High Protein Low Carb Foods - Quick Tips And Warnings

Most people start a diet of high protein low carb foods by eating lots of poultry and meat then avoiding foods like rice, potatoes, bread and noodles. If you're considering this type of diet as well, here are other things you should know.

If you want to use this diet to lose weight, make sure that you inform your physician about it first. He or a recommended nutritionist will then provide you with a sample food plan identifying foods that you can and can't eat as well how much of each food group you're allowed to consume each day.

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Eating too much high protein low carb foods might cause you to suffer from instant mood changes. If you're already moody before even taking this diet, you might want to reconsider dieting using this option.

High Protein Low Carb Foods - Quick Tips And Warnings

Many people advocate the virtual opposite of eating high protein low carb foods. These people point out studies which reveal how diets possessing high carbs allow people to enjoy general improvement of their moods.

Be aware that even authorities like the American Heart Association and the government of the United States have guidelines regarding diets and which a high protein low carb diet violates.

With this type of diet, you should try to moderate your lifestyle because the absence of carbohydrates in your body will immediately lead to an absence of energy. Thus, you'll find yourself more easily tired and stressed. Granted, you're going to lose weight more quickly but your exhaustion might prevent you from enjoying your trimmer and healthier figure.

Eating lots of protein and almost zero carbohydrates can also slow down your thinking process. If mental agility is a must in your job, you'll definitely find this diet disadvantageous to your occupation.

There's such a thing as good protein and bad protein. So be careful then about which foods you're eating because it might contain the bad protein. Bad protein foods are disastrous to your diet!

The best source of good protein foods is seafood and fish. Better yet, these foods have low fat content as well, further preventing any chances for you to gain weight.

To end this with a positive note, you should know that amidst all those warnings, there are however two great benefits that you'll enjoy with high protein low carb foods. Firstly, you get to control your weight more easily and secondly, if you want to buff up a little, protein can help you build your muscles.

High Protein Low Carb Foods - Quick Tips And Warnings

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Low Carb Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe - Indulge With This Low Carb Chocolate Cheesecake!

Low carb chocolate cheesecake recipe are often a little bland, but also sometimes a little over worked.

Chocolate is comfort food, and when it comes to cheesecake, oh well now...that's a whole new level of luxury! But there is no reason why a serious and committed low carber like you or I should be denied such pleasures in the kitchen, should we?

\"low Carb\"

You should find the following low carb chocolate cheesecake recipe very simple to make, and I have designed it that way. I have also made sure it only contains ingredients that will be safely within the boundaries of a regular low carb guideline.

Low Carb Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe - Indulge With This Low Carb Chocolate Cheesecake!

It specifically aims to avoid as many carbs as possible, whilst still tasting delicious and allowing you to feel satisfied, not denied (like so many other diets make you feel)!

Don't forget to see the bottom of this article for more free recipes, and I hope that you enjoy this classic chocolate cheesecake recipe just as much as the rest of the recipes I have available!

No-Bake Low Carb Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

1 8oz. package of Philadelphia cream cheese

1 1oz. square of Bakers' brand baking chocolate

1 tbsp. Vanilla extract

1 tbsp. butter or margarine

1 cup of Splenda (I wouldn't recommend any other artificial sweetener for this)

Blend softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and 3/4 of the Splenda until smooth. Melt the square of chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute and add margarine and 1/4 of the Splenda into the chocolate. Slowly beat in the chocolate mixture into the cream cheese. Place the cheesecake mixture into a bowl and place in the fridge for an hour to set.

The result is more of mousse than a dense traditional cheesecake. Really satisfies the sweet tooth!

I have only used Splenda instead of other sweeteners, I couldn't imagine this with gritty equal or sweet and low.

That's it! I told you it was simple didn't I?! Your simple yet filling and tasty low carb chocolate cheesecake recipe is yours to enjoy for many years to come!

Low Carb Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe - Indulge With This Low Carb Chocolate Cheesecake!

But don't stop there...

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Are Instant Soups the Healthy Choice?

