Requested winter recipes

I am so lucky to participate in a dinner group right now! I have so much time and I'm so much happier that I don't have to stress about meal planning for the whole week --- it's definitely added back a little bit of joy to my life. To only have to worry about 1 big meal a week and grocery shop for that ONE dinner and other incidentals/necessities for breakfast and lunch.. it's just awesome. We exchange meals twice a week and you are in charge of cooking for 10-12 people one night a week. Since it's winter, I've chosen some of my comfort recipes, all recipes which I cannot claim as my own unfortunately. Ward cookbooks (from FAMILY wards) are AWESOME! These are tried and true recipes for busy families and families on a budget. MMM mmmm mmmm....

I should note that before I ever made these soup recipes, he thought he didn't like soups. But these are pretty hearty soup recipes and Danny (and other men) have told me they LOVE them. So if your husband is not the soup and salad kind of guy, give these a whirl.

I'd love to hear if you try any and what you think. Just leave a comment! :)


Ravioli Soup
(6-8 servings)

3 c. Water
3 cubes Beef Bouillon
4 cans (I think 14.5 oz or whatever those medium sized are) Italian Style Stewed (or diced - I like diced) Tomatoes NOT DRAINED
2-3 (I use 3 for extra servings of veggies) Green Beans, drained
1 roll of Italian style sausage (or regular browned with onion and garlic)
1-2 packages Ravioli or Tortellini (can be frozen)
Italian Seasonings (if you don't use Italian style tomatoes and sausage)


Cook everything but the ravioli for 30 minutes bringing to a boil. Then add the Ravioli/Tortellini on a medium to low heat for 20-30 minutes (Hint: if you can use fresh stuff, don't cook it as long because otherwise it will be mushy). Top with some parmesan cheese and serve with garlic or french bread. Hearty italian soup!


Potato Cheese Soup
(very close to Marie Callendar's recipe)
(at least 8 servings)

3 c. (24 oz.) Chicken Broth
5 c. diced Potatoes (about 6 med.)
1 c. diced Celery
1/2 c. diced Onion
1 tsp. Salt + dash of Pepper
3/4 c. Butter
3/4 c. Flour
1 qt (4 c.) Milk
15 oz. jar Cheez Whiz (only half)

Boil potatoes, celery and onion in chicken broth for 10 minutes or until tender. In another pan, mix melted butter with flour (creating a white base). Add milk and cook until thickened. Add sauce to vegetables, then add cheese. Heat until warm. Optional: double the recipe and freeze the rest. It makes GREAT leftovers. Serve with rolls and optional mixin is ham. The soup by itself is one of my favorites winter recipes for lunch or dinner.


Mom's Macaroni & Cheese (aka homestyle)
(6 servings)

2 c. Macaroni noodles, cooked and drained
4 T. Butter
4 T. Flour
3 c. Milk
2-3 c. cheddar cheese, (finely) grated
Salt/Pepper to taste

Melt butter, stir in flour slowly; add milk over low heat. Mix all and sprinkle more cheese on top. Bake at 375* about 30 minutes. Serving ideas: 1" sausage slices (browned) and green beans.



***BLOG TAG!! If you read all the way to the bottom, then you're tagged and you have to post a recipe to your blog! Think winter-time favorites. :)

Thanks everyone!

Amber commented on "Requested winter recipes"

Jan 18, 2011

I do a dinner exchage group with 5 other families in my neighborhood(29 people total), and love it. It does make for extra work the night I cook, but I only have to cook once every 3 weeks, so definitely worth it!

Jul commented on "Requested winter recipes"

Jan 18, 2011

These recipes look great. And I read to the end, so I'll have to do a recipe blog update this week! Thanks for the inspiration!

Megan commented on "Requested winter recipes"

Feb 8, 2011

Janneke, were you the one to bring the tortellini soup to the ward Christmas party? If so, I've been looking for you for months! :)