Tip of the Day #15:

If you happen to be snowed in, or stuck inside for a while, instead of eating for comfort try doing something else like cleaning or decorating. Even if you decide to cook make something healthy like Soup or Chili.
We happened to make Vegetable Beef Soup on Friday, while it was snowing. We still have some left. Something like that really hits the spot when it's cold and snowy outside.
Here's my recipe:

                                                            Vegetable Beef Soup

1 1/2 pounds of Beef Stew Meat.
Water to cover.
3-4 Beef Bouillon Cubes or 1 Tablespoon Beef Broth Base and Seasoning Mix.
1 can of diced Tomatoes.
1 can V-8 Juice. (low-sodium)Water to make the pot about half full.
4-6 med-large Potatoes. Peeled and cut-up in bite-size pieces.
6 med-large Carrots. Peeled and cut-up in bite-size circles.
1 package frozen Vegetable Soup Mix or 1 package frozen Mixed Vegetables.

Place the Stew meat in a large pot.
Add enough water to cover a little above the meat.
Add the Bouillon Cubes or Beef Broth Base and Seasoning Mix.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and boil gently for about 2 hours.
Add the V-8 Juice and Tomatoes.
Can add more water if needed.
Continue cooking for about 30 minutes.
Add the Carrots and Potatoes
Cook another 30 minutes.
Add the frozen Vegetables.
Cook another 30 minutes or until everything is done and tender.
Serve with Crackers.

My mother used to make this soup and I've been making it for years. It is a very good way to get a lot of vegetables in one meal. This will give you a lot of vitamins, as well as protein and other nutrients, too. I believe my mother used Tomato Juice, but the V-8 adds more nutrients and we really like it.