I get readers that message me about recipes they have tried or recipes they want me to try. Some emails are good, some bad, but I am thankful for everyone that reaches out because it pushes me to become a better home chef and writer.

Recently, I received an email from a woman who made the everyday quick bread and loved it! She mentioned she had also made the minestrone soup and loved it, however she is going to add the pasta separately to the bowl.

Pasta in soups can continue to draw liquid which in turn, thickens the soup too much. If you add the pasta separately to the cooked broth and veggies, the pasta stays small and the liquid stays where it should be- in the soup.

Whether it be chicken noodle soup, my minestrone, or any pasta with noodles, we suggest keeping them in a separate bowl and adding some in for serving. Famous chefs place the minestrone shells or ditalini at the bottom of the bowl and ladle the rest over.

I want to thank Janice for reminding me about this trick and now I am able to share it all with you. Stay warm and happy cooking.

Claire Stabbert is an accomplished cook who loves to try new recipes. While she does enjoy eating at restaurants, she also loves to whip up a good meal at home. Claire gets some of her cooking inspiration from her grandfather and grandmother, Fred and Shirley Stabbert as well as Great Grandma Nellie.