Most people have their schedules so full to the brim that they have to plan every last aspect of their day at least several weeks in advance. The busy lives which many of us live make it very difficult to plan for nutritional meals. Some people's idea of a healthy meal is a fruit rollup. As funny as this may seem, we have a severely skewed sense of what constitutes healthy food, and perhaps this is why people are being plagued by horrendous diseases like cancer in growing numbers.

When the majority of us hear the word "soup," we quickly associate it with positive images. After all, soup can contain vegetables and other nutritious ingredients that are good for our body. When it comes to instant soups, opinions begin to diverge as to whether or not they are the right choice. Conventional wisdom says they are the prime choice among competing alternatives, but a quick peek at the nutritional facts on the back of these popular instant soups says otherwise.

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Let's take for example the instant ramen soup. Most of us have been guilty of consuming one or more of these tasty soups on a cold day while we were on the move, or possessed some other excuse not to make a home cooked soup. At first glance, there doesn't appear to be anything that's very damaging about the contents of the soup health-wise. Some noodles mixed with peas and carrots actually seems good for you. However, a quick look at the back of the packaging indicates large amounts of sodium that would make your doctor lapse into a coma. People don't realize that high MSG (sodium) content can severely dehydrate your body making various organs work harder. Where did you think all that taste came from? Obviously not from the vegetables.

Are Instant Soups the Healthy Choice?

You can enjoy these soups on a healthier basis by disposing of the seasoning packets and substituting your own ingredients, like garlic powder or something similar. The best thing to do is make some home cooked soup that won't have any of the negative health effects of processed instant soup. The ultimate choice is yours, just remember that over-consuming these types of soups will have a negative impact on your health in the long run.

Are Instant Soups the Healthy Choice?

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Sweet Potatoes - The Low-Carb Wonder Food

Sweet potatoes have always been a healthy choice to make when you are looking for that extra addition to your meal. However, there are many who don't understand that sweet potatoes are low in carbohydrates. These have been called the low-carb wonder food for a while now. Whether or not you have diabetes, sweet potatoes help your body in many ways. One way they help your body is through the low carbohydrates.

On thing to be aware of sweet potatoes is that there is sugar added to the canned sweat potatoes sometimes. Be sure to watch out for such additions. This could make you go over the low carbohydrates and not be at all healthy for you to eat. A normal sweet potato has about 28 carbohydrates. With added sugar this could spike more. Sweet potatoes are the low-carb wonder food because of the other benefits which it offers.

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Another benefit that this vegetable can offer to your eating habits is that they contain more fiber. Fiber in your eating is very important. If there is no fiber in you diet, there is no nutrition. This healthy vegetable has the fiber content which is required for a well balanced diet. For diabetics, this category of food is very healthy to contribute in the diabetic diet. Having a well portioned meal with a good deal of fiber can increase your chances of losing the excess weight.

Sweet Potatoes - The Low-Carb Wonder Food

Sweet potatoes are the low-carb wonder food. With the carbohydrate count of 28 and the amount of fiber with is found in one sweet potato, there is no wonder why this is how they made their way to the interesting topic of health. There are many benefits in eating this vegetable. With the fiber content helping in weight loss and healthy living, they help you live a happier and healthier life. Enjoy the healthy meal and always remember to watch your health. This is the best you can do to improve the way your body feels.

Sweet Potatoes - The Low-Carb Wonder Food

Dr. Barry Lycka is president of http://www.LesTout.com the number one source of internet guidance.

Making Soups and Stews in the Crockpot

Soups and stews make for delicious lunches and dinners any time of the year and when you use the crockpot to cook them, the flavors seem to blend together perfectly.

With just a few adjustments to cooking times and to the amount of liquids used, most recipes for soups and stew made on the stovetop can be converted for the crockpot. In general, you will have to cut the liquid or moisture used in a stovetop recipe in half when cooking in a crockpot.

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Also, remember that when you are making dishes in the crockpot with noodles it is important to watch them carefully. Noodles can overcook easily becoming mushy and basically falling apart all throughout your soup or stew.

