Friday, February 1, 2013

The Simple Things


Brrrrr!!!  Today would have been a good day to stay in bed!!  We woke up to a fast moving snow squall this morning, and we have had wind and cold that have stayed with us all day long.
~Snowman-Lucas~
The dogs of course were un-phased by it all. And they loved being outside, taking a moment or two to roll in the little bit of fresh fallen snow.
~Lucas~
~Sheba~
 Inside it was time to try a new soup recipe for lunch; beef-pasta-florentine.  To me there’s something so comforting about hot soup and fresh, warm bread on days like today.
I think the simplest things can bring the most comfort on a cold, blustery winter day, don't you?

For those of you who love a good hearty soup, here is the recipe for the soup I made today.  The recipe calls for heavy cream, and I realize that some of you may not like to use it.  But my suggestion is to not think about the fat and calorie count and just drizzle a little over the top of your soup. Don’t forgot to enjoy it with warm bread.

Beef Florentine Pasta Soup with Basil and Cream

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 lb cubed beef stew meat
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
5 Cups beef broth
14 oz can Italian diced tomatoes, with basil and garlic
½ lb dry Campanelle pasta
4 Cups fresh baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
½ Cup heavy cream
½ Cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
½ Cup fresh basil leaves, cut into long, thin strips
Place olive oil into a large dutch oven over medium heat. Saute onion and carrots for 5-7 minutes or until slightly softened. Stir in stew meat, salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in fresh garlic for 1 minute then stir in broth and tomatoes. Increase heat to medium high until soup comes to a light boil. Pour in pasta, reduce heat to medium and cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Reduce heat to low and stir in spinach leaves. Let simmer for 20-30 minutes. Serve each bowl of soup with a drizzle of heavy cream, a spoonful of parmesan cheese and basil ribbons



47 comments:

  1. Your soup looks delicious!!! Thick and meaty and veggie and pasta-ish... Oh YUM.

    Our dogs go crazy when it snows. I see your pups also admire this weather... LOL

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  2. Dogs rolling in snow - cleaner dogs!
    Looks like they're having fun!

    Hey, that soup looks good, wish you lived closer. ;-)

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  3. That soup looks great.
    I just love watching dogs rolling around and playing in the snow :0)

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  4. Please post your soup recipe. It looks delicious!

    LOVE that shopt of the Toddster!

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  5. Beautiful photos, and I really think you are going to have to post the recipe for that soup.

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  6. Them guys rolling around in the snow made us cold, now that soup would hit the spot, got a copy.

    Your Pals
    Sus & bites

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  7. Simple things - like watching your dogs frolic in the snow - can make your day!

    Todd's eyes are beautiful. I love the snowman photo!

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  8. Evening Kim, oh I adore that Lucas covered in snow, what a cute picture.......Simple is best, that soup looks so comforting on a winter day......Still so cold here, Blessings Francine.

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  9. Thank you for the recipe, Kim. This is one that I'm definitely going to try. Thank you for the Happy Heart Pictures... when people see them they just *have* to have a happy heart when they're finished. :-)

    --Andrea
    XOXOXO

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  10. Yummy recipe. I'm sure the injured player loved it. Too bad he isn't able to help you with the snow but I hope he is healing well.

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  11. Soup looks and sounds YUMMY ! Lovely photos of pooches in snow . Miggy does the same thing when it snows ! Have a good weekend !

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  12. I stopped earlier, saw that yummy looking bowl of soup and went to Google to look for it. I found the exact one too. Thats what I love about the 'net! Now that you have put up the recipe, I wonder if you use fresh basil or the dried herb. I didn't plant any this summer, so I don't even have any pesto in the freezer which I bet would be fine in this zoupa!

    Cheers and hugs,

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  13. MMMMM oh my that soup looks incredible and Lucas my man, way to make my golden day....love those photos......

    Bert

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  14. Will cut and paste that one. SHE loves soup. Made a wonderful Tuscan White Bean soup the other day.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

    Hope the Groundhog predicts and early end to winter....thought if you can enjoy more soup, then 6 weeks more might not be too bad.

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  15. Amen. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Stay warm! *hugs* ♥

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  16. Definitely going to try this recipe!! I love the pics of Lucas and Sheba! xo Jeanne

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  17. This looks good and the warm bread... sounds wonderful! I just love the snowy dogs :-)

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  18. Every spec of this pat I want to be in!!!! Snow, soup, doggies!!!!! Heaven!! How's mr's post op going?

