My Mom would make Vegetable Beef Soup for our family at the end of a week when she had enough leftover vegetables to get the soup started as she would say. She shared that these veggies were perfectly seasoned to make for a great base. All she would have to do then was add in more fresh vegetables and canned tomatoes. To make it a hearty meal for my growing brothers, she added stew meat and beef stock.

My daughter Lily grew up to be a vegetarian, taking inspiration Mom’s version, I have created a recipe that has the flavors of my past yet serves the needs of my family today.

My first memory of enjoying Italian Wedding Soup was at a restaurant in Lexington KY. As I recall, my family and I went to Lexington for back to school shopping and my parents wanted to make sure we had a hearty meal after a big day of shopping.

Not recalling the name of the restaurant but I do remember the red checked plastic coated table cloths with wine bottles and a single red candle in the center of the table. Even though it was August and not a typical time of year to eat soup I ordered it anyway. Not one for following the status quo at an early age even.

Start the New Year with our Good Luck Hoppin John

Inspired from my favorite soup at my favorite restaurant in the Asheville, North Carolina. The Crab Chowder is warm, creamy and full of lump crab and flavor.

Inspired by my Grandmother and the pitchers of sweet tea she would have ready and available for her visitors. An expert hostess with a heart of gold.