Baby, it's cold outside!

Supreme Pizza Soup and Whole Wheat Cheesy Garlic Bread

Baby, it's cold outside! Perfect time for some warm-your-body, good-for-your soul soup! This is a healthier option to Pizza, with the same great flavors but less calories, especially if you use Turkey sausage. Cook some up tonight. :)

Supreme pizza soup:

1/2 lb. Italian Sausage (I use Jenny-O turkey sausage which will save you about 90 calories)

3oz diced pepperoni (I used the pre-sliced and just dice them up into smaller pieces)

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 C sliced button mushrooms

1 C diced red onion

1/2 C diced red bell pepper

1/2 C diced green bell pepper

1 Tbsp. minced garlic 

1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

Salt and black pepper to taste

3 cans no-salt added diced tomatoes in juice (14.5oz each)

1 C Swanson's Organic reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/4 C black olive slices

In a large pot over medium-high heat brown sausage and pepperoni in oil for 5 minutes.

Drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Pour off all but 1Tbsp drippings and return to burner.

Add mushrooms and sauté until juices are released, about 3 minutes. Add onion, bell peppers, garlic, Italian seasoning, and pepper flakes; cook for 5 minutes until veggies are soft. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in tomatoes, broth, olives and the reserved meat mixture. Simmer soup until heated through about 10-12 minutes.

Total time: 35 minutes

Makes 8 cups

Per cup: 181 Calories (less if you use Turkey sausage)

Whole Wheat Cheesy Garlic Bread

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1 Tbsp. minced garlic

1 premade 12" pizza crust (I use Boboli's whole wheat for a healthier option)

5oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

3 Fresh Basil leaves, thinly sliced

2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley or 1/4 tsp. dried parsley

Preheat over to 450°.

Melt butter with garlic in a small saucepan over low heat. Brush over pizza crust and top with mozzarella. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bake bread directly on over rack until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and parsley and slice into 8 wedges.

Total time: 40 minutes (includes preheating oven)

Makes: 8 wedges

Per wedge: 218 calories