Today in Virginia I felt a familiar chill in the air that has been sorely missed. It’s just the beginning of September and while I know the sweltering summer heat is bound to roar it‘s ugly head again, I’ll enjoy the breeze while its here. Fall and Winter make me think of warm sweaters and coats, soft blankets and certainly best of all hot food!
Here are some delicious soup recipes I’ve had around for a while. They great for entertaining a crowd, especially when served with some hot and toasty Panini sandwiches! Here are the recipes:

Broccoli and Cheese Soup
4 cups fresh broccoli, cut to bite size
1 ½ quarts chicken broth
2 (10.75oz) cans condensed cream of celery soup
4 tbs cornstarch ½ cup cold water
2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese (*tip-more cheese is always welcome!)

1) In a large soup pot cook broccoli in broth until tender.
2) In a large bowl mix milk and soup
3) Blend cornstarch with cold water
4) Stir into soup mix
5) Pour in with broccoli
6) Cook over medium heat
7) Stir in cheese and simmer

Spicy Tomato Soup

1 red bell pepper
1 onion, sliced rings
1 quart chicken stock
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of tomato soup
1 (10 oz) can died tomato with green Chile peppers
1 (6 oz) can black olives chopped
¼ tbs garlic powder
Hot Pepper sauce and salt and pepper to taste

1) In large stock pot cook and stir red bell peppers and onions in a little oil until soft, not brown.
2) Stir in remaining ingredients
3) Simmer over medium heat.

What I love about soups is that they can be made the day before you’re having people over, then just put on the stove to heat up. These soups are wonderful because they’ll suit any taste Broccoli and Cheese is great for kids and the Spicy Tomato Soup will impress any adult with a discerning palate. And not to mention, with little work on your part! I hope you enjoy these as much as I have!