Making Soups and Stews in the Crockpot

You will find that most recipes for soups and stews made in the crockpot call for adding the noodles 10 to 15 minutes before the end of the cook time. The exact time will also depend on the type of noodle and whether you are cooking on the high or low setting.

For soups and stews in the crockpot, try using different types of meats including various cuts of beef, poultry, and pork.

Ham cooks wonderfully in a slow cooker and can be combined with ingredients such as beans, cabbage, and potatoes. Pork chops and spare ribs fall off the bone effortlessly and are incredibly tender when cooked in the crockpot. Both can be served with potatoes, rice, and salad for a tasty meal.

Chicken and turkey are also ideal for soups made in a slow cooker. There is nothing quite like homemade chicken noodle soup and there are many delicious varieties of chicken soups to choose from including those with Asian, Mexican, and Southwestern themes, just to name a few.

To make a hearty stew in the crockpot use beef including less expensive cuts such as chuck roast or cubes of meat that are intended for stews.

How to Make Beef Barley Vegetable Soup in the Crockpot

What You Need

• 1-1/2 to 2 cups water (Add 1-1/2 cups first)
• 1-1/2 to 2 pounds of beef chuck roast or beef stew meat
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 cans (28 ounces total) diced tomatoes, un-drained
• 2/3 cup pearl barley, uncooked
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cans (28 ounces total) beef broth

How to Make It

Combine all of the ingredients in the order they are listed inside of a 3-5 quart crockpot.

With the lid in place, cook the soup on the low setting for 8 to 9 hours, or if you prefer, use the high setting for 4 to 5 hours. Stir only once halfway through the cooking time. Add the other half cup of water if necessary.

You will know that your beef barley vegetable soup is done when the barley, meat, and vegetables are all tender.

If you have a newer crockpot that may cook some foods faster, or you are not sure if the cooking times listed are accurate, check the soup at 7 hours when cooking on low or at 3-1/2 hours on the high setting.

Making Soups and Stews in the Crockpot

The best crockpot recipes are those that contain foods that will naturally complement one another when cooked at low temperatures. Crockpot beef stew is a timeless classic that your family is sure to appreciate especially when you use their favorite vegetables and serve with delicious salads and bread.

The Best Crockpot Recipes Start With Our Recipes - BestCrockpotRecipes.net

The Cast Iron Dutch Oven - An Introduction To The Delicious Art Of Braising!

While all of the Chasseur Cast Iron Cookware boasts marvelous features and characteristics, a cast iron round dutch oven is probably one of the most versatile and flexible. This unique vessel is truly a jack-of-trades when it comes to preparing the main entrée of your meal. Whether it is chicken, pork, beef or a medley of ingredients fashioned into your favorite soup, chili, or stew, this is your go-to pan when preparing a fool-proof meal for your friends or family.

The Chasseur Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven has the fine appointments of all the other Chasseur products, such as durability, even heating, and corrosion resistance. It is non-reactive with acidic foods, as long as the enamel is not chipped or scratched. The enamel coating also prevents the pan from absorbing the odors of flavors of foods cooked in it. It also withstands chemicals used to clean and wash it. It can be used on all types of cook surfaces, including induction units. It is easy to clean and has a ten year warranty.

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In addition to all these features, the Chasseur Round Dutch Oven is the perfect cooking vessel for simmering or braising meats to a tender, succulent perfection. If you have never tried braising meat before, you are in for a huge taste treat! The concept of braising is simply to brown the meat of your choice in a small amount of fat of oil and then simmer it in a small amount of fluid in a covered pot. That's all there is to it! You can create an intensely flavorful, memorable dish all in one single pot.

The Cast Iron Dutch Oven - An Introduction To The Delicious Art Of Braising!

