Here's another offering from Karen Danielson's kitchen.  Now that cold weather is here to stay for a while, there's nothing like a hearty soup to welcome the family home and warm their bodies and hearts.  Try this one.

Heart-Healthy Cheese Tortellini Soup   

8 cups de-fatted chicken broth, canned or homemade
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced onions
1 clove garlic, crushed then minced fine
1 - 16 oz. bag frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups washed chopped escarole, packed, OR
               1 -10 oz box frozen chopped spinach
salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon Mrs. Dash extra-spicy
fresh grated parmesan cheese, as garnish
croutons, as garnish

Place first 5 ingredients in 5 qt. Dutch oven.   Bring to boil, then lower heat to simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. 

Add cheese tortellini and cook in broth, according to directions on package.   Add salt and black pepper to taste; add Mrs. Dash.

Remove soup from heat and add escarole or spinach.  If using spinach,  thaw under running hot water, squeeze out excess moisture and then add to soup.

Cover soup and let set for about 10 minutes.   Ladle into large soup bowls.  

Garnish each bowl with fresh grated parmesan cheese, and /or croutons if desired.