Cooking In Stilettos...
Monday, January 19, 2009 Tried and True: Onion Soup with Thyme and Fontina...

My mom taught me an appreciation of French Onion soup when I was younger. As I got older, I always thought that French Onion soup was daunting and who am I to attempt and resigned to only order it when I was out for dinner.

That was until I was watching Everyday Italian and Giada de Laurentiis made her Onion Soup with Thyme and Fontina. It was like the beloved French Onion but kicked up Italian style. And, it wasn't as complicated as my mind tended to think. Even I could do this!

This soup is in my arsenal. It's super easy to make, always garners compliments galore and is comfort food that is perfect for these cold winter months.

Enjoy!

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Onion Soup with Fontina and Thyme

Recipe courtesy of Giada de Laurentiis and FoodNetwork.com

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large Vidalia onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
4 cups beef broth
4 slices ciabatta bread, cubed
4 ounces sliced fontina cheese
Special equipment: 4 (1 1/2-cup) ovenproof ramekins

Directions

In a medium, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the thyme and broth. Simmer, uncovered, until the onions are soft, about 15 minutes.

Divide the soup between the 4 ovenproof ramekins. Divide the cubed bread among the ramekins. Top each with slices of fontina cheese. Place under the broiler, until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 4 minutes. Serve immediately.

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Posted by Lys :: 11:17 AM :: 1 comments

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Saturday, March 29, 2008 A Little Comfort...

There are times when a gal needs a little comfort food and, after this week from hell, comfort was on the agenda. Nothing screams Massachusetts than a bowl of warm clam chowdah and there is NO better than Legal Seafoods.


Now that I reside in Central Florida - that's not an option. The only other *gasp* is Friendlys and that's only because it's from my childhood - not necessarily an accurate reflection of true home goodness that is Legal Seafoods.


You can imagine my surprise when I found Legal Seafoods Clam Chowder in the refrigerated section of Costco. Yeah, I know - warehouse super club but still - LEGAL SEAFOODS.


So tonight, I grabbed some freshly baked ciabatta and a bowl of Clam Chowdah with a bit of added touches i.e. freshly cracked black pepper, a bit of sea salt and Italian flat leaf parsley.


Now that, my friends is a bowl of comfort.


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Posted by Lys :: 11:17 PM :: 2 comments

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Saturday, March 8, 2008 Comfort, Southwestern Style...

One thing I always have in my pantry are organic chicken stock, beans (black or cannelini) and salsa. That way I can always make my favorite Southwestern Chicken Soup.

I have to say that I'm spoiled. When I have tortilla or southwest chicken soup at various places, I always think "mine's better" because mine is always different each time around and allows for adaptation.



I first got wind of the Southwestern Chicken Soup recipe courtesy of Grown Up Girlie and when I make a batch, I always make sure that there will be extra for lunch or dinner during the week. I adapted the recipe from Real Simple (where the photo is from because I was too hungry to take pictures) and this recipe kicks butt time and time again...





Southwestern Chicken Soup (adapted from Real Simple)



1 12-ounce jar salsa verde
3 cups cooked chicken pieces (1 small deli-counter rotisserie chicken or leftovers)
1 15-ounce can cannellini or black beans, drained
3 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Pinch of Cayenne (optional)
1 small yellow onion, sauteed
1/2 cup sour cream
Tortilla chips (optional)
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Spritz of lime juice (optional)

  • Dice the onion and saute in olive oil

  • Empty the salsa into a large saucepan.

  • Cook 2 minutes over medium-high heat, then add the chicken, beans, broth, and, if desired, lime juice, cayenne and cumin.

  • Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Top each bowl with a sprinkling of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some tortilla chips (if desired). For a soupier dish, use 4 cups of broth.


Can't go wrong with Chicken soup when you are looking for a bit of comfort-y goodness. Buon apetito!

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Posted by Lys :: 9:26 PM :: 0 comments

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