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Chicken Fagioli Soup

November 6, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

Chicken Fagioli Soup

Chicken Fagioli Soup hits the spot on a chilly, drizzly fall day. And yesterday, that was our weather here in Northwest Arkansas. It was perfect for writing and reading, but a girl’s gotta eat, too. So I whipped up a batch of fagioli soup using ingredients on hand.

I think this would be amazing made with leftover grilled-on-the-Green-Egg Italian sausage, but it was mighty good (and a bit lighter) made with spinach and feta chicken sausage. I used Applegate Organic brand.

(By the way, fagioli means pasta and beans.)Continue Reading

Thai Carrot Soup

February 27, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

Thai Carrot Soup

Soup pairs well with wintertime, but so many of my favorite soup recipes are heavy and carb-laden. As much as I’d love to hibernate until spring, I don’t have time to feel tired and sluggish. I can’t imagine any of us do. Thai Carrot Soup is a winner in my recipe book not only because it’s a nourishing meal, but it tastes delicious without forcing me into a long winter’s nap.

Know what I mean?

Remember the Campbell Soup saying, “Soup is good food?” It’s true.

Thai Carrot Soup checks ALL the boxes for me. Ginger adds an explosion of fresh flavor and spice. Cayenne gives it a little extra kick. Ooooh, Lordy, this soup is miraculously creamy and rich even though it’s broth-based.

Continue Reading

The Best Beef Stew!

December 6, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

Beef Stew, the ultimate comfort food?

Oh my goodness. This is the best beef stew! John made it last week. You’ll want to make it soon. He’s not one to strictly follow a recipe. Instead he studies lots of recipes then creates his own by adding a little more of something, changing something, omitting something. This beef stew is one of his best. It’s hearty, flavorful and comforting. A keeper recipe for sure!

O Come All Ye Comfort Foods…

What makes a comfort food? For me, a comfort food nourishes body and soul, touching some special space inside, reminding me of childhood, home, winter days long ago, snow days, Sunday after church days, days I wrap tight and hold dear. Something about the perfect combination of food, flavor, family, makes me feel better. Comfort foods are reliable.

They aren’t low calorie. Hahaha. Life doesn’t work that way.

“On this cold, winter day, I’m really craving some tuna packed in water to make me all cozy inside,” said no one ever. 

(Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against tuna.)

Momma made beef stew in the fall and winter. It stuck to our ribs when the weather was frightful and noses were runny. It was an inexpensive meal, too, one that called for not much meat but lots of potatoes and carrots. And, it was a good way to sometimes sneak in peas, which I didn’t much like.Continue Reading

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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