Choose a cut of meat such as a rump roast, a shoulder roast or a shank. Chicken thighs and drumsticks work very well, too. Use approximately one to on and a half pounds of meat for four servings. Begin by adding about one tablespoon of your choice of oil or fat to the Dutch oven. Turn the heat on your stove to medium high and brown the meat on all sides. Do not rush this process as slower cooking enhances the flavor. Remember to dry your meat with a paper towel. This will aid in the browning. Now remove the meat. Add your choice of aromatic chopped vegetables, such as celery, carrots, onions, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until they are soft, stirring frequently. Next, return the meat to the dutch oven, and add your choice of liquid(s). Beef, vegetable or chicken stocks are usually recommended along with and equal amount of wine, if you like. Tomatoes are another popular choice as they add fluid, compliment the meat, and a bit of thickening as well. Remember! The less liquid added, the more concentrated the flavor, so begin with about one to two cups of fluids, total.

Bring the pot to a boil, then cut the heat down to low. Now you may continue to cook the food on the stove top, or transfer to a 300 degree oven. Cooking slowly is important, as this dissolves any toughness in the meat tissues. Check the meat about every half an hour, flipping it over as needed to absorb the juices and flavors. It will be fork tender, juicy, and savory when it is finished cooking. The Chasseur Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven will produce a dish swirling in a liquid rich with flavor, warming and aromatic. Enjoy!

The Cast Iron Dutch Oven - An Introduction To The Delicious Art Of Braising!

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Terry Retter
Editor, ChefWannabee.com

Diabetic Friendly Energy Drinks - Finding a Good Low Carb, Sugar Free, Healthy Energy Drink

If you are diabetic then you know how it is to find beverages that actually taste good! It can be rather hard being diabetic at times fore it seems you sacrifice taste for diabetic friendly products. This is especially true when it comes to diabetic energy drinks.

Energy drinks, it seems, is a more and more important product in the lives of Americans. In the last five years this market has absolutely exploded. Unfortunately the market offered very little for sugar free energy drinks for the diabetics until now.

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A cutting edge company called XS has come to the rescue of the diabetic crowd that wants the performance of energy drinks but doesn't want the battery acid taste that conventional companies offer. XS offers more than twelve flavors that are 100% sugar free and most importantly great in taste. These flavors range from citrus, lemon, tropical, cran-grape, root beer, cola, black cherry cola, cherry, peach tea, tea berry, and also host several caffeine free products as well.

Diabetic Friendly Energy Drinks - Finding a Good Low Carb, Sugar Free, Healthy Energy Drink

Xs offers a beverage that has low carbs, no sugar, and a few calories, so it's perfect for diabetics and even for those who want to lose weight, but still need that extra boost to help them. Since XS has zero sugar, the energy boost that XS gives people is from its blend of vitamins including B-12,B-6,B-3, and B-5. The B-12 is its main source of energy so you'll get great performance and not have to worry about the crash effect afterward. In fact, XS's B-12 is 4900% while red bull hosts only 73%. Obviously the difference is noticeable- not just in taste, but in performance.

XS comes in standard size energy drink cans and is sold by the case. There are 12 cans in each case and every case has a 90 day buy back guarantee. This means if you get your XS, try it, and are not satisfied with the flavor, you have 90 days to return the product with the pre-paid shipping label it comes with to get your complete refund- no questions asked. With 12 flavors, even if you don't like on flavor, you are bound to like at least one.
 
If you are indeed diabetic and looking for an energy drink that gives you the boost you need and doesn't taste horrible- you've found the drink you need. Don't just take my word for it. Try it out yourself. You've got a full 90 day guarantee, so get a case, try one out- if you don't like just send it back free of charge and you'll get your money back as soon as it is received.

It's not just some random fluke that you are reading this page- this product is what you have been searching for and I am confident that you will be 100% satisfied with it!

Diabetic Friendly Energy Drinks - Finding a Good Low Carb, Sugar Free, Healthy Energy Drink

To try XS click the link below:

Diabetic Friendly Energy Drinks

Brian Pink

Low Carb High Protein Recipes

Low carbohydrates high protein recipes have always been popular with athletes. This popularity has exploded in the last 10 years due to the introduction of low carb diets to the public. There are many low carb diet recipes such as, low carb breakfast recipes, low carb lunch recipes, regular low carbohydrates recipes, free information on recipes, and high protein recipes that are more and more popular to the public more so than athletes today.

