Prepare the Base with Gratitude & Reflection:

Begin this nurturing experience by heating olive oil in a large pot, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. As you add shallots and garlic, take a moment to savor the fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen. This simple act can remind you of the comfort that cooking brings. Stir in the sausage, breaking it apart gently. If you prefer a vegetarian option, plant-based sausage works beautifully.

As you add finely chopped Calabrian chilis and red pepper flakes (if you choose), allow yourself to embrace the vibrant flavors. Remember, you can adjust the chilis to suit your taste—listening to your needs is essential.

Affirmation: "I am grateful for the warmth and comfort this meal will bring." Repeat this affirmation, letting it ground you in gratitude, fostering a sense of appreciation for the nourishing moments ahead in your kitchen.

The act of preparing the base with aromatic ingredients symbolizes gratitude