warm and cozy soup

okay, i am not trying to complain here...but once the sun goes down i have found my self freezing! seriously shivering cold, layered with blankets asking wes, "how cold is it outside?!"


his answer? 


68 degrees. 


seriously? are you sure that thing is right? check again. 


really, 68 huh? 


i guess it is fair to say that i have acclimated to warmer temps. wes makes me feel a little less crazy by explaining that we have such high humidity and the wet air makes it feel colder. but really, if 68 is the low...how cold can it really be? 


all i can say is that our trip to the mainland is going to be a harsh reminder of what cold is. 


i can't wait. 


anyway, with this new found chilly-ness i have been in the mood for warm and cozy food and i just had to share this soup recipe with you. it is pretty easy and so so very tasty. if i am a house guest of yours this winter, i will make it for you...and hopefully you will also love it like i do. 


Italian Sausage Soup with Cheese Tortellini

1 pound Italian sausage 
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
5 cups beef broth
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup red cooking wine
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian diced tomatoes
1 cup thinly sliced or diced carrots
1/2 tablespoon packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups green beans or sliced zucchini
8 ounces fresh tortellini pasta (can be found by the cheese...I used Buitoni)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. In a large pot, brown sausage. Remove sausage and drain. 

2. Saute onions and garlic in drippings. Stir in beef broth, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce, and sausage. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. 

3. Skim fat from the soup. Stir in beans and parsley. Simmer covered for 30 minutes. Add tortellini during the last 10 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.  Serve with warm garlic bread.