A Rainy Day in Bucks County, Pa

So yesterday was a rainy day in Bucks County, Pa. Wasn't feeling much like painting so I did the next best thing..........I cooked. What did I cook..........Lasagne soup of course.  This has become a favorite in my family and the recipe was given to me by a dear friend Carole and I would love to share it with you.  First a picture of how great it looks and then the recipe so you can try it and know how great it taste!

 

Lasagne Soup

1 lb. ground italian sausage

2 cups chopped onions

1 cup sliced or diced carrots

1 cups sliced mushrooms

2 Tbls. garlic minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 can chopped italian style stewed tomatoes (14.5oz)

1 cup mafalda pasta (or any pasta you like)

2 cups fresh spinach chopped

Serve soup over & garnished with

1 cup provolone or fresh mozzarella diced

1/4 cup parmesan shredded

4 tsp. thinly sliced fresh basil

 

Brown sausage in a large pot or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot; saute 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and garlic; saute another 3 minutes.

Add broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and simmer until cooked, about 10 minutes (or according to package directions) Add the spinach and cook about 1 minute or until wilted.

To serve place cubes of cheese in each serving bowl, then ladle soup over to melt. Garnish with parmesan and basil.

Add a salad and crusty bread and you have a delicious dinner in no time at all!!

 

Now as if that wasn't enough I also made cookies for dessert. These cookies take a little time but believe me, they are well worth it!

Italian Sprinkle Cookies

6 eggs

5 Cups all purpose flour

2 Cups confectioners sugar

2 tbls. plus 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 cup vegetable oil

1 tbls. almond extract

1-1/2 tsp. lemon extract

Glaze

1/2 cup warm milk

1 tsp. almond extract

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3-3/4 Cups confectioner sugar

Colored sprinkles (jimmies)

 

In a mixing bowl, beat eggs until light and foamy (about 5 minutes) Set aside. In another mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar & baking powder, stir in oil and extract. Gradually add eggs (dough will be stiff). Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

For glaze: combine milk & extracts in a large bowl. Add sugar, whisk until the glaze is smooth. As soon as cookies are removed from the oven, quickly immerse two or three at a time into the glaze. Remove with a slotted spoon or fingers. Place cookies on wire racks to drain. Quickly top with sprinkles. Let dry 24 hours before storing in airtight containers.

Yield: 7 dozen

 

These are definitely worth the time to make and will surely be a crowd pleaser at your next event!