This Chicken and Chickpea Soup Will Become Your Winter Staple

Annelies Zijderveld
Nov 27, 2018

Cookbookmarked! is our new series where we review the latest cookbooks from the foodie influencers you follow. Check back often to find out which new releases are worth your hard-earned cash and the recipes you should try first from each.

When you think of comfort foods, chicken soup tops most lists, but we’d add hummus bejeweled with pomegranate seeds, fried chicken flecked with za’atar, and glistening diamonds of baklava now that we’ve read The Scent of Pomegranates and Rose Water ($30) by Habeeb Salloum and his daughters Leila Salloum Elias and Muna Salloum. They have ambitiously taken on reviving the food traditions of Syria in their new cookbook. You might not think of Syrian food as fodder for simple weeknight meals, but many of the recipes include a regular cast of characters that you already have in your pantry, like lentils and chickpeas, as used in this hearty chicken and chickpea soup you’ll want to whip up on cold winter nights.

The cookbook title itself actually circles back to Habeeb’s wife Fareeda, whose memory is forever tied to the aroma and flavors of pomegranates, nuts, and rose water, a dessert she would make on special occasions. And that same sense of poetry appears in fanciful recipe titles like “The Old Man’s Teeth” (tiny balls of fried dough tossed with nuts in hot honey), a dessert recipe passed down over generations from a Damascene friend. “The Father of Happiness” stew is exactly what we want to eat on a chilly day — we can almost taste the pumpkin, lamb, and chickpea stew that’s garnished with pomegranate molasses.

But for starters, whip up the chickpea and chicken soup. At first, the recipe seems too simple. (And, if truth be told, to shave off 30 minutes from the initial cooking time, we adapted step one by using our Instant Pot on the soup setting.) A key note as you’re shopping: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Both the skin and the bones add flavor and body to the stock, and they help the breast meat remain juicy. Also, you could halve this recipe as it makes 10 portions, but we think a soup swap with friends sounds lovely.

Hearty Chicken and Chickpea Soup

(Serves 10)

Recipe Notes: This is totally our add, but we liked a bit of fresh cilantro on top of the soup. You could also try parsley.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • 2 small cinnamon sticks
  • 3 tablespoons chicken broth powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
  • 4 pounds bone-in chicken breast, skin and fat removed, each breast cut in half
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large onions, julienned
  • 2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 2 lemons (optional)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan 3/4 full of water, add quartered onions, cinnamon sticks, broth powder, salt, pepper, allspice, cinnamon, and Aleppo pepper, and bring everything to a boil for 2 minutes. Add chicken and, if necessary, more water to cover, and bring to a boil. Skim foam and stir. Reduce heat to medium, partially cover, and cook for 1 hour, or until chicken can be pulled apart easily with a fork.

2. Remove chicken and place in a bowl. Strain saucepan contents into another large deep saucepan. There should be about 12 cups of broth (if not, add a little water). Cover and keep warm on low heat.

3. Separate chicken from the bones and shred the meat — this should make about 6 cups—then add it to the broth. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. While soup is cooking, in a large frying pan on medium heat, melt butter with oil. Add julienned onions and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until translucent and soft.

5. Add onions and chickpeas to broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Serve hot, with a squeeze of lemon over each portion if desired.

Cozy up to more comfort foods on Pinterest @BritandCo.

(Recipe photo via Annelies Zijderveld/Brit+Co; cookbook cover photo and recipe excerpted from The Scent of Pomegranates and Rose Water by Habeeb Salloum, Leila Salloum Elias, and Muna Salloum, published by Arsenal Pulp Press.)

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

30 Hot and Broth-y Soups That Will Soothe You Like Chicken Noodle

We all pine for soup season, despite the bone-chilling weather that comes with it. Curling up with a steamy bowl of feel-good makes trudging through the snow seem worth it. (Almost.) Sadly, such weather can also result in the sniffles, aches and that dreaded tickle in the throat. Hot and boozy drinks are a surefire way to warm your insides at night, but you need to nourish that bod too. Though some swear that chicken noodle soup is meant to heal the soul, we’ve got 30 broth-y concoctions that will warm you up in the chill and make you feel better when you're under the weather.

