Almost Alphabet Soup (A Sunday Blessing)

I know. I know! I've been too gone for too long. But between the election, a weekend away for our anniversary, and a rip-roaring cold that had me in bed and out of work since last Thursday...

So this is a post about soup. I am a canned soup baby -- my Mama raised me on the lovely red and white Campbell's cans, and my favorites were always tomato and vegetarian vegetable (the "Alphabet" soup).

Now, most of you with GF issues know, there's barely a soup on the Campbell's menu that is considered GF. There's wheat in tomato soup (can't figure out why) and of course pasta in chicken noodle and vegetable soup. Even the cream soups have wheat!

But imagine my shock last week when, on the Delphi Celiac Forum, it was reported that Campbell's has basically removed the GF status from its Prego spaghetti sauces with an all-encompassing statement that basically states, "we can't guarantee the GF status of this food, so you better not risk it." It now seems the sauces contain natural flavors that may be made with barley, rye or oats.

Aw Campbell's, say it ain't so.

From their site-

"Allergen Labeling Code of Commitment"

From nourishing soups, sauces and beverages to wholesome snacks, Campbell is committed to providing extraordinary products that nourish people's lives everywhere, every day.

Since our founding in 1869, we have worked to provide an extensive choice of products that can help consumers meet their daily nutritional and lifestyle needs while consistently delivering on taste and quality. In our continued desire to meet your expectations, we are committed to providing accurate and reliable ingredient statements upon which you can make your purchasing decisions. As ingredients in our products may change, we recommend that you check the label on our products for the most current and accurate ingredient and nutritional information."

Isn't it ironic? This is the company that has a condescending, annoying, blindfolded, soup-slurping woman identifying a piece of carrot to the exact farm location, yet Campbell's can't tell me if a sauce has gluten in it.

Please.

I've managed by now to replace all my favorite uum-uum good products with ones that are certified GF, but I am sorry to say I won't take a single chance on ANY Campbell's product ever again. If they won't tell us if there's gluten in it, what else AREN'T they telling us? Oh yeah, and that all natural stuff? Give me a break.

I did manage the other day to make a vegetable soup that very closely resembled my favorite alphabet soup. You should try it.

Almost Alphabet Soup

2 packages frozen soup vegetables (available in several brands, but includes corn, peas, potatoes, carrots, limas, plus seasoning vegetables. I got mine at Kroger.)
1 envelope GF brand onion soup mix
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes plus two cans of water
One can diced tomatoes with juice
1 T. ranch dressing seasoning mix (I use Penzeys brand but Hidden Valley is GF)
2 T. GF worcestershire sauce
1 cup uncooked GF pasta shapes (or regular is you're not GF).

Mix all ingredients until soup veggies are cooked through and soup is simmering. Add pasta until cooked.

I hope everyone has a great week. Almost time for turkey day...more on that later!
Much love, and stay warm in this fall chill.
Ging