Crisp air with nipping winds. Scent of fallen leaves and cold dirt. Chilled bones. Overcast skies speak of foreboding rain…. or could it be snow? You make your way to the door and give a lively knock. A hearty aroma of soup has unapologetically taken over the house and greets you just seconds before we do. That warming, nourishing welcome we all know so well steaming from a single pot simmering on the stove.

In this case it’s our trusty, red dutch oven. Second only to our outstanding knife set, this treasured kitchen tool has been at work most of the day; temperately cooking the delightfully creamy, nutrient dense layers of deliciousness that is gnocchi soup. The tried-and-true Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon* to be exact. And you are just in time! Drop your coat and pull up a chair.

We hope you’ll feel at home as we chat and tie up some loose ends. The couple young’uns you saw on your way in need calling in, schoolbooks need putting away, toys need shoving aside and the table needs setting.

Mission accomplished. Many hands make light work. Thank you for slicing the kalamata & oregano bread! You certainly did not need to do that. We are ready for meal prayers at last.

True to our unspoken family rule, you are cozied around our table for a meal so that basically means you’re temporarily part of the family. Please, do help yourself to whatever you would like. We have a fantastic dry red opened…..ssssh, we won’t tell the wine critics! Fancy the glass? It’s my husband’s favorite. That’s a bit of a treasure itself; passed along through his dad’s Sicilian side of the family.

Everyone, big and little, seems to be served. Buon appetito!

We sincerely hope you enjoyed the meal! I know there was quite a bit going on. The conversations crisscrossed and varied on each side and end of the table. There were a few dumb jokes. The toddler emptied her soup bowl one handful at a time onto her bread plate while we were all…. well, we were clearly right there. Someone else spilled some soup. There were a couple quick tears. But we know you understand. None of that subtracts from a beautiful family supper. That IS family supper. Living, breathing, family supper at its fullness.

And you’re right! There was a definite Italian feel to imbibe in as well. The meal. The glass. The soft Italian instrumentals playing in the background. When I took that dutch oven out this morning I had no intention of taking us all on a trip. Yet slowly and surely it unintentionally became intentional. I mean, who wouldn’t take a brief mini trip to Italy in their Midwestern home if the opportunity presented itself?

Anyway, we are so grateful you were able to share in it all with us this evening. Your presence was a blessing. Have a safe drive home!

Oh!! And don’t forget to let family, friendship…. and soup!… heat your way through these colder months! God bless.

*Not affiliated with this site. But check out (and TRY!) her recipes online or in her lovely cookbooks. Delicious food and gorgeous photography! Tieghan knows her way around the kitchen.