Lemony Garlic Chicken and Orzo Soup

Caramelized garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, kale, and chicken broth all make up this tasty, warming soup. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Minestrone Soup

This plant-based soup is loaded with nutritious and colorful vegetables, beans, pasta, and seasonings. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Miso Cabbage Soup

This miso soup with cabbage is a flavorful and nourishing Japanese-inspired dish. (via The Edgy Veg)

White Bean Soup

This Blue Zone-inspired soup is loaded with antioxidant-rich beans. (via Clean Cuisine)

Oyster Mushroom Soup

This super flavorful soup is made with vegetables, herbs and pasta. (via Give Recipe)

Old Fashioned Beef Stew

The beef in this stew is fall-apart tender, making this hearty soup perfect for lunch or dinner. (via Averie Cooks)

Potato Leek Soup with Italian Sausage

Warm up your week with a satisfying potato leek soup with Italian sausage. (via Completely Delicious)

Ribollita Soup with Greens & Butter Beans

This Tuscan-inspired soup made with a rich tomato broth, lots of veggies and greens, butter beans for protein, and cozy cheese is perfect with a side of toasty bread. (via The Original Dish)

Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

Busy week? Brown some beef and pop all of the ingredients for this delicious soup in the slow cooker! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

This southern-inspired is the perfect recipe for those cozy, chilly days! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Soup du Jour

This soup recipe teaches you how to make any satisfying soup with the ingredients you have on hand. (via Live Eat Learn)

Brothy Beans

This comforting and delicious soup is so easy to make with creamy white beans braised with garlic, onions, fresh herbs, and a parmesan rind, yum! (via Cozy Cravings)

Easy 10-Minute Wonton Soup

This easy 10-minute Wonton soup uses cilantro chicken wontons from Trader Joe’s! (via RachL Mansfield)

Spicy Mushroom Noodle Soup

This miso soup and ramen hybrid takes spicy miso broth, adds edamame, tofu, ginger, and garlic, and pours it over tasty soba noodles. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Kielbasa Soup

Comfort food at its finest: sausage, vegetables, and potatoes! (via Salt & Lavender)

French Onion Soup

This easy French Onion Soup is perfect for the Francophile in you. (via Culinary Hill)

Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup

If you’re staying true to your grandmother’s convictions about chicken soup when feeling under the weather, we got you. This hearty bowl provides you with the essence of chicken soup, but amps it up with salsa verde, chili powder and cumin. (via One Lovely Life)

Spiralized Zucchini Chicken Noodle Soup Jars

This is the perfect low-carb meal prep idea - just add boiling water, microwave and enjoy! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Quick and Easy Pasta e Fagiole Soup

The words “quick” and “easy” sound pretty good when you’re on the down and out. This no-fuss bowl of wholesome goodies will fill you up and warm your belly, leaving you feeling nourished and satisfied. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Winter Vegetable and Oat Soup

When you think of finding comfort in food throughout the chilly months, two things come to mind: hot soups and hearty bowls of oatmeal. Imagine the two together! This is exactly what you get with this big serving of contentment. (via Coffee and Crayons)

Vegetable Miso Soup With Soba Noodles

With a cook time of only 30 minutes, this smooth umami-filled miso soup sure beats trekking out in the cold to get take-out. It’s a cinch to make and it stores well, so be sure to make extra for future indulgence. (via 8th and Lake)

Dill Pickle Soup

This soup is a total *dream* for dill pickle lovers everywhere. Naturally GF and vegan, this bowl of briny goodness can be made in just 20 minutes; no slaving over a stove required. (via Pure Ella)

Whole Grain Chicken Noodle Soup

Sometimes you can’t help but crave a classic. Though this chicken noodle soup brings us back to the basics, it’s anything but standard. Tender chunks of chicken and whole wheat noodles create a bowl that is both delicious and satisfying. (via Simply Sissom)

