Good Afternoon Everyone!

Brrr, there is a chill in the air and I am loving it!!

We woke up this morning to 48 degrees prompting me to pull out a sweater and enjoy my cup of coffee outdoors with the squirrels as they scurried about...yes, I do love my cold weather!

This calls for some tummy-warming soup and some fresh home-made bread. I pulled out my bread machine and began the task knowing that the aroma of Honey Oatmeal Bread would soon be wafting thru my home....the soup is a garden variety because it pulls in the herbs that are still in my herb garden and allows me to use the frozen cheese tortellini I have in my freezer. (Bought them and never got to use them).

Here are the recipes and I hope you are warm wherever you may be!

Happy Cooking! Gina

Garden Tortellini Soup

serves 8

1 pkg. (9 oz.) DiGiorno brand 3 cheese tortellini
1 c. sliced peeled carrot
1 garlic clove
1/2 t. Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
1 t. fresh chopped rosemary
1 t. fresh chopped thyme
1 t. fresh chopped marjoram
2 basil leaves
1 t. fresh chopped oregano
6 c. chicken broth (I use Superior Touch)
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) Del Monte Stewed Tomatoes Italian Recipe

Into a soup pot, pour in the chicken broth, garlic, all seasonings, carrots, and tomatoes. Over medium-high heat, bring to a soft boil. Add the tortellini and reduce to medium. Cook 10 minutes or til pasta is done. Stir occasionally.

Maple Oatmeal Bread

(Bread machine recipe for 1 1/2 lb. loaf)
1 pkg. yeast
1 c. Quick Cooking Quaker oats
3 c. bread flour
1 t. salt
1/3 c. maple syrup
1 T. cooking oil
1 1/4 c. plus 1 T. very warm water

Put all ingred. into pan in order given. Select white bread and push start.