Making winter cosy!

Sorry my post is little late - I don't have a 'puter' at the moment and have to borrow Ems when its available!

One of the best things about winter is coming in from the cold and wet to a lovely roaring fire and something lovely to eat. One of the favourite quick meals in our house is pasta soup - its soo easy to make and very filling!

Ingredients -

Pasta, 1 small onion, 1 chopped finely carrot, 1 chopped stick of celery, 1 tin of chopped tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato puree, 1 tsp paprika, 1 vegetable stock cube in about 400ml of hot water (or can use 1 stockpot).

Firstly fry the onion in a little oil until soft then add the carrot and celery, stir for a few minutes and then add the paprika, tom puree, tin of toms and veg stock - bring to boil and simmer for about 20 mins. As my son is a vegetarian i quite often add some lentils or chickpeas as well. You can put whatever veg you like too.

Whilst this is all simmering, put some water on to boil and then cook the pasta. I have used all the different shapes of pasta but we like the shell pasta the best.

When pasta cooked, drain and just add into the other pan of ingredients. Serve with some crusty bread.

This receipe is easy to adjust - the above is for 4 people. Instead of paprika you can add cumin or even a little curry powder to spice it up a bit.

Another favourite is old fashioned bread pudding - this is brilliant as you can use up any stale bread you have - doesn't matter if its brown or white - you can chuck it all in together!

Ingredients - 8 oz bread, half pint milk, 2oz butter, 3oz soft brown sugar (or caster), 2 tsp mixed spice (or cinnamon) 1 egg (beaten) 6 oz sultanas. Firstly tear up bread into small pieces and place in a bowl - pour milk over and leave to soak for about 20 mins. Then add melted butter, sugar, spice and egg - mix in well then add fruit. Put in a baking dish and bake in oven for about 1hr (180C or 350F). After taking out sprinkle with a little sugar and serve with some lovely custard. It is also nice to eat when its cold but you may find there is not a lot left!

Sorry there are no pics this post but am having technical problems. Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.


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