Vegan Barley and Lentil Soup

This simple and delish bowl of soup is full of healthful ingredients and might just become a winter staple in your home — and you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it. It only calls for a few ingredients, most of which are probably in your pantry right now. (via Vibrant Plate)

Healthy Turkey Wild Rice Soup

One of the best ways to use up leftover turkey is to throw it into a robust soup. This meal will have you glowing with its abundance of tender shredded turkey, nutritious beans and substantial rice. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Italian Wedding Soup

This simple and quick American-Italian classic is always guaranteed to satisfy. Filled with leafy spinach, orzo and tender meatballs, this soup will cozy you up after a single spoonful. (via Jo Cooks)

Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup

This glorious flavor-packed jumble lets you set it and forget it — no effort required. Just place all of your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it take care of the rest. Your home will be filled with the comforting aroma of curry and veggies until you can finally dig in. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Stuffed Pepper Soup

With fresh herbs and spices, this deconstructed stuffed pepper soup can be tangy and invigorating and comforting. (via Vikalinka)

Red Curry Noodle Soup

This Thai soup is rich and fragrant and comes together in just 15 minutes! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Butternut Squash, Kale and White Bean Soup

This adaptable vegetarian soup can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese. It’s replenishing, herbaceous and loaded with nutrients. It’s the perfect cure for those wintry chills. (via A Nerd Cooks)

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy + comforting soup ideas.

healthy recipeshot drinksnsfwrecipe roundupslow cookersoba noodlessoup recipesbutternut squashsoups for kidssoup dumplingsbrothy soupsvegan soup recipesbeef soup recipeschicken soup recipesfall recipes

20 Thoughtful Handmade Gifts That'll Wow Your Loved Ones

Brand-new gift sets, foodie gifts, beauty gifts, and the like are sure to bring joy this year, but if you're planning to give something with a personal twist, handmade gifts are *the* way to go. The possibilities are truly endless when you employ your creativity and craft items that your gift recipients have maybe seen (or received) before – hats, cards, coasters, picture holders, and more await.

Check out these entirely homemade gifts that will spark your next holiday idea! Some components of these handmade gifts can even be thrifted, saving you some cash along the way.

Anete Lusina / PEXELS

1. Start simple and make them a personalized card.

Nothing communicates your love, time, and effort behind a gift more than personalized cards. Even if you can’t DIY the gift itself, having a handmade card (with a thoughtful message inside) as a prelude to the unwrapping ritual will touch everyone’s heart. Make sure to craft yours on some hardy cardstock so they feel *extra* special. Peep some of these stellar holiday card ideas for inspiration!

@miascozycorner i inadvertently seem to have to fallen into a purple theme?? #christmascrafts#diychristmasdecor#diychristmasornaments#claycreations#tiktokdiy#christmas♬ original sound - mia 🍒

2. Sculpt some cutie gift toppers.

Handmade gift wrapping elements will also step up your holiday game. These darling little gift toppers that @miascozycorner made out of polymer clay are sure to inspire your own designs! Decorate the shapes you make with paint pens and coat them in Liquitex for durability, then attach them to your gift box or bag using some cute ribbon or yarn.

Riley Williams

3. Use air-dry clay to make picture holders.

Clay is your BFF for making handmade gifts. This idea from @rileyrosestudio lets your giftee display pictures, memories, cards, or even recipe cards in the form of their favorite food! Go for a trendier take by sculpting an olive or tomato out of air-dry clay, or opt to craft something as intricate as a burger or pizza slice – no matter what shape it is, they’re sure to love it. Riley usesgesso to prime her air-dry clay pieces, then an acrylic sealant to make sure those lovely designs stay put.

Meredith Holser

4. Make an orange garland for them.

A dried orange garland takes an entire day (and sometimes more) to make, so your recipient should definitely feel special knowing you put hours of love into this handmade gift. Though they look intricate, you only need to follow a few steps (and have few materials: orange slices, twine, and a thick yarn needle) to achieve the cozy garland. Luckily, there are tons of citrus garland tutorials on social media to assist in your creation. B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith, tied cutie little pink ribbon bows on her homemade garland.

