Fall is fast approaching us and it’s time to light a fire, put on a sweater, cuddle with either your special person or a warm comfy blanket and eat some hearty food. But eating hearty food does not mean it needs to be full of fattening calories. It can and should be healthy, organic and good for you.

There are so many satisfying meals to create during these chilly nights without making you feel guilty afterwards or feeling weighed down.

I always chose a delicious homemade soup. I grew up eating soup all the time. My mom would make a soup even in the summer because we all loved the way it tasted and it was quick, healthy and nutritious.

My dad grew vegetables in the garden, not too many, but enough for what we all enjoyed. He actually grew the best tomatoes ever! They were so red, you would think they were injected with some red dye! We would pick the vegetables daily and prepare delicious meals with them.

My mom made the best soups ever! Her tomato (my daughters favorite), chicken and beef vegetable were my favorite. She used the fresh tomatoes from the garden that made these soups so delicious that  you always wanted seconds.

She would use the fresh grown parsley that was so fragrant in the soups, fresh peppers, garlic and then she would use the smallest pasta ever. Such a beautiful presentation. At times, we would make a matza ball soup, so delicious and so filling!

I also make only fresh soups, nothing ever out of a can, box of pouch. No way!. With all of the fresh produce available why would I even consider such a thought? Soup is so quick and easy to prepare, usually 30 minutes and you are ready to eat.

So next time you are feeling chilly, cut up some fresh vegetables, and make a delicious soup!

Try my chicken vegetable soup, always a crowd favorite. Enjoy!

Chicken Vegetable Soup