I Don't Even Know How Cold That Is

Here in the Midwest, we are being told to brace for some of the coldest temps we've experienced in years; and for some of us the coldest in our life time. And as my grandma used to say, it's not so much the temperature, it's the WIND.

Yes, that's right, while the high temps for the day aren't supposed to reach 0 for about 36 hours, you add in that dreaded windchill, and it's going to feel like it's -40 outside. Brrrrrr! I think at some point your body doesn't even know how cold that is, but it knows it does NOT like it!

We are already being warned of the dangers, and I can foresee the school delays/closings coming in now. But let's face it, for most of us, no matter how cold it is our life keeps going. As much as we would like to curl up under a blanket, grab a cup of cocoa and stay inside, 90% of the time being an adult means that doesn't happen. Not even for me. Yes, I could stay inside with Max, but if Alex has school, that means the mommy bus has to do pickup, so off we go.

There isn't much I can do to soothe pain of that cold when all of us get to come home, but I can make sure supper is warm and ready to thaw us out while it fills us up. Soup, anyone?

I have so many bean soup recipes, and they never get old. They are some of the heartiest, warm you to the core, dinners I can make this time of year; and this one is no exception

One of the ingredients might make you say "what" so be sure to read the note as to why I used it, and the alternative you can.

If you are preparing for the deep freeze like we are, run to the grocery store before it hits so you can have all the ingredients for this delicious meal on hand!

Tuscan Bean Soup

1 (2.5) oz package real bacon bits

2 TBS vegetable oil

1 medium white onion, diced

2 large carrots, diced

3 stalks celery, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. dried red pepper

6 c. chicken broth

2 (14.5 oz.) cans great northern beans, DO NOT drain

1 dried bay leaf

1/2 c. heavy cream

1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1 TBS corn starch

2 TBS water

1/2 TBS dried parsley

Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large stock pot over medium high heat, cook bacon bits until they start to crisp and give off some flavor, about 5 minutes. Remove and save. Add onions, carrots and celery. Saute for a few minutes. Add garlic, red pepper, and continue cooking, stirring often, until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add chicken broth, beans with their liquid, and bay leaf. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Turn off heat. Using a potato masher, smash some of the beans to add thickness. In a small bowl, combine corn starch and water. Add corn starch mixture, cream and cheese to soup. Stir well. Turn heat back to high. Once it starts to boil again, reduce heat back to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened. Add bacon and parsley and serve. *NOTE* I used bacon bit because I had them on hand. If you want to use bacon, about 6 strips. Dice, saute and continue. You don't want to drain the beans because their liquid will help thicken the soup. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Recipe Inspired From No Spoon Necessary