It’s been fun to be home and celebrating Christmas with the family; then, I went to Maine and spent New Years with John and his family. All good things. But, all the festivities have left me exhausted and, unfortunately, sick with a bad cold. The only thing I want when I’m sick is a hot bath and some hot soup.Being sick is no fun and being sick in Boston was less fun because being all alone and feeling crummy is really hard. Who wants to take care of themselves when they’re like that? Lucky for me, my mom now lives right down the hallway! And with Mom comes lots of TLC and especially, delicious soups.

The perfect way to start the New Year is with people you love; I’ve got that under control. While starting the New Year sick, its not unusual for me. I always get colds this time of year, so the best thing to do is stop it in its tracks. This soup warms my belly, throat, and soul. This and my bed. I’ll be as good as new.

Ground Turkey and Bean Soup
Serves: 4
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground turkey
1 onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
3 cans chicken broth
1 can ground tomatoes
1 can red kidney beans, drained
1 can cannelini beans, drained
2 red peppers
1 yellow pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the turkey in the pot and then add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent. Add chicken broth, ground tomatoes, and both cans of beans. Dice the peppers and add them. Flavor with paprika, pepper, and salt to taste. Cook 15 minutes.

Until the next time my oven is on…