A COLD WEATHER RECIPE-MEATBALL MINESTRONE

My family is complaining it's cold. We've obviously lived here too long! It's in the 50's, but it's been rainy today and it's actually the dampness that has them complaining. I decided to share this recipe for soup that I found while thumbing through old magazines at the hair salon. We have it year round, but it's especially good in cold weather. It's very simple to make and good for a crowd. This is a family favorite.

Meatball Minestrone

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. olive oil
3 (15 oz.) cans Cannellini beans, untrained, divided
1 (32 oz.) box chicken broth
1 (1.4 oz) package vegetable soup mix (I use Knorr vegetable soup mix.)
60-64 frozen cooked meatballs
1 (14 ½ oz.) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, oregano
½ t. dried, crushed red pepper
8 oz. Uncooked rotini pasta
1 (10 oz.) bag, fresh spinach, torn
Garnishes: Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley

Saute garlic in hot oil in stock pot over medium high heat one minute; stir in two cans beans and chicken broth. Bring to boil.

Stir in vegetable soup mix until dissolved. Add meatballs, tomatoes, and red pepper. Return to boil. Add rotini and cook, stirring often for 15 minutes.

Stir in remaining can of beans and spinach. Cook five more minutes. Garnish if desired. Yield: 4 quarts; Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 30 minutes

I use the frozen Italian meatballs from Kroger. Some rolls and a salad and you have a hearty meal. Enjoy!