It seems I’m not the only one out there having trouble with the frigid temps lately. I’m just glad I didn’t set any language-related New Years resolutions. It’s hard to be a lady when you’re wearing multiple sweaters and still shivering, especially when you know it’s going to be almost 60 degrees and raining in a few days. I’m basically convinced at this point that “global warming” is just a nice way of saying “mad-cosmic PMS.” 

Speaking of lady-like behavior…

Yep. That would be whiskey in a mug with deer on it.  This awesome woodland-themed ceramics piece belongs to my friend Michelle. Last night some of the interns who live in hospital housing hosted a Wii night. I learned that apparently, I am terrible at Mario Kart after even just one adult beverage.  It could also be that I’m just terrible at Mario Kart, period. Either way, I had a fun—laughing your butt off is a good remedy for cabin fever.

tortellini soup

Anyway. If there’s one upside to cold weather, it’s the immense sense of comfort one gains from enjoying a bowl of soup. After stumbling across this recipe the other day, I decided to turn the spinach & cheese tortellini in my freezer into soup.

Almost all of the ingredients for this came from the freezer, which was a great way to make room for the many containers of leftovers—this made way more soup than expected, and I have no complaints about that.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1 package frozen sliced bell pepper (fresh would work too)
• 1 cup cooked white beans (optional but I had some to use)
• oregano, to taste
• salt & pepper, to taste
• red pepper flakes, to taste
• 8-12 cups water (I used ~12, but start with 8 and see if you need more)
• 1 package tortellini (whatever kind sounds good to you)
• lots of kale (1/2 bunch, 1 bunch—whatever you want)
• 1 tsp xanthan gum (optional)

Directions:

1. Saute garlic & onion in olive oil until soft. Add pepper and spices. 
2. Add water and bring to a boil. Add the beans, tortellini and kale. Turn down heat.
3. Allow to cook, covered ~30 minutes. If needed, add more water and more spices.
4. Uncover and cook down to desired thickness. Add xanthan gum (if using).
5. Serve hot and garnished with grated cheese.

Is it hard for you to be a lady when it’s cold out? What’s your favorite kind of soup?