Baby its Cold Outside!

This traditional dish, sometimes called Italian wedding soup, successfully marries the flavors of meats and greens. The spoon-size turkey meatballs in this version make it a real kid-pleaser and hearty enough to be a satisfying supper.

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound ground turkey
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup finely minced onion
• 1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 cup orzo or pastina
• 1 (10-ounce) package fresh spinach, washed, trimmed, and torn into bite-size pieces

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, water, egg, onion, bread crumbs, cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
2. In a large pot, combine the broth and carrots and bring them to a simmer. Add the orzo and let it cook for 5 minutes (pastina takes 2 minutes), stirring frequently.
3. Add the meatballs and simmer them in the broth for 10 minutes. Then stir in the spinach and simmer it until it's wilted, about 1 minute. Serves 6 to 8.