As I look out my window this morning I’m looking at blowing snow that was supposed to miss us. There is nothing like a snow storm to remind us it still is winter. I talked to our son in Kansas City or Overland Park and he said the white stuff was really coming down just like it did last Thursday and Friday. Kansas City averages about 20″ of a snow for a winter so they do get some white, but last week they got over a foot of snow, with it coming down at a torrid pace of 3″ per hour and it looks like it is happening again. These extreme weather systems seems to bring out the global warning experts. While I believe we have to take care of our planet and some of their comments has messed up some minds. After all, it is winter and it does snow in the winter time. It’s called a weather cycle and it just happens. Look at the record snow falls and you will find most of the records are broken in February. I am thankful for the snow, we need any type of moisture we can get right now. You don’t have to live in Alaska, Minnesota Michigan, or Maine to enjoy snow. The Midwest is a winter wonderland today and the states being hit aren’t complaining because all this snow will help the drought.

When the snow is blowing and it’s cold outside, it’s a good time to yell out “Soups On!” The ingredients of a good soup can do more to heat up your cold bones than a sweater or a cozy fire. Well, almost. Just put the three together and you have a perfect for any snowy night. It is hard for me to name my favorite soup, because I have so many. In a pinch I have opened a can of soup, but very seldom, because to me a real good soup is starting from scratch. What could be better tasting than chunks of chicken or tender chunks of beef with noodles, or a medley of fresh vegetables. I always use a big soup pot because I get carried away when I make soup. I find a lot of left-overs find a new life in a soup. Soup is touted as being good for all kind of things from a diet food to one of the healthiest things you can eat. What I like best is the wonderful, warm good taste of a good soup. This is a favorite at our house.

SUNDAY SUPPER SOUP

Meatballs:

1 1/2 lb. ground beef

1 egg slightly beaten

3 Tablespoons water

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon chopped parsley

2 Tablespoons butter

Make 24 balls – brown and set aside

Soup:

2 cups water

1 can condensed beef broth

1 can (1 lb. 12 oz.) tomatoes, undrained and chopped

1 envelope of dry onion

soup mix

1 cup sliced carrots

1 cup chopped celery + tops

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/4 teaspoon basil leaves

1 bay leaf

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Add browned meat balls; simmer 20 minutes longer. Yield 6-8 servings.

“March is coming, but winter is holding tight.”