Classic Tuscan Soup

Classic Tuscan Soup | Simply HappenstanceClassic Tuscan Soup //

It’s winter… but I live in Southern California, so it’s not reallllllly winter! I surely can’t relate to those of you shoveling snow and bundling up in your cozy cold-weather gear. Where I live, we’ve had a few days of cooler weather, some rain, and even one day of random snow {can you believe it?}… but for the most part, we’ve had many days in the 70’s. {I’m not complaining, I assure you!}

Despite the warmer weather we’ve had this past week, I do still crave cups of soul-warming food and steaming hot beverages! This Classic Tuscan Soup completely takes care of those seasonal cravings. It’s filled with earthy, satisfying vegetables and hearty white beans. It’s a healthier soup, so for those of you eating clean… this one’s for you! [Read more…]

Homemade Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Homemade Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com} #tomatosoup #grilledcheese :: Homemade Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons ::

It’s no secret that Miss Blue and I love watching the Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network. Every one of Ina’s recipes is so tasty and worthy of creating in your own home. I recently sat down with my sweet girl and watched an episode featuring this soup. It wasn’t the tomato soup that had me eager to try it out — but the grilled cheese croutons! How could anyone resist those?!

Homemade Tomato Soup w-Grilled Cheese Croutons {simplyhappenstance.com}-49

I am an avid recipe review reader. I love to read all about peoples’ likes and dislikes when it comes to a recipe I’m about to make. I definitely changed this one up a bit, adapting some of the herbs, adding a bit of sugar, and by puréeing the soup to make it even creamier. I think that you’ll love the result!  [Read more…]

Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy Tomato Soup

:: Creamy Tomato Soup ::

There is nothing like Creamy Tomato Soup on a cold winter’s day.  It truly can warm the soul.  I myself love soup and I look forward to cold days when I can make a batch.  I often like to double my soup recipes, and save half for later.  It’s best enjoyed when I can’t think of what to make myself for dinner… when the kids are covered, and my husband is away for work.  When I have a plan, like homemade soup in the freezer, it makes life that much more enjoyable!

I know at this point in your lives, you have tasted a million Creamy Tomato Soups.  You have your favorite go-to place that you like to buy a bowl with lunch or dinner. Hey my favorites are Sundried Tomato and Paradise Bakery!  This Creamy Tomato Soup tastes much like one of my favorites, and that is why I love it so!  I had a severe addiction to Tomato soup during my pregnancies. 

It only takes a few key ingredients and a little bit of love and you’ll have yourself a steamy bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup in the comfort of your cozy kitchen!  A perfect start to any meal {such as Valentine’s Day}, or add a salad and some crusty sourdough, and you have a simple yet delicious meal on a Tuesday night.

[Read more…]

{weekend} lovelies

 forest walk {photo via simply happenstance}

:: Weekend Lovelies :: 

Happy Weekend, Friends! Nicole and I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying the first weekend of November! Do you have any fun fall plans? If so… please share!

I’m personally hoping for a relaxing weekend spent at home… {As if that’s possible with four kids, right?!} We’ve been quite busy with homeschooling, family hikes {the photo above was taken on our hike last week}, and ballet rehearsals for Miss Sophia Blue, among other things! We got our first dusting of snow a couple of weeks ago! We are truly soaking up this lovely season of autumn, since it is all so new to us!

This edition of {weekend} lovelies is a mixture of pretty things… some comforting recipes, simple home design, DIY projects, the best crafting blogs, a love story, and more! I hope that you’re able to take a moment and enjoy them while sipping on your favorite warm drink! 

Maple Brown Sugar Pumpkin Roll // Bakeaholic Mama I must make this dessert, simply based on how divine the filling looks! Oh my! 

Maple Brown Sugar Pumpkin Roll

A Swedish Home // Scandinavian Home Blog I can’t resist Scandinavian design. I love the simplicity of the interiors with the abundance of fresh white paint and pops of color throughout. 

Scandinavian Design

Fall DIY Projects // Lily Shop I’m loving these three DIY crafts from the Lily Shop Blog! They all seem perfect for the approaching Thanksgiving holiday! Here are the links to the tutorials: 1. Gold Mason Jars | 2. Chalkboard Serving Trays  | 3. Paper Pumpkin

DIY Projects via LilyShop

[Read more…]

Creamy Corn Chowder

 

Creamy Corn Chowder {Simply Happenstance}

:: Creamy Corn Chowder ::

Have you ever had the corn chowder from Mimi’s Cafe? That soup was my inspiration behind this quick, easy, and flavorful autumn meal! {I actually haven’t been there in years… but I have fond memories of that warm, comforting dish!} This recipe is extremely easy using only a few ingredients. It can be made vegetarian, effortlessly, by omitting the bacon. It can also be made healthier by using milk in place of half & half, or heavy cream…. it’s your choice! I decided not to skimp on the creaminess… so I went with the heavy cream. {It was just one of those days!} The corn chowder turned out rich, creamy, and delicious friends! Paired with warm, crusty french bread… you have the perfect fall meal! I hope you enjoy!  [Read more…]