Krissy Derrick

5. Craft a candle holder using clay.

You could use a pottery kitlike these convenient ones to make anything, really, but this wavy candelabra from @modeletto.store will make one of the most unique handmade gifts! Don’t forget to *also* gift somecandlesticks alongside it.

Mariam Antadze / PEXELS

6. Make coasters out of air-dry clay and gift them alongside thrifted glassware.

To make some handmade coasters, roll out some air-dry clay, let it dry, and coat it with gesso before you get to painting! The canvas is yours with this gift idea, but here are a few concepts to get the creative juices flowing: smiley faces, rainbows, spirals, initials, and fruits or vegetables. Ensure that your hard work stays in place with a sealant that’ll repel moisture. Some thrifted glassware pieces to give alongside your handmade coasters would be the absolute cherry on top!

Meredith Holser

7. Create a collage out of old magazines.

Magazines are really not hard to come by, and if you're looking for a sustainable gift, you can find some especially unique ones at re-sell bookstores or thrift stores to make your own collage. Some of the best ones to start with are Vogue and National Geographic. There are a lot of different techniques and themes you could run with, so we recommend doing some visual research on Pinterest beforehand to nail down your collage's concept. Maybe it's full of imagery that reminds you of your relationship, or a jumble of words that form a sweet poem – it's really up to you! Just have glue, an X-Acto knife, and a cutting board on-hand for the process. Complete this artsy handmade gift by signing your work and framing the collage in a nifty frame.

Meredith Holser

8. Thread a handmade necklace using thrifted or secondhand beads.

Got a necklace you don’t love? Deconstruct that baby using small wire cutters or scissors so that you can use the leftover beads and charms to make something entirely new! If you don’t have them on-hand already, you will need some beading cord, bead clamps, jump rings, clasps, and pliers.

Brit + Co

9. DIY your very own body care line.

Making your own body scrubs or balt salts is *a lot* easier than you’d think. Some recipes only call for ingredients you’d find in your kitchen! Make a range of self-care products at home, then package them up in thrifted jars with ribbon and a handmade tag to really impress.

Ron Lach / PEXELS

10. Repurpose cans and tins by pouring candles into them.

Fish tin candles are in, but you can really use any vessel to pour your own candles in. All you need is some candle wax, wicks, and a scent of your choice to create something super unique! Try your first handmade candle with an empty, clean tinned fish tin, then get adventurous with soda cans or crushed tomato cans to bring out that Tomato Girl energy for your gift recipient.

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

11. Make a batch of jam.

If foodie gifts are their thing, then there’s no better item to give than, well, food! We have an amazingly tasty fig jamrecipe, but you can take the reins on what fruity flavor you’ll whip up. This is a convenient handmade gift, too, because the result won’t go bad or spoil before the big day.

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

12. Make a batch of spice mix.

In the same vein of shelf-stable foodie-snacky gifts, spice mixes are always a good idea, and really easy to make at home. Mix together some cajun seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, ranch, or everything bagel seasoning in no time before packing it up in small thrifted jars to gift!

Roman Odinstov / PEXELS

13. Make a batch of chili oil.

Chili oil is very buzzy at the moment, but instead of dropping a bag on a single jar, make your own at home to yield a few! Our recipe uses neutral oil, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, chili flakes, garlic and soy sauce.It only takes a moment to make, but you’ll want the mixture to sit for a week or so, that way the nuanced flavors can all sink in. You could even gift a few recipe cards (like these delectable feta fried eggs) alongside a jar, since chili oil is exceptionally yummy on a ton of dishes.

Anete Lusina / PEXELS

14. Knit or crochet a hat, scarf, or another garment you know they’d like.

Having knitting and/or crochet skills is invaluable when it comes to gifting season. You can easily find patterns online for creating beanies, blankets, scarves, leg warmers, balaclavas, mittens, and more, so your giftee can stay stylishly warm beyond the holidays in a bespoke garment that *you* made!

