Homemade Focaccia and Tortellini Soup

If you're looking for a quick weeknight meal this is a great recipe. It's easy to prepare and it's also perfect for a meatless Monday meal. This recipe is a Sandra Lee recipe but I did alter it some to make it vegetarian friendly.

The Focaccia is just as easy to make since it's just a basic pizza dough recipe. Prepare the pizza dough ahead of time to cut out time in the kitchen later in the evening. I like to call the 5 o'clock hour in our house the witching hour, meaning all kids go crazy and it can be tough to get a meal on the table. Any recipe that I can prep ahead is perfect in my book. My family loved this recipe and it will be one I will be saving for the recipe box, I hope you enjoy!

 Homemade Focaccia

 items needed:

• Basic pizza dough recipe
• 2 plum tomatoes
• 2 tbls olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• grated Parmesan cheese 

Directions:

1. Prepare your basic pizza dough, after rising it can be refrigerated up to 48 hrs. You will need the entire recipe, do not split your dough in half. 
2. In a small bowl mix the olive oil and Italian seasoning together and set aside 
3. If dough was refrigerated make sure to take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before use. Work dough on floured surface then spread out evenly onto a 12x17 greased cookie sheet. Using your fingers punch dimples about half way down into the dough.
4. slice the plum tomatoes thinly and place across the dough
5. brush the olive oil mixture all over the dough
6. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake in a 425 degree oven for 6-8 minutes. 

 Tortellini Soup
Adapted from: Sandra Lee

Items Needed:

• 2 tbls Olive Oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 garlic cloves chopped
• 1 14.5 oz can vegetable broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes 
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper diced
• 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 16 oz frozen bag cheese tortellinis 
• 1 tbls Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot on medium heat
2. add diced onions, diced peppers and garlic to the oil and saute for 2-3 minutes 
3. Add in the vegetable broth and 3 cups of water
4. Add in all the remaining ingredients except the frozen tortellinis 
5. Bring pot to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes
6. Add in frozen tortellinis and cook for another 5 minutes before serving