Tortellini Spinach Soup

8 c. low sodium chicken broth

2 (14.5 oz) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes (undrained)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp garlic

1/2 tsp basil

pepper to taste

1 pkg (18-20 oz) three-cheese tortellini (or whatever tortellini/ravioli you prefer)

1 (11 oz.) bag/box fresh spinach

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened and cut into 1" cubes

Optional:

grated parmesan cheese

crusty bread

Combine the first seven ingredients (broth, tomatoes, and spices into soup pot and bring to a simmer.  Add tortellini or ravioli and cook according to package directions (approximately 10 minutes).  Then, add cream cheese and spinach, stirring to melt/combine the cream cheese and wilt the spinach.   Stir until well combined and spinach has wilted. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and crusty bread.

Queso Taco Soup

Queso Taco Soup 6 servings 1 lb ground beef ½ small onion, chopped 6 oz cream cheese, softened 2-10 oz cans of Rotel ½ c heavy whipping cream 2 ½ c beef broth 1 tsp garlic powder 1 packet Taco seasoning S&P Brown ground beef and onions together, then drain. In a large saucepan, add beef and softened cream cheese on low/medium heat. Stir together to mix well before adding any other ingredients. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer on low for 30 minutes. Add S&P to taste. Serve with grated cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, and/or guacamole.

Black Eyed Peas Supper

6-8 servings 2 cans black eyed peas, with liquid 1 lb bulk sausage 1 c chopped green pepper (or celery or green onions) ½ c chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 c canned tomatoes, with liquid 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp oregano ½ tsp rosemary 2 c grated cheese Cook sausage in large frying pan, crumbling with a fork as it cooks. Drain fat from pan. Add green pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook 5 minutes, stirring vegetables into sausage. Add tomatoes and seasonings. Stir well. Pour in black eyed peas with the liquid in the cans. Cover and simmer slowly 15 minutes. Serve very hot with grated cheese sprinkled on top. (If this can be prepared ahead of time, the flavors have a better chance to blend. Reheat at mealtime and top with cheese when ready to serve.) This is a one-pan dinner, and is VERY good.