Chic Chef: Italian Wedding Soup

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Check out our Featured Mom, Joanna Moeller's, at home version of Italian Wedding Soup. 

There is something in this dish everyone in the family will enjoy.  I know it looks so hard... but here is how she does it! It's so simple. See how she breaks down each step.

This is a wonderful and easy soup recipe that both children and grown ups love. It's great for a week night dinner or also to serve for guests.

Ingredients for Meatballs:

  • 1lb. Of ground pork. (You may also substitute ground chicken or turkey) 
  • I cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • About a 1/2 cup of whole milk ( you want the meatball mixture to be very moist) 
  • Salt and pepper

Remainder Ingredients:

  • 1/2 of yellow onion chopped
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 celery stalk diced
  • 1 and 1/2 container of chicken broth
  • 1/2 lb or box of small pasta such as orzo
  • 1 bunch of fresh spinach chopped
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/3 cup Olive oil

Here are the steps:

  1. Start by making your meatball mixture. 
  2. Put olive oil into pot set stove to medium high
  3. Brown in batches in a heavy bottom pot such as a Dutch oven or any soup pot is fine. Set aside browned meatballs.
  4. Put in your vegetables except for the spinach. (That goes in last. )
  5. Sauté for about 2 min. 
  6. Add stock, salt/ pepper meatballs
  7. Summer for about 20 Min. 
  8. Add pasta directly to pot and cook for another 8 min. 
  9. Throw in the chopped spinach
  10. And serve with plenty of grated Parmesan

Enjoy!

Family Movie Night

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Do's - 

1. Pick a movie everyone will enjoy - If this becomes a battle amongst the kids try picking a few choices and then rotating who chooses or having them choose together earlier that day so they aren't fighting over the movie right before you are ready to start. 

2. Try the classics - Show them movies that you loved as a child!

3. Set the stage - Make the atmosphere conducive to watching a movie. Make it special and fun! Try getting extra large pillows and blankets so everyone can cuddle up and enjoy!

4. Popcorn, candy and drinks - We always have popcorn, candy and drinks which makes it feel like a real movie. See my post under DIY popcorn party for tips on candy for the kids!

5. Make it a bonding experience - Who does't love to cuddle with the kids. Make it a special and memorable time. It's not just movie night; its a time you are all together relaxing as a family. And thats pretty cool. 

Don'ts-

1. Try not to pick movies that may bore the kids. If they lose interest, movie night is over :( So let them weigh in.

2. Don't expect the kids to sit and watch a movie if they have been in all day. Try getting them out for a long walk or park time before the movie so they are eager to sit and relax. 

3. Candy- Giving the kids too much candy at night can be bad for everyone. The sugar rush won't help the littles sit still either. I'm not saying don't offer candy but just be aware of how much they consume!!