Damir / PEXELS

15. Make magnets out of air-dry clay for their fridge.

Again, air-dry clay rules the world of handmade gifts. For a smaller project, make some fridge decorations by painting on air-dry clay shapes. You can make hearts, stars, foods, faces, animals, and more! To make your designs magnetized, super glue some small magnet tabs on the back of them.

小龙 魏 / PEXELS

16. Paint a glass bottle with your own design to gift a plant cutting.

You can easily thrift a glass vessel (or use one you already have), paint a unique design on it using glass paint, then fill it with a little bit of water to gift a small plant cutting! This way, you’re giving them a stylish home decor piece along with a heirloom piece of nature that they’ll admire every day as it grows.

Brit + Co

17. DIY an ornament (or a few) for them.

Tree ornaments are 100% on-theme for the holidays, so if you feel a little lost on what to gift, try DIY-ing some ornaments of varying styles! We have some DIYs for punnyones and minimalistones, but there are also a ton of other tutorials on social media that can guide you in the direction you want to take.

Mati Mango / PEXELS

18. Burn a CD full of tracks they’d like.

It may seem a little old-school now, but the gift idea of burning a CD will appeal to every gift recipient that’s old enough to remember portable CD players. They can play it in their car or through their at-home speaker system to jam out. Just grab a pack of blank CDs that come with covers, and let the nostalgic process take you away.

In addition to making your own playlist to gift, you should definitely consider designing an album cover and tracklist for that personalized touch – platforms like Canva are a great option for doing this. The music-lover in your life will surely appreciate the time you took to craft each and every detail of the CD – and maybe they’ll even discover some new tunes along the way!

Brit + Co

19. Bake them a big batch of cookies.

You just can’t go wrong with sweets during the holidays! Whatever form they come in – vegan, gluten-free, paleo – cookies are sure to satisfy your giftee. We have a ton of recipes you could check out (I highly recommend the Taylor Swift chai cookies), but if you already have a method to your madness, whip up whatever dessert recipe you have in mind. Just make sure they’re fairly fresh when you hand them over.

If you don’t have a neat cookie tin on-hand, run to your nearest thrift store. It’s guaranteed that you’ll find a cute one to house your cookies!

Brit + Co

20. Decorate a plant pot with pops of color.

If your gift recipient has a green thumb, it’s not a bad idea to gift them a few plant-related things. Luckily, handmade gifts have a stake in this – just grab a terracotta pot (you can easily thrift one or find one for cheap at the dollar store) and some chalk pens, then decorate the exterior however you like.

To get some ideas flowing, you could include illustrated motifs of your relationship with this person, write their name out in bubble letters, or just doodle random designs. Matching their interior design aesthetic is definitely recommended.

Sign up for our newsletter for all things gifty!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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17 Hearty Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Belly

Summer's over and we’re ready to embrace the crisp cool air and the leaves crunching beneath our feet, chunky scarves and rain boots, tasty cider cocktailand soft pumpkin muffin recipes. What we look forward to most, however, is all that delicious comfort food— including hearty fall soups. It would be wise to stock up on legumes, butternut squash and root veggies now, ’cause you’re going to need them when you cook up these 17 nourishing bowls of belly-filling goodness.

Keepin' It Kind

Smoky Yellow Split Pea Soup With Chickpea, Bacon and Pickled Red Onion

Nothing complements the cool weather more than a hint of smokiness in your spoonful — it truly warms the soul. This colorful and tasty bowl of soup is great for lunch but hearty enough for dinner.

Simply Stacie

Chicken, Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

This soup is pretty freakin’ genius; ingredients you’d normally find on a balanced dinner plate have been blended together in a creamy and plentiful soup. You’ll easily find comfort in this bowl.

Spoonful of Flavor

One-Pot Tortellini Minestrone Soup

We love us some quick and easy one-pot meals. Requiring only 30 minutes to cook, this tortellini minestrone is a nourishing godsend. It’s packed with fresh veggies and beans, and your entire family will be begging for seconds.

