Soup Shortcuts!

As National Soup Month continues, some of you are probably thinking, "I want to make a delicious flavorful soup, but I've never made one before!"

For you, I offer these soup shortcuts from Food & Wine Magazine to add more flavor to soups without spending hours over the stove!

• Give canned broth extra flavor by simmering reserved chicken or meat bones in the broth for 15 minutes; strain the liquid and use for soup.
• Check out salad bars for ready-to-use ingredients, such as pre-cut vegetables and cooked shrimp, chicken and meat.
• Add leftover cooked pasta, meat and vegetables for instant substance. Most cooked vegetables can also be pureed, then stirred in to thicken soups.
• Use frozen vegetables such as peas, spinach or corn, to cut prep time. Add them to assorted soups or puree them with broth, cream, and sautéed onion, then simmer to make a smooth soup

You can also save a lot of time without cutting the flavor by using these fantastic soup starters from Williams-Sonoma. They are all quick and easy! Just add beef or chicken broth and simmer.

French Onion Soup Starter

Poblano Corn Chowder

White Chili Starter

Tuscan White Bean Soup

With these shortcuts, there is no reason you can't enjoy a warm hearty soup tonight! Happy National Soup Month!