Soup is good any time of year, but never more so than on a cold winter’s day. If the forecast is correct, we should need something to warm us real soon. Don’t know as I’ve ever experienced a January like this one has been, but I’m a snow-lover and have been patiently waiting my turn. I look so forward to sitting down in front of the fireplace with a hot bowl of tomato soup and grilled cheese while watching the snow pile up outside my window! Call me crazy if you will, but that’s my idea of a perfect winter’s day.

Not only is soup satisfying, but most are filled with nutritious vegetables that will stick with you when nothing else will. We’re just one week before the “Big Game,” but you can enjoy a “soup-er” bowl before then by trying these easy recipes:

Vegetable Beef Soup

1 pound ground beef, browned
½ cup chopped onion
2 cups canned tomatoes
2 cups diced carrots
2 cups cubed potatoes
½ cup diced celery
2 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
¼ cup cooked rice
1 can beef broth
1 qt. water

IAdd all ingredients in large pot with prepared ground beef. Simmer for one hour.

Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup

6 Tbsp. butter
5 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
Dash of pepper
½ cup chopped ham
1 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
2 cups chicken broth
¾ t. salt
1 (10) oz. box frozen broccoli, thawed

Sauté butter and onion, blend in flour. Gradually add broth, milk, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth. Cook until thickened. Puree broccoli in blender, if desired. Add to mixture and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Homemade Tomato Soup

2 Tbsp. margarine
2 Tbsp. onion, chopped
3 Tbsp. flour
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/8 t. black pepper
Dash of each:
Garlic salt, basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary
2 cups tomato juice
2 cups cold milk

Melt margarine in large skillet; sauté onion. Blend in flour, sugar, salt and seasonings. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in tomato juice. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. Stir hot tomato mixture into cold milk. Heat, but do not boil.