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  19. Snowman Lucas is right! Dogs and snow are a happy, happy mix - just what is needed to lighten everyone's spirits!

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  20. I wish we could come over
    love
    tweedles

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  21. Todd is clearly trying to tell you something. Probably along the lines of Beef Pasta Florentine is just what's needed on a cold day !

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  22. Hi Kim. The soup looks delicious. I would not mind a bowl. I am going to take advantage of the recipe and try making some. My husband loves soup. So thank you for sharing.
    Lucas and Sheeba seem to be having a ball in the snow. And lets not forget Todd. Too cute. TFS ana

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  23. Yesterday was definitely a blustery day! Woke up to snow, then watched it blow around in the gale winds for the rest of the day. Days like this are perfect for something simmered in a pot for dinner ... accompanied by fresh bread, of course.

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  24. I agree! Soup and bread are comfort foods for me - if it is extremely rainy or chilly out I can't think of a better meal.

    Sam

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  25. Kim, that soup looks and sounds so good!! And I have all of the ingredients except for the cream - might have to make a grocery store run!! I will have to use quinoa pasta though because I am on a gluten free diet - otherwise I'm good to go!!

    Thanks for sharing!!

    xo
    Lynn

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  26. Chilly here today, Kim...baked mac & cheese is ready for lunchtime consumption! Moon loves to eat snow...Copper, no way!...:)JP

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  27. The dogs look gorgeous in the snow. Great hearty sopu.

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  28. Hi Kim and gang, I thought Hunter was the only dog who loved to roll in the snow and rub his ears/head in it. Dogs find joy in the simplest things.
    Hope you are able to stay inside and stay warm this weekend. I'm staying in because I'm still dealing with the sinus thing but it is so beautiful outside.
    Have a great day!
    Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

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  29. LOL!
    i agree with angus ~ only the intent look is on both of their faces ~ todd AND lucas!
    and sheba ... well sheba's always laughing. all are beautiful!
    the good soup smell trumps the snow.
    wonderful pictures ~ as always!!!

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  30. This made me miss my Princess, she would dive into the snow head first and roll and roll around in it. I love to see Lucas having such a great life with you.

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  31. Looks like lots of fun. We sure would like some snow to play in but it doesn't look like this winter will be a snowy one for us.
    Morgan, Sebastian, the Porties, Syd and Mac

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  32. The dogs roll in the snow like my grandchildren lay in the snow making snow angels.. Sweet. Maybe that is what they are trying to do.. Ha Ha...
    Your soup looks delish...I made soup today and it tasted so good.. I made some baked apples to go with our soup...It's ALL good on a cold winter day...
    Have a great week-end and stay warm. ta ta for now from Iowa:)

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  33. We love the smell of bread rising and baking, served with warm soup I bet you had the dogs slobbering.
    Stay warm!
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

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  34. Lovely to see the dogs enjoying the snow.

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  35. Sounds yummy. Love the picture of snowman Lucas!

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  36. Hi Kim!

    What a great soup! You made it sound so good that I made it today! Mine turned out to be a bit of a surprise as I accidentally added a batch of my roasted tomatoes that also contained zucchini. Whoops! Quite delicious nonetheless.

    Best,

    Carolyn

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  37. That sounds so good...hmmm I might have to make a pot of it for ourselves.

    The dogs look so happy outside.

    Jen

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  38. Love the pictures of the dogs. I can't believe they roll around in the snow!

    Recipe sounds yummy! I may just give that a try this week. :-) Have a great one Kim!

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  39. Wish we lived close...we'd be over for soup and a roll in the snow!

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  40. Snow squalls bring out the best in one and another I believe...soups, laughter and warmth! Friday we will be getting dumped on again...whoohoo!

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  41. Yum. Lucus you crack us up!

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  42. Oh that stew looks very delish! And the pups look cold! Haha!
    Hope you are staying warm my friend.
    xo Catherine

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  43. No snow or dogs here at our home, so nice to see both here. We so enjoy soups for dinner and thanks for posting this recipe and the photo. We are trying to hold off on bread, but maybe one piece of Grenville's fresh baked would be OK.

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  44. Oh my gosh - that sounds sooooo good. I was going to ask for the recipe and then there it was. thank you! I, and especially my daughter too, love to make soup.

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!