Simply Satisfying – Feel Good Comfort Food

There’s no better way to care for someone than to whip up a batch of feel-good comfort food that might just conjure up some childhood memories

 

Classic Vegetable Soup Recipe

 

Classic Vegetable Soup

Makes: 12 bowls | Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

 

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 cups thinly sliced onions

1 cup sliced celery

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

4 cans (14.5 ounce) vegetable broth

1 can (28 ounce) diced tomatoes with juice

1 Tbsp. tomato paste

8 cups mixed cut fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice

salt and pepper

instructions:

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and Italian seasoning, season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, 5 to 8 minutes.

Add broth, tomatoes and their juice, and tomato paste to pot, bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.

Add vegetables to pot, and return to a simmer. Cook uncovered until vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Let cool before storing extra.

 


 

 

easy yeast bread recipe

 

Easy Yeast Bread

Makes: 1 loaf  | Time: 1 hour prep/bake + 2 hour rise

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. active dry yeast

1 Tbsp. sugar  

1 Tbsp. salt 

2 cups warm water 

About 5½ to 6 cups all-purpose flour 

flour for dusting 

boiling water

instructions:

In a large bowl, mix together the yeast, sugar, salt, and water. Let stand until the yeast is dissolved. Gradually add the flour to the liquid and mix thoroughly until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Put the dough onto a floured surface to knead.

Knead the dough with the heels of your hands, rotating 90 degrees between kneads, and dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Let the dough rest while you clean and grease the mixing bowl, then knead for 2 more minutes and return the dough to the bowl. Cover with a damp towel and leave on the counter for 2 hours to rise. Once risen, punch down the dough and briefly knead for a moment to remove air bubbles. Shape into a French-style loaf, then place on a cookie sheet and sprinkle very lightly with flour. Let rest for 5 minutes. Lightly slash the top of the loaf and brush with cold water.

Pour an inch of boiling water into a roasting pan on the bottom rack of the oven. Place baking pan with loaf on middle rack. Bake at 400˚F for 35 to 45 minutes until loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

 

BEST WHEN FRESH:

Serve warm with butter and a light sprinkle of sea salt

 


 

Perfect Chocolate Pudding Recipe

 

Perfect Chocolate Pudding

Makes: 4 puddings | Time: 10 minutes prep + cooling time

Ingredients:

1/3  cup flour

¾ cup sugar

¼ tsp. salt

1 cup milk

4 egg yolks

¼ cup cocoa powder

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup water

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

instructions:

In a heavy saucepan, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cocoa. Mix well, then place saucepan on cook top. Over medium heat, gradually stir in water and milk until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.  

Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl, then slowly add yolks to saucepan and bring to a boil, whisking constantly until thickened.

Remove pan from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Allow pudding to cool about 5 minutes. Divide evenly between custard cups and refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

Tips & Tricks:

Top chocolate pudding with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles or a fresh sprig of mint for added taste and texture.

 


 

 

Melissa Tate - Food Blogger

Photos & Food by Melissa tate

To follow her cooking adventures visit MelissaTateTX.com or find her on Instagram at @melissatatetx

All recipes cooked, staged, and shot for Living Magazine by Melissa Tate. Classic vegetable soup recipe as seen on MarthaStewart.com, via Everyday Food. Easy yeast bread recipe as seen on GatherForBread.com, via King Arthur Flour.

You May Also Like

What's all the fuss about cold brew coffee? How to make cold brew coffee

Brewhaha – What’s All The Fuss About Cold Brew?

By Brandon Daiker Some believe that humans have been drinking coffee since the 15th ...

Rightsizing Your Residence

By Annette Brooks Once the kids have left home, what’s the point of hanging ...

How to Stop Procrastinating Today!

By Mimi Greenwood Knight  “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die ...

Empty Nest

By Mimi Greenwood Knight Something happens to me each day at about three in ...

priscilla du preez unsplash

Elevate Your Garden

By Annette Brooks Spring planting is right around the corner, and now is an ...

Lone Star Lowdown

By Audrey Sellers Texas Taste Buds  According to 2022 Taste Atlas data, these are ...