Cooking is second nature to Boston native Libby. Part of a large extended family that makes a habit of sharing meals together often, she\u2019s just as comfortable commanding a crowded kitchen as she is organizing the chaos of the bustling surgical center where she\u2019s the practice manager. \u201cI love to cook and share recipes,\u201d says Libby, who\u2019s also juggling college courses in pursuit of a bachelor\u2019s degree in business management. \u201cIn fact, I cook a lot of soups!\u201d<\/p>\n
This one happens to be inspired by her grandmother\u2019s chicken and pasta soup. \u201cIt was something she made for us often\u2014whenever one of us was sick, or when she just wanted to make something she knew we all loved,\u201d she says. \u201cMy nana never wrote down her recipe. But my mom, my sisters and even my dad have all come up with our own variations over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n
For her Make It Mindful creation, Libby looked for ingredients that would be satisfying but also healthy. \u201cEven though I enjoy a cupcake once in a while, I try to pay attention to what I eat, and I am always looking for quality ingredients that are fresh and not so processed,\u201d says Libby. She started with a savory chicken stock, instead of her grandma\u2019s cream base. Next, she added tender chicken seasoned with oregano, garlic and a splash of balsamic vinegar and honey, along with fresh vegetables, including baby spinach, onions and tomatoes. Last but certainly not least, she chose hearty tortellini pasta, fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese to make it a true comfort food.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhenever I take a spoonful of this soup, it reminds me of my childhood,\u201d says Libby. \u201cIt\u2019s comfort to me. And if I win, I\u2019d feel so proud to be representing my nana and my family.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Cooking is second nature to Boston native Libby. Part of a large extended family that makes a habit of sharing meals together often, she\u2019s just as comfortable commanding a crowded kitchen as she is organizing the chaos of the bustling surgical center where she\u2019s the practice manager. \u201cI love to cook and share recipes,\u201d says […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[95],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-winners-ca"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n