Wellness Corner, Recipes

Of course sandwiches go with any kind of soup, but somehow, tomato soup and grilled cheese have always seemed the ideal pairing. A quick tomato soup recipe will rescue you from high-sodium canned soups. Your grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect sidekick. Last month we talked about soup and what a wonderful meal it makes. But sometimes you want something more. For my taste, the very best thing to add to your soup meal is a grilled cheese sandwich. They taste rich, but do not have to be overly rich. Tired sounding to you? You’ve eaten them since childhood? Try our suggestions on the next page to give a new spin to this classic. FYI, even though these soups call for canned tomatoes and broth, the sodium is much lower than using a canned soup.

(StatePoint) While investing in your health and wellness can sound like an overwhelming goal, there are easy, tangible resolutions you can make to feel your best and better protect your health. “A new year is the perfect time to consider your personal goals, and how you can make positive health choices in the coming year,” says American Medical Association (AMA) President Gerald E. Harmon, M.D. “Small lifestyle changes today can have a lasting effect in improving your health.” Not sure where to start? Consider these resolutions from the AMA:

1. Learn your risk for type 2 diabetes by taking a simple online 2-minute self-screening test at

DoIHavePrediabetes.org.

Steps you take now can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. 2. Be more physically active.

Adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderateintensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorousintensity activity. 3. Know your blood pressure numbers. Go to ManageYour

BP.org to better understand your numbers and take necessary steps to get high blood pressure under control.

Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

4. Reduce your intake of processed foods, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Also reduce your consumption of sugarsweetened beverages and drink more water instead.

5. Manage stress. A good diet and daily exercise are key ingredients to maintaining and improving your mental health, but don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend or mental health professional when you need it.

For a happy, healthy 2022 and beyond, consider making these five doctor-recommended New Year’s resolutions today.

1 14-oz. can of diced tomatoes (diced with sauce if you can nd it, or plain Hunt’s sauce if you don’t want any chunks at all) 1 14-oz. can of low-sodium broth (Swanson’s does not have MSG)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Basil, either a few fresh leaves at the end or some dried while cooking and then fresh at end Put them in a pot, stir, heat for 15 to 20 minutes, then add the salt and pepper and basil.

1 14-oz can tomatoes 1 carrot 1 stalk celery

Other vegetables you have around: a little broccoli, potato, zucchini, mushrooms, cauli ower, peppers, etc. 1 onion or 6 scallions 3-6 cloves garlic

Water to cover, salt to taste Put all of the ingredients in a pot. Simmer the veggies for half an hour or more, until the carrots are tender. With an immersion blender or a food processor, whiz them until smooth. Then drop in by spoonful: 6-8 oz. cream cheese Blend again and check for salt. If you have it, sprinkle with:

Fresh basil or parsley

Nothing goes with tomato soup like a grilled cheese. But it doesn’t have to be the same every time. Change it up! Try crunchy whole-grain bread, rye with caraway seeds, or soft Italian bread. Check out the cheese section of your supermarket deli (or the cheese drawer of your refrigerator) for new options. Gouda and Swiss melt beautifully. Brie or goat cheese make an elegant, upscale sandwich. Try a good sharp cheddar or stick with the traditional American cheese.

Optional add-ins:

Slices of tomato Slices of apple Pickles Finely chopped onion Brown mustard Sliced olives Bell peppers—or hot peppers Fresh spinach Sauerkraut A slice of deli ham or turkey Avocado slices Hot pepper jelly Fresh parsley or basil Grilled chicken