Creamy Tomato Dill Soup

Another great cold weather soup- classic tomato soup.
This one uses a 32 oz jar of yellow and red tomatoes--canned in the peak of summer freshness, and opened on a gloomy snowy December Sunday for the perfect hot lunch!

Use 1-2 tbsp tomato paste to thicken and sweeten. (1 tsp sugar if you prefer your soup slightly sweet)
Salt, freshly ground pepper and dill (or basil or chervil or tarragon- your preference)
Let the tomatoes simmer for a while, until bubbling and thickened. Add 1/2 container low fat ricotta cheese and blend with immersion blender until desired consistency.
Stir and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy with a grilled cheese- classic!

Asian Chicken Stew

A simple poached chicken, chop and drop vegetable soup in a spicy broth -perfect for winter vegetables from the CSA.

Poach chicken in a water broth with whole garlic cloves, lemon slices, soy sauce, chili peppers, black peppercorns, and fresh ginger. Good basic poached chicken recipe can be found at http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/basic-poached-chicken

While chicken poaches, cut up vegetables.
As pictured-
napa cabbage
bok choi
icicle radishes
carrots
snow peas
mushrooms

Once chicken is done, remove from poaching liquid and shred or dice, set aside.

Strain poaching liquid into pot and discard solids; add homemade or canned low sodium chicken broth to poaching liquid. Add soy sauce, more ginger and sri racha hot sauce to taste. Drop in chopped vegetables (start with toughest ones like carrots, cabbages, and radishes; lastly add mushrooms and snow peas which need minimal cooking) and cook until tenderness desired.
Add shredded or diced chicken.