Foodness Gracious

Roasted Parsnip and Cauliflower Soup With Buttered Croutons

Parsnips are typically shoved to the side of the plate and forgotten; the root veg is rarely considered the star of any dish. We’re happy to see that change in this rich and delicious soup.

Ambitious Kitchen

Vegan White Bean and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Once fall arrives, you can never have too many squash recipes. Plus, squash soup is basically the poster child for chilly-weather meals. The sweet and nutty flavors are amped up when roasted, so this recipe is all kinds of magic. (via Ambitious Kitchen)

Salt And Lavender

Potato, Leek and Tomato Soup

Potato and leek soup is a classic… but sometimes it’s fun to take a classic and kick it up a few notches. In this case, tomatoes are invited to the party to create an easy, wholesome and delicious soup.

Recipe Tin Eats

Chinese Noodle Soup

This soup packs all the flavor you’d get from a bowl at a Chinese restaurant — it’s hard to fathom that it can be on your table in 20 minutes. Perfect for hectic weeknights, this soup is also a total fridge cleaner — toss in whatever veggies and proteins you have and you’re set.

With Food and Love

Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup With Garlicky Yogurt Sauce

Cream of broccoli soup is hard to match, especially when you add a healthy dose of fiber and make it creamier with a garlicky yogurt drizzle. This should most definitely become a staple on your personal lunch menu.

A Spicy Perspective

Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

I’m sure we can *all* agree that the best lunch combo in the entire universe is grilled cheese and tomato soup. To celebrate our childhood fave, this creamy classic is garnished with golden grilled cheese croutons. That, my friends, is how you adult. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Quite Good Food

Cauliflower and Walnut Soup With Smoky Crumb Topping

This bowl of soup had us at “cauliflower and walnut;” once we reached the “smokey crumb topping” part, we pretty much lost our minds. This creamy, crunchy and earthy soup is a must-try this fall. (via Quite Good Food)

Half Baked Harvest

Winter Vegetable Chicken Noodle Soup With Asiago Crostini

Plain ol’ chicken noodle soup is for the soul, but this upgraded version is for mind, body and soul. It’s so jam-packed with nourishing vegetables, flavor and comforting crunchy crostini, you’ll never even look at a can of soup again. (via Half Baked Harvest)

B. Britnell

Easy Creamy Lentil Soup

There’s no reason to ponder why lentils are increasing in popularity. They’re extremely versatile and make for one heck of a scrumptious dish. This quick and simple blend is super substantial, full of veggies and even vegan-friendly.

The Full Helping

Hot or Cold Thai Carrot Coconut Lemongrass Soup

Bringing Thai flavors into a creamy veg-filled soup is delicious AF, and everyone should be doing it. Along with that coveted sense of comfort, you’ll get bright and refreshing flavors you’ll never tire of.

Superman Cooks

Broccoli Cheddar Mashed Potato Soup

Everything is better with cheddar — especially a thick and luscious broccoli soup. And as if that wasn’t plentiful enough on its own, it’s served over a fluffy helping of mashed potatoes.

Wander Cooks

Spicy Corn Pumpkin Soup

During the fall season, pumpkins enjoy a steady presence in a variety of foods — lattes, donuts, ice cream, you name it. Just make sure to add “soup” to your pumpkin recipe list. You’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t!

Cravings in Amsterdam

Golden Beet Soup with Pistachios And Tarragon

What truly makes a soup? Is it the silky texture or the crunchy, creamy garnishes? We vote for both. The crunch of the pistachios paired with the soft and salty feta make a perfection addition to this velvety soup.

Primavera Kitchen

Kale Tomato Tortellini Soup

This, right here, is the pasta dinner of soups. There’s just something about tortellini soup that fills your heart with joy and gratitude. If you’re Italian, it may be reminiscent of family dinners and holidays, making it that much more special.

Hungry for more? Follow us on Pinterest for more soul-soothing comfort food.

