Winter warmth

The first day of Winter is an excellent time to enjoy a nice warm cup of your favorite soup. What a warm, comforting addition to a cold Winter day. Any day is a good time for a nice warm bowl of soup. This pumpkin and bean soup will warm your tummy and won't cost much to make:

What you'll need:

1 can white beans
1 small onion finely chopped
1 cup water
1 can (15 ounce) pumpkin
1 1/2 cups apple juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, allspice, or ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (more if you like)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1. Blend white beans, onion, and water with a potato masher or blender till smooth.

2. In large stock pot from your best stainless steel cookware, add the pumpkin, juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Stir.

3. Add the blended bean mix to the pot.

4. Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.

This delicious, low-fat soup gives you a full day's supply of vitamin A and is a good source of iron and calcium as well.