Rainy Day Meals!

 

Everyone feels like curling up on the couch on a rainy day with a nice warm cup of coffee or soup and a good book or TV show. If the rain has you feeling like a bit of a couch potato and you do not feel up to cooking a big meal, here are a couple super easy, delish meals that will be sure to warm you to the bone!

Meal #1. Chicken Noodle Soup

There are so many different ways to make Chicken Noodle Soup. You may have Mom's recipe that she used to make you when you were sick or maybe you just want to use what you already have at home. Go ahead and whip out whatever sounds good to put into your soup.

I would recommend to have:

Chicken
Chicken broth
Whole wheat pasta or egg noodles
Salt & pepper
Fresh or frozen sliced carrots
Celery

Some people may add rice, peas, or another variety of veggies. The best part about this soup is you can add whatever veggies, spices or flavoring you would like.

Cook up your chicken in a skillet or boil it until it is almost thoroughly cooked. Add the chicken to your chicken broth and cut up carrots in a medium sized pot. Add as much or as little of your whole wheat pasta or egg noodles that you would like. Finally, add salt, pepper and a pinch of parsley to your simmering pot. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes. or until the pasta is soft and chicken is cooked thoroughly. Serve and enjoy with some whole wheat toast!

Meal #2. Grilled cheese and tomato soup

Grilled cheese and tomato soup are another great way to get some veggies, whole grain and dairy into your diet. This super easy meal takes about 10 minutes and requires only a few ingredients.

I would recommend to have:

Whole wheat bread

Sliced cheese (any variety)

Butter

Tomato soup

Take your slices of whole wheat bread and butter the outside of the bread. You do not need alot of butter, just a couple swipes to cover the bread in a very thin layer (usually we would be putting peanut butter, jelly, mustard, mayo, etc. on the inside of the bread, but this time we are buttering the outside). Lay the buttered side of one piece of bread, butter side down on your skillet pan that is on medium heat and sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Take 1 slice of cheese and lay it on the bread (just like a sandwich). Then place your second buttered slice of bread facing butter side up on your cheese. Now, while that is grilling, take your can of tomato soup (any brand will be fine) and dump it into your pot. Turn on medium heat. You will have to multitask now! Go ahead and flip your grilled cheese over using a spatula or fork, the side that has been cooking should be a slight golden brown color. Go back to your tomato soup and give it a nice stir so nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot. Continue to flip your sandwich until it is cooked to your liking. When your soup is warm enough, serve it up with your grilled cheese. Mmm!

Enjoy! Stay warm and dry!

Christy Redmond
Nutritionist Senior