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Kate Middleton's "Amazing" Cancer Update From Prince William Has Us Breathing A Sigh Of Relief

After revealing her cancer diagnosis back in March, Kate Middleton just announced she's finally finished her nine-month long chemotherapy treatment. Instead of releasing a written statement or an Instagram post, Middleton shared an emotional, gorgeous video featuring her entire family. It's a serene celebration of her loving family as they take the next steps in her cancer journey together. Here's what the Princess of Wales said.

  • Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 after stepping back from public life.
  • She also says she has "a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life" after completing chemotherapy.
  • And royal author Robert Jobson says she's "doing very well" as we enter the holiday 2024 season!

What's the latest update on Kate Middleton?

Kate Middleton has finished chemotherapy and it appears she's doing "very well," which we're so thankful for! "From what I understand, Catherine is doing very well," royal author Robert Jobson says in an interview withHello!. "She is back training at the gym and doing all the things she wanted to do."

After Kate stepped back from public view, and the internet went crazy over her supposed disappearance, Robert seems to feel confident she's ready to reenter public life. "I do think that we will start to see a lot more of her, and that she will carry out engagements as well as continuing to work behind the scenes," he says.

Prince William also offered a look into Kate's recovery journey before the Earthshot Prize awards on November 6, telling British journalists (via People) that “She's doing really well thanks. And hopefully, she is watching tonight. So cheering me on.”

“She's been amazing this whole this whole year," he continues. "I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success."

We're sending Kate Middleton and the rest of the Royal Family so much love!

This three minute video packs in a lot of love — and a lot of life – after such a grim circumstance for the beloved royal family. Middleton opens with what a relief it is to announce that she's finished her chemo treatment, and continues by explaining, "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown."

The Princess of Wales elaborates that cancer is "complex, scary, and unpredictable," especially for friends and family. She says, ""This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved."

Middleton says that her main goal is to remain cancer-free, and continue on her long healing journey. She plans to "each day as it comes," while also hoping to join some public engagements in the future. She says, "Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life."

The Princess wraps up her statement by saying that she and Prince William are "grateful" for everyone's enduring support, noting that the overall graciousness and kindness has been "truly humbling." She says, "To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright."

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Throughout her contemplative statement, the video features gorgeous shots of the entire family out in nature, splashing through the beach, walking through a nature trail, and just generally being together. With three grown, yet still young, children, this family vibrancy resonates deeply, reminding us all to hold those we love closely.

We're so thrilled for Princess Kate, and the entire family, on this incredible health milestone, and we continue to wish them well!

When did Kate Middleton get cancer?

Kate Middleton officially announced her cancer diagnosis back in March of 2024. The Princess never explicitly stated what kind of cancer she's battling, only that she was in the midst of a thorough treatment plan.

Back in January of that same year, Middleton underwent abdominal surgery that many assume is associated with the diagnosis at hand. After the described "successful" surgery, Kensington Palace stated that Middleton wished that her "personal medical information" remained "private." They further explained that the public would get updates "when there is significant new information to share."

The next update we received was the March video, explaining Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis, leading us to believe that each incident is tied together.

Regardless, it's great to hear that the Princess of Wales has officially completed her chemotherapy treatment as of today!

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12 New Christmas Movies To Bring You Comfort & Joy This Year

Holiday movies are one of the best ways to get into the spirit of the season and luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy or romance, we’ve got you covered. Pour yourself a mug of comforting hot chocolateand snuggle up with a blanket. Here are our picks for the most highly anticipated new Christmas movies releasing soon!

​Trivia at St. Nick's — On The Hallmark Channel November 8, 2024

Hallmark Channel

Let’s be honest, we all love when Pretty Little Liars co-stars reunite for a new project and the Hallmark Channel is delivering with Trivia at St. Nick’s. When Celeste and Max end up on the same team for their university's annual faculty Christmas Bar Trivia Tournament, they discover a newfound friendship — and chemistry. Who knows what could happen between the two of them before the championship?

Trivia at St. Nick’s stars Tammin Sursok and Brant Daugherty.

​Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

The holidays can be hard for those dealing with a loss, which is something Kathy is still experiencing. However, what will happen after she magically brings a handsome snowman to life? Will she learn to love again?

