Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup=YUM.

I have been craving soup for the past week or so. I figured what better day to make a yummy dinner than Sunday so I gave it a whirl today. I have made Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup in the past but this recipe is phenomenal. I don't know what it is about this mixture of ingredients but it sure hits the spot. Here is the recipe:

Makes about 2 quarts (about 8 servings)

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
4 cups chicken broth
½ bay leaf
½ cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
½ cup butter
2 cups half and half, warmed (or skim milk if you’re trying to cut some calories)
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

1.  Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker.
2.  Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.
3.  About 30 minutes before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper.  Add additional basil and oregano if needed (the slow cooker does a number on spices and they get bland over time, so don’t be afraid to always season to taste at the end).
4.  Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.

This soup is really good leftover but tastes amazing right out of the crock pot. This time I didn't add as much Parmesan cheese and rather added more tomatoes, since I still have so many from my garden. Enjoy :)

How Giuliana and Bill Prepared for Pregnancy | Surrogate Style

Giuliana and Bill Rancic have finally got their baby boy they have been wanting. After battling infertility issues and countless doctor office visits later Giuliana finally found out that she had Breast Cancer, which was the cause of her infertility. Without the help of Bill, Giuliana would not have gotten through her tough life battles. After getting a full mastectomy Giuliana is back at it and enjoying motherhood. 

I always wonder how couples that are expecting a child through a surrogate mother help her prepare for pregnancy. Do they go with to all doctor's visits, visit each other often or plan out the pregnancy process together? Unlike having the child themselves surrogate mothers depend on the help of the family they are giving birth for. They rely on them for support and it would be interesting to see first hand how it all works.