The high protein low carbohydrates diet will consist of foods that are high in protein but low in carbohydrates such as, lean hamburger meat, lean steaks, most cuts of lean red meats, all types of chicken, fish, pork chops, pork loins or tenderloin, ham (check bacon), eggs, milk, yogurt, hard - soft - medium cheeses, tofu, soy milk, beans, split peas, peanut butter, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and a whole lot more.

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The small list above will give you an idea of high protein foods that can be associated with low carbohydrates high protein recipes, and can also be formed into low carb breakfast recipes as well. If your body is consuming the correct balance of low carbs and proteins, this will not only allow your body to shed pounds but in-effect transform areas that use to be problem fatty areas into muscle. Yes, the high protein diets will use that protein to develop muscle in the areas were muscle is needed.

Low Carb High Protein Recipes

Many professional body builders use these types of diets to shed fatty tissue and build muscle tone. With weight training and proper exercise this can be achieved. For those that would like to find a low carbohydrates high protein diet, there are many available and not just for eating meat. You can find a diet that's right for you. If you would prefer to eat beans, soy, nuts and such, there are diet recipes available to accommodate you. These diets are not set in stone and can be used in a multitude of different ways.

You have to remember that, although you can find low carb recipes free, that doesn't always mean they are the right recipes for you. Do the research; find the information that closely resembles the types of foods you've eaten before, this will help you to get started. Then you can add different food groups that may be new to you, and you can enjoy a decent low carb high protein diet with newer foods.

There is another reminder I would like to add about finding low carb high protein recipes and that is, you don't want to make this out to be a job. You want to look forward to your next meal. It is very important to realize this. If you make it into a job, you will lose interest very quickly and for the most part stop dieting. This happens to millions of people around the world. They are dieting with foods they do not like to eat, they fashion the diet into something horrible. Then blame it on the diet or recipes for the failure.

Take your time in getting the right recipes, pick and choose, there are many low carb high protein recipes available. Find one that will fit your lifestyle with the high proteins you can eat that you enjoy. Some people like to eat meat, others don't. Some people like dairy products, others don't. You can take many different recipes and create your own plan. This is done all the time. We try to make it simple by putting together the most common recipes, and making them available. Low carbohydrates high protein recipes and low carbohydrates breakfast recipes, all being the most common will help you in achieving your goals very quickly.

Low Carb High Protein Recipes

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Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Here is my quick version for the cure-all whether it's the cold, flu, or you're just not feeling up to snuff.  Homemade Chicken Soup is the kind of comfort food that makes the worst go away and sends you on the mend as it is just Feel Good Food.

HOMEMADE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

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2 quarts chicken stock

Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

4-6 chicken breasts 

small bag baby carrots 

3 stalks celery

1/2  pound good wide egg noodle

3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

salt & pepper to taste

I always keep homemade stock in the freezer, but should you be out of this or find such a thing foreign to you, buy a good organic chicken stock at your grocery store.  I happened to already have  roasted chicken breasts in the refrigerator, so I diced them up.  If you don't, then lay your chicken breasts on a baking sheet sprinkle with salt & pepper, drizzle olive oil on top and pop into the oven 35-40 minutes or till juices run clean. Let the chicken cool when done,  remove meat from bones, dice in large chunks and keep to side.

Meanwhile I heat the stock in a large stockpot. Then I slice carrots and celery drop them in boiling stock with with the egg noodles and cook till almost done about 7 minutes on medium high heat partially covered.  I then add my diced chicken and heat for a minute or two till all is warm.  As a final touch I add my freshly chopped parsley along with salt & pepper to taste.  Serve homemade chicken noodle soup warm in large soup bowls or mugs. This takes all of 15 minutes to make minus the cooking time for the chicken.  I make plenty of this when not feeling well, eat it for lunch and dinner, and bring to work when I am on the mend. This recipe freezes well as I have done so plenty of times and glad I've had it on hand.

Honestly it takes no time to make, this is so much better than canned and you will be glad you gave it a go.

Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Recently remarried to a "meat and potatoes" guy, I have miserbly failed at reinventing myself into a "meat and potatoes"cook. Don't get me wrong I love simple food, but the good kind of simple food, the kind that can't come out of a can or popped in the oven from a box neatly tucked in the freezer. So I am about to embark on a journey to find my way back to the kitchen I once knew, and return to my love of preparing good food for my family, despite my long hours of work at a job that let's just say...........isn't my calling. Grab a cup of coffee and stop by for a visit at [http://www.GoodFoodJustGotBetter.com] for more "Musings about Food, Family and God's Grace".

Free List of Low Carb Foods

If you're planning to go on a low carbohydrate diet, here's a free list of foods low in carbohydrates that you can use.

Fruits Low in Carbohydrates

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Fresh fruits are a healthy staple that should be included in any diet. For those on a diet, here are some fruits that have the lowest carbohydrate counts:

Free List of Low Carb Foods

o Apples
o Melon
o Guava
o Grapefruit
o Papaya
o Apricots
o Peaches
o Blueberries
o Cranberries
o Raspberries
o Strawberries

Vegetables Low in Carbohydrates

If you're on a diet, majority of the carbohydrates that you take in must come from vegetables, specifically green leafy vegetables. Here are some common low carbohydrate veggies that you can serve in your salad:

o Asparagus
o Artichokes
o Bamboo shoots
o Bell peppers
o Bean sprouts
o Brussel sprouts
o Broccoli
o Cabbage
o Celery
o Cauliflower
o Cucumber
o Eggplant
o Green beans
o Lettuce
o Mushrooms
o Onions
o Radishes
o Spinach
o Tomato
o Zucchini

Protein Low in Carbohydrates

Most protein sources are low in carbohydrates before they are processed or cooked. Thus, it is important to learn how to handle these foods to keep them low in carbohydrates. Here are some protein sources that you can add in your diet:

o Meat: beef, pork, lamb, venison, veal
o Poultry: chicken (dark and white meat), turkey, duck, goose, pheasant, quail
o Fish: catfish, tuna, salmon, sardines, flounder
o Other seafood: clams, crabs, lobster, shrimp, squid
o Eggs

Dairy Products Low in Carbohydrates

Dairy products typically contain lactose, which may have to be limited on a low carbohydrate diet. The following dairy products are low in carbohydrates. Check if these products are allowed in your specific diet plan before taking them:

o Butter
o Cheese: blue cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Roquefort cheese, Swiss cheese
o Cream
o Sour cream

Healthy Carbohydrate Sources

Being on a low carbohydrate diet does not mean that you take out all the carbohydrate sources in your meals. Depending on your diet plan, these carbohydrate sources may be incorporated in your meals, and are best taken as raw:

o Barley
o Beans
o Brown rice
o Corn
o Buckwheat
o Maize
o Oatmeal
o Lentils
o Peas
o Wheat germ
o Yams

Being on a diet doesn't necessarily mean that you can't eat the food that you want. Many of the aforementioned foods are actually palatable while still remaining healthy. Before adding any of these low carbohydrate foods to your meals, be sure to check with your diet program first.

Free List of Low Carb Foods

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How to Make Authentic Italian Tomato Soup

Italian tomato soup is a hearty and warming dish. It makes a wonderful appetizer or lunch. Some Italian tomato soups are made with only tomatoes, onions, tomato sauce, and herbs. These soups are simmered over a low heat to bring out all the beautiful fresh flavors. Other soups feature cream, pancetta, celery, garlic, and other ingredients, which complement the tomato flavor.

You can make this soup with fresh or canned tomatoes. If you are using a can, make sure it is a good quality brand because a homemade soup is only as good as the ingredients you use to make it, and that applies to any soup recipe. A pumpkin soup made with a good quality brand of canned pumpkin can be just as tasty as a fresh pumpkin soup recipe.

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An Easy Recipe for Zuppa di Pomodoro

How to Make Authentic Italian Tomato Soup

The following recipe makes enough soup to serve eight people. It is up to you whether or not you add the heavy cream. It depends on the kind of flavor and consistency you like. Some people love creamy broths and others prefer their zuppa di pomodoro without the cream.

