Happy Soup Season

When it's cold and crisp outside there is nothing more comforting, soothing, and nourishing to the body and soul than a delicious, steaming-hot bowl of soup.

Here are 5 winners for you to try this soup season.
1.  Beef Stew  {My all time favorite!}
2.  Chicken Noodle  {This one always get raves, and for a GF version swap rice for noodles.}
3.  Chicken Tortilla  {Simple and delicious.}
4.  Sausage and Bean Chowder {hearty and satisfying.}

and the star of the show for these autumn days..... {drum roll....}

5.  Pumpkin chili
     It's a fun twist on a classic, hearty dish.

Here's my regular chili recipe - to which you will add 2 cups pumpkin and some pumpkin pie spice {to your taste - start with 2 tsp.}

2 lbs. ground beef
2 cans (14 oz. each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 oz. each) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (28 oz.) marinara sauce
1 large onion, chopped
1 -2 green peppers, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

for pumpkin chili:
add 2 cups pumpkin and 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice.

Brown your beef and drain the grease.  Put it and all the other ingredients into a crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. 

This is really flexible.  If is seems too thick, I add a little beef broth. If you have other colored peppers instead of green, they work just as well.  If you like your chili a little less zippy then cut down on the chili powder. 

Serve with sour cream {we actually use Nancy's plain yogurt}, shredded cheese, chopped avocado, and corn chips.