp oregano

4 cups water

3 beef bullion cubes

1 tsp celery salt

3 tablespoons cornstarch or flour

Slow cooker:

Brown meat in pan. In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Let cook for 8 to 10 hours on low heat until potatoes and carrots can be cut with a fork and the broth is thick. Serve with hot biscuits.

Stovetop:

Brown meat in pan. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Cook on medium heat for three hours until vegetables are tender and broth is thick.

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