Soup and Some Yummy Sweet Recipes for This Cold Day!

by | Jan 17, 2013

I know why some of us struggle with Winter weight gain….. it’s because when it is cold and yucky outside like it is here today (not snowing it is rain and snow mix and then ice and then more rain and it’s all cold) that comfort food desire comes out and I love to bake!  Mmmmmm!  I am going to make these first ones this weekend even though Bill will probably want to shoot me  (maybe a bad term right now with all of the gun talk – LOL) because he worked so hard to lose weight last Summer and is doing great at keeping it off but  he will love them!

Sopaipillas

 

Deep Fried Delights

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon shortening
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • Oil for deep-fat frying
  • Honey, optional
  • Confectioners’ sugar, optional

Directions

  • In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until a loose ball forms (dough will be crumbly).
  • On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 3 minutes or until smooth. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll out into a 12-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Cut into 12 squares with a knife or cut into 12 circles using a round biscuit cutter.
  • In a deep-fat fryer, heat 2 in. of oil to 375°. Fry sopaipillas for 1-2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels; keep warm. Serve with honey and/or dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Beef Barley Lentil Soup

 

Beef Barley Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cups cubed red potatoes (1/4-inch pieces)
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped carrot
  • 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup medium pearl barley
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
  • 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes

Directions

  • In a nonstick skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
  • Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Layer with the potatoes, celery, carrots, lentils and barley. Combine the water, bouillon, salt and lemon-pepper; pour over vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until vegetables and barley are tender.
  • Add the tomatoes; cook 2 hours longer. Yield: 10 servings.
 Cheesy Tortellini Soup
Cheesy Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini or tortellini of your choice
  • 3 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

  • In a Dutch oven, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add tortellini; cook for 7-9 minutes or until tender. Stir in the spinach, vinegar and pepper. Cook and stir until heated through and spinach is wilted. Sprinkle with cheese. Yield: 6 servings.

Cookie Dough Chocolate Brownies

 

Cookie Dough Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup baking cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
  • FILLING:
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • GLAZE:
  • 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon shortening
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa and salt; gradually beat into egg mixture. Stir in walnuts if desired.
  • Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until brownies test done. Cool completely.
  • For filling, in a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in milk and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour. Spread over the brownies; chill until firm.
  • For glaze, in a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Spread over filling. Immediately sprinkle with nuts, pressing down slightly. Let stand until set. Yield: 3 dozen.

Stay safe and warm and I hope at least one of these recipes hit the spot for you!

God Bless,

Janet Scott

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