It’s time for some warm comfort food this season. Enjoy this super easy, cozy tomato soup that will keep you warm on chilly days.
Ingredients
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or tomato sauce
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded mozzarella or parmesan, fresh basil, red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Build the base In a large pot, combine tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
2. Add cream and seasoning Lower heat and stir in the cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Warm for 2-3 minutes.
3. Serve and enjoy And just like that, you’ve made a delicious, creamy tomato soup! Enjoy with crackers or a grilled cheese for the ultimate cozy meal.
‘Tis the season to start enjoying some winter favorites! These gingerbread cookies are classic, fun, and the perfect way to start off the holiday season.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
gingerbread person cookie cutters (optional)
Icing ingredients
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A few drops of lemon juice (optional, helps balance sweetness)
Instructions
1. Make the base mixture In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla and mix until smooth. Then, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat and prep Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Create the cookies Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, then cut out the gingerbread people shapes and transfer them to the sheets.
4. Bake Bake 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how soft or crisp you prefer. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack.
5. Make the icing Stir together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, vanilla, and lemon juice. Add more milk in tiny amounts until the icing reaches a smooth, pipe-able consistency. Then, put the icing into a plastic bag and cut off the corner when you’re ready to decorate.
6. Decorate your gingerbread Now for the fun part! Let the gingerbread cool, then decorate them with the icing however you’d like.
7. Enjoy! Let the icing set, then enjoy this tasty wintry treat.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump on Monday unveiled the holiday decorations for her family’s first Christmas back at the White House and her theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”
The decor also nods to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and founding of the United States of America.
Melania Trump has decorated the White House for the holidays, and her theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”
Several dozen volunteer decorators from across the country helped deck the halls of the Executive Mansion with 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet (213 meters) of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, over 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) of ribbon, over 2,800 gold stars, more than 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread.
That tree was an East Wing fixture and the first one visitors encountered after they entered through those doors, but the building and a covered walkway, or colonnade, connecting it to the White House were demolished by Trump in October as part of his ballroom plan.
Public tours, which had been suspended because of the construction, are to resume Tuesday but with a shorter route limited to just the State Floor, which includes the East Room; the Green, Blue and Red Rooms; the State Dining Room; the Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer.
The Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms on the Ground Floor — one level below the State Floor — were cut from the tour route because of the construction.
The White House expects tens of thousands of visitors for holiday tours, receptions and parties before Christmas. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico doors on Pennsylvania Avenue using a new, semi-permanent walkway and entrance.
A statement from the White House said Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the U.S. exceptional and that, while every home has its own traditions, shared values unite Americans.
“In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude,” the statement said. “These moments remind us that the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is.”
Planning for the holidays starts months in advance, and the White House said Melania Trump chose every detail of the decor.
Trees in the East Room are trimmed in patriotic red, white and blue and national symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, to highlight the coming America250 national celebration.
The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars honoring families that lost a member in the line of active-duty military service. The official tree traditionally recognizes each state and territory and this year’s fir is decorated with ornaments showcasing the official bird and flower of each.
The Green Room celebrates family fun, featuring large portraits of the first and the current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, respectively, each made from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces.
Thousands of blue butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in a celebration of young people and in tribute to Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative , which is part of her Be Best child-focused initiative, to support people who have been in foster care.
A holiday highlight, the gingerbread White House on display in the State Dining Room shows off the mansion’s South Portico and offers a special glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room, a sitting room off the Truman Balcony in the president’s private living quarters on the second floor.
It was made using 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread, 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of pastillage, a sugar-based modeling paste; over 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of chocolate and 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) of royal icing.
Part of the White House creche is on display in the Grand Foyer while the rest of it is undergoing a restoration overseen by the curator’s office.
Most of the tree trimming and hall decking was done after the Trumps decamped to their Florida home early last week for the Thanksgiving holiday. They returned to the White House on Sunday.
After a holiday, it can be a little daunting to get back in the kitchen day-to-day. This classic potato soup recipe is the perfect way to ease back in. It’s warm, cozy, and super easy to bring together.
Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for a creamier soup)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped green onions or chives for topping
Bacon bits or crumbled bacon (optional)
Instructions
1. Build the base In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Then, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a paste. Gradually pour in the broth while stirring and let the mixture come to a simmer.
2. Add the potatoes Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are very soft. Then, add the milk and simmer 5 more minutes.
3. Add the cheese Stir in the cheese (if desired) and let it melt into the soup.
4. Top and serve Serve warm with green onions, chives, or bacon on top. Enjoy this soup for a comforting and filling dinner!
All this week, Celebri-TEA News is presented by Once Upon a Child in Raleigh, where you’ll find baby and kids’ stuff for less. Once Upon a Child’s Raleigh location is conveniently located at 6411 Plantation Drive, just off of Capital Blvd.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Carolina rookie Brandon Bussi made 15 saves for his first NHL shutout, Nikolaj Ehlers scored at 2:52 of overtime and Hurricanes beat the Calgary Flames 1-0 on Sunday for their second straight victory.
Ehlers beat rookie goalie Devin Cooley after Taylor Hall put the puck on net. Ehlers scored his fifth goal of the season and first in seven games. Sean Walker also assisted.
Bussi played back-to-back games for the first time in his NHL career.
Cooley stopped 16 shots. The Flames lost for just the second time in their last six games. They were shutout victims for the third time this season.
Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal returned from a three-game injury absence. He played slightly more than 14 minutes.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bryce Young completed 15 of 20 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns — two of them coming on fourth down — and the Carolina Panthers forced three turnovers by Matthew Stafford to beat Los Angeles 31-28 on Sunday and snap the Rams’ six-game winning streak.
The Panthers intercepted Stafford twice with Mike Jackson returning one for a 48-yard touchdown and ended the 37-year-old’s NFL record of 28 straight TD passes without an interception.
Derrick Brown, who tipped a ball resulting in one of Stafford’s first pick, came up with a key strip-sack with 2:25 left in the game to preserve the win.
The win allowed the Panthers to remain a half game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. The Bucs held on to beat Arizona 20-17 on Sunday.
Stafford completed 18 of 28 passes for 243 yards with two touchdown passes to Davante Adams, his 13th and 14th of the season, for the Rams (9-3).
The Panthers (7-6), who had just one pass play of longer than 20 yards in a 20-9 loss to San Francisco on Monday night, got several key ones from Young on Sunday.
He connected on a 35-yard TD pass to Chuba Hubbard, a 33-yard TD strike to Jalen Coker and a 43-yard scoring toss to Tetairoa McMillan with 6:43 remaining that was the decisive score.
The Panthers used a strong running game to control the clock in the second half and keep Stafford and the high-powered offense off the field. Hubbard had 83 yards rushing from Rico Dowdle added 58.
The Panthers appeared to be in control entering the fourth quarter leading 24-21 and running the ball well.
But tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was flagged for a key holding call deep in Rams territory and the Panthers drive halted resulting in a punt.
The Rams came alive on offense with Blake Corum escaping around right end for a 34-yard run. Puka Nacua then hauled in a dramatic leaping, one-handed 30-yard catch to set up a 7-yard TD run by Kyren Williams to give Los Angeles the lead.
But Carolina answered when McMillan got behind the Rams defense and hauled in his only catch of the game — a 43-yard touchdown from Young— on a fourth-and-2 play to give Carolina back the lead.
Earlier in the game, Young found Coker for a long score on a fourth-and-3.
Stafford passed Matt Ryan to move into eighth place all time in yards passing.
Stafford threw his NFL record 28th straight touchdown pass without an interception to Adams on the game’s opening possession to give the Rams a 7-0 lead, but on the second possession Brown tipped his pass and Nick Scott intercepted it in the end zone.
Injuries
Rams: Kyren Williams battled through an ankle injury, but stayed in the game.
Panthers: None reported
Up next
Saints: At Arizona on Sunday.
Panthers: Have a bye next weekend, then play at New Orleans on Dec. 14.