The pancetta is also optional and if you want to make a meat-free recipe you should omit it, and switch the chicken broth for vegetable broth. This is a very simple recipe to follow and you will find that the combination of fresh vegetables, herbs and flavorings give this soup an amazing flavor.

What you will need:

• 14 oz chicken broth
• 3 finely minced garlic cloves
• 2 chopped yellow onions
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 28 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes, 28 oz each
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 chopped ribs celery
• 2 finely chopped carrots
• 16 oz heavy cream (optional)
• Pancetta (optional)
• 2 handfuls of croutons
• 1 handful of grated fontini and parmesan cheese

How to make it:

Heat the oil in a big pot over a moderate heat, and then add the celery, carrots, and onion. Cook the vegetables until they are soft. Stir in the garlic. Crush the tomatoes in your hands and add them to the vegetable mixture. Add the broth, tomato sauce, thyme, parsley, basil, and salt and stir well.

Bring the soup to a boil. Turn down the heat and let it simmer for twenty minutes, stirring often. Keep the heat low because if you overheat tomatoes they get bitter. Puree the vegetables with an immersion mixer or do it in batches in a food processor or blender. Stir in the heavy cream if you are using it.

Transfer the soup to an ovenproof dish and sprinkle the croutons over the top. Sprinkle the grated parmesan and fontini cheese on top, and then broil until the cheese melts.

How to Make Authentic Italian Tomato Soup

If you enjoy making homemade soup recipes, you will love making pumpkin soup. Not only are there hundreds of ways to make this tasty dish but a good recipe for pumpkin soup will be fun to follow and easy to prepare.

Find all the best pumpkin soup recipes at PumpkinSoup.org

Yummy Chicken and Asparagus Chowder - A Treat to Serve and Eat!

Oh boy, what a great recipe this one is! Chicken Asparagus Chowder warms the hearts, the tummies and fills you up all at the same time. Serve with a good crusty rolls or warm corn bread and a salad and you have a very satisfying meal before you. Enjoy!

What you'll need:

\"Low Carb Soups\"

- 4 Tbsp. butter

Yummy Chicken and Asparagus Chowder - A Treat to Serve and Eat!

- 1 onion (on the large side and finely chopped)

- 1/2 cup of celery (chopped)

- 1/4 cup of red bell pepper (diced or chopped)

- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour

- 3 cups of chicken broth (canned or homemade broth)

- 1 large potato (peeled and diced)

- 1 1/2 to 2 cups of cooked chicken (diced)

- 1 lb. of asparagus (sliced in 1/2-inch lengths - remove the woody ends)

- 2 cups of heavy cream

- salt to taste

- 1/4 tsp. of black pepper

- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley (chopped)

What to do:

- Heat the butter in a large size sauce pan over medium heat. Sauté the celery and the onion for approximately 3 minutes and then add the bell pepper. Cook it for another minute.

- Next, stir in the flour a little at a time until it is blended in with the vegetable mixture. Add the chicken broth in and stir in to blend.

- Add your diced up potato and bring all to a boil. Then reduce the heat and cover the mixture and simmer it for approximately 15 minutes or until the potato is slightly tender.

- Add the asparagus and the cooked chicken and cook until the asparagus can easily be pierced by a knife or fork.

- Add the cream and the salt and pepper.

- Stir in the parsley.

Serve immediately and enjoy with salad, bread or a sandwich. Delicious! This recipe for Chicken Asparagus Chowder makes 6 delicious servings.

Yummy Chicken and Asparagus Chowder - A Treat to Serve and Eat!

Sara Gray is an avid lover of appetizers (and anything really to do with food!) and has created a couple of fun and informative websites. Easy Appetizer Recipes is where you can find delicious ideas for all kinds of hot and cold appetizers, raclette grilling, tapas small plates, snacks, chips and dip ideas, and holiday appetizers. And Soup Hoopla! has everything you ever wanted to know about soup and fabulous recipes too.