Hot Frosty stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Katy Mixon Greer, Lauren Holly, Chrishell Stause, Joe Lo Truglio, and Craig Robinson.

​Red One — In Theaters November 15, 2024

Karen Neal/Amazon MGM Studios

Who doesn’t love an action-packed holiday adventure with Dwayne Johnson as the North Pole's main security guard and Chris Evans as a bounty hunter? Throw in a kidnapped Santa Claus and you have a Red One Christmas.

Red One stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel and J.K. Simmons.

​An Almost Christmas Story — On Disney+ November 15, 2024

Walt Disney Studios

The third and final installment of Alfonso Cuarón’s holiday shorts collection for Disney+ is almost here, and it follows the adventure of an unlikely duo: a young owl called Moon and a lost little girl named Luna, both wanting to make it home for the holidays. This Christmas movie was was inspired by the tiny owl who was actually rescued from NYC's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020!

An Almost Christmas Story stars Cary Christopher, Estella Madrigal, Jim Gaffigan, Mamoudou Athie, Alex Ross Perry, Gianna Joseph, Phil Rosenthal, Natasha Lyonne, and John C. Reilly.

The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland — On November 15, 2024

Universal Pictures/Hulu

There's nothing more festive than an animated musical and this year, we’re finally getting the film adaptation of Carys Bexington’s The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland, which is a perfect mix of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and Alice in Wonderland. Down the rabbit hole we go!

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland stars Emilia Clarke, Gerard Butler, and Simone Ashley.

​The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

The Merry Gentlemen is your classic story of a former big-city girl returning to her parents’ small-town to save the day, but with a twist…a steamy, all-male Christmas-themed production!

The Merry Gentlemen stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel.

​Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27, 2024

Chuck Zlotnick/Netflix

Christmas with your ex? Definitely not fun for anyone, especially when you’re stuck under the same roof with new partners. Prepare for a whole lot of chaos and mixed feelings!

Our Little Secret stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

​Nutcrackers — On Hulu November 29, 2024

Nutcracker Productions LLC/Hulu

Ben Stiller is back on our screens after seven years in Nutcrackers! The comedy is filled with heart and tells the story of Mike, who's all work and no play. Everything turns upside down when he becomes the guardian for his orphaned nephews. What’s extra fun is actors Homer, Ulysses, Arlo, and Atlas Janson are actually siblings in real life.

Nutcrackers stars Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Edi Patterson, Tim Heidecker, Toby Huss, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Arlo Janson, and Atlas Janson.

​A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter — On Netflix December 6, 2024

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

After Sabrina Carpenter’s incredible sixth album, Short n’ Sweet, she’s ready to give us the holiday special we deserve this season. That’s right, it’s a nonsense Christmas with the singer performing songs from her fruitcake holiday EP as well as some unforgettable covers. Plus, we all know there will be some fun surprises!

A Nonsense Christmas stars Sabrina Carpenter.

​A Carpenter Christmas Romance — On Lifetime December 21

Lifetime/A+E

Andrea escapes to her family’s farmhouse to finish her novel. This leads to a run-in with her woodworker ex-crush, who's helping rebuild the town after a tragedy. Naturally, sparks fly.

A Carpenter Christmas Romance stars Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert.

​Oh. What. Fun. — On Prime Video Soon

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Claire's preparing to celebrate Christmas with a special family outing, until they forget her (giving classic Home Alone vibes). While this could lead to a miserable holiday for everyone, Claire's determined to get back to her family.

Oh. What. Fun. stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria, Joan Chen, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu, and Maude Apatow.

​Champagne Problems — On Netflix Soon

Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for Clase Azul

Who doesn’t want to take a trip to the city of love? Friday Night Lights' Minka Kelly is set to play an executive who goes to France in hopes of obtaining a well-known champagne brand. But life has other plans when she falls in love with the founder’s son.

Champagne Problems stars Minka Kelly.

Here are 28 Insanely Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes For The Holidays to go with your holiday watching :).

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