Italian Wedding Soup #SundaySupper

     This #SundaySupper we're having a Helping Hands them and making Dishes for Friends in Need.  Many people have heard about the devastation Hurricane Sandy caused on the East Coast several weeks ago.

      New Jersey's First Lady Mary Pat Christie had this to say.  "Hurricane Sandy has brought unthinkable devastation to parts of our Garden State, destroying homes, businesses and some of New Jersey’s most identifiable icons. The Governor and I have organized this relief fund to aide, comfort, and rebuild New Jersey. The images and stories of the damage are heartbreaking.

      In the aftermath, I urge you to support our friends, neighbors and communities impacted by the storm. They need our help and need it quickly. Thank you for your generosity. We are strong and resilient.  We are proud New Jerseyans."

     The theme is all about cooking from our hearts and the best comfort food I could think of is soup.  Soup is warm, filling, and comforting especially on these cold fall nights.  One soup that I enjoy is Italian Wedding Soup.  I've never made it before so I figured it was time to make myself a bowl and share the comfort with those affected by the storm.

      The soup has a chicken broth base filled with spinach, meatballs, and noodles.  We paired it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a warm and hearty meal.

Italian Wedding Soup (adapted from Family Foodie)
8 c. chicken broth
1 egg
1 c. shredded, cooked chicken
24 mini meatballs (homemade or store bought)
1 (10 oz) package chopped frozen spinach
1 c. Parmesan cheese
8 oz. Orzo Pasta

1.  Pour the chicken broth into a large stock pot.  Place it over medium high heat and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium low and simmer.

2.  Squeeze the water out of the spinach and dry.  Combine the spinach, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese in a bowl.  Mix well.

3.  Stir the spinach mixture into the chicken broth.  Add in the shredded chicken and meatballs then simmer for 30 minutes.

4.  Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to the package directions.  Drain and add to the soup.  Simmer for an additional 30 minutes. 

5.  Spoon into bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese.
  

Breakfast and Brunch:

• Orange Rolls from That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
• 12-Grain Buttermilk Pancake Mix from What Smells So Good   
• Cranberry Bread from Home Cooking Memories

Comforting Casseroles and Entrées:

• Pork Chop Casserole from In the Kitchen with Audrey
• Basic Lasagna from Fast Food 2 Fresh Food
• Italian Sausage and White Bean Bake from Girlichef
• Spanish Chicken with Chorizo and Potatoes from Crispy Bits n Burnt Ends
• Turkey and Vegetable Pasta Bake from Gotta Get Baked
• Baked Salmon with Cucumber Salad from The Urban Mrs.
• Enchilada Pasta Casserole from Dinners Dishes and Desserts
• Spaghetti Pizza Bake from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• Gluten Free Spaghetti Squash with Pancetta from No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
• Cabbage Koftas from Soni's Food
• Bowtie Marinara with Goat Cheese from Family Foodie

Warming Soups and Sides:

• New England Clam Chowder from The Meltaways
• Italian Wedding Soup from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Soul Warming Butternut Squash Soup from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
• Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese "Croutons" from Damn Delicious
• Corn Basil Handpies from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Manhattan Clam Chowder from Noshing with the Nolands
• Comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup from Juanita's Cocina 
• San Antonio Chicken Tortilla Bake from The Weekend Gourmet
• Peruvian Steak and Potato Stir-fry from Hip Foodie Mom 
• Simple Southern Red Potato Salad from Mama Mommy Mom
• Homemade Chicken Soup from Daddy Knows Less
• New Orleans Red Beans and Rice for Those in Need from The Catholic Foodie
• Sweet and Sassy Pineapple Stuffing from In the Kitchen with KP

Sweet Endings:

• Pound Cake Loaf from Magnolia Days
• Fall Apple Pie from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Dairy-free Marble Cake {Marmorkuchen} from Galactopdx
• Mini Dark Chocolate Cakes with Mint Chocolate Chip Icing from The Realistic Nutritionist
• Orange Pound Cake from Basic n Delicious
• Spicy Gingerbread with a Mocha Glaze from Daily Dish Recipes

If you are interested in making a donation to help the hurricane victims, here are links to the two charitable organizations we recommend:

This post linked to:
Scrumptious Sundays, The Bulletin Board,