Recipe of the Month: Chicken Tortellini Soup
It comes together in 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day.

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez, thepioneerwoman.com
Yields: 6 Servings Prep Time: 15 Mins Total Time: 30 Mins
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 stalks of celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 3 qt. chicken broth
- 3 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (20-oz.) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
Directions
- In a medium Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the chicken and tortellini and simmer until the chicken is warmed through and the tortellini is tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the fresh parsley and serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tip:
Add 3 cups of baby spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing addition of vegetables.
Source: thepioneerwoman.com

The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day Summer has a way of making “quick little outings” turn into full-blown adventures. A trip to the pool becomes dinner on the way home. A Saturday errand turns into a stop at the park. A lake day somehow requires 47 items, three snacks, and at least one person asking, “Did anyone bring sunscreen?” Enter: The Summer Go Bag . It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfectly organized. It’s just a small tote, backpack, bin, or canvas bag you keep stocked with the little things that make summer life easier. Think of it as your warm-weather backup plan. What to put in your Summer Go Bag: Sunscreen + bug spray Because nothing ruins a good day faster than realizing you needed both about two hours ago. Reusable water bottles Keep one or two empty bottles in the bag, or toss in a couple of bottles of water before you leave. A small first-aid kit Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, allergy medicine, and any must-have family basics. Phone charger or power bank Especially helpful for road trips, long days out, or those “I swear my phone was at 42% five minutes ago” moments. Wet wipes + tissues For sticky hands, spilled drinks, mystery car messes, and every parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle who has learned the hard way. A lightweight towel or blanket Great for parks, wet seats, surprise splash pads, outdoor concerts, or impromptu picnics. A few snacks Granola bars, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks — anything that can survive a little heat and prevent a hunger-related family incident. Plastic bags or a small trash bag For wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, snack wrappers, or anything you don’t want touching the rest of your car. Spare sunglasses or a hat Simple, useful, and always appreciated when someone forgets theirs. Pet basics, if applicable A leash, collapsible water bowl, waste bags, and a small towel can make pet-friendly outings much easier. Where to keep it: Your car is usually the easiest spot, especially if you’re often on the go. If your vehicle gets too hot, keep heat-sensitive items like sunscreen, medicine, and snacks inside the house and toss them in before you leave. You can also make a smaller version for: Pool bags Lake bags Sports practices Road trips Grandkid days Dog park visits The real trick: Restock when you get home The Go Bag only works if it’s ready when you need it. After a busy weekend, take two minutes to replace what you used: snacks, wipes, sunscreen, bandages, water bottles, or plastic bags. That tiny reset makes the next outing so much easier. Summer should feel a little more spontaneous — and a little less like you’re packing for an expedition every time you leave the house. A simple Go Bag won’t solve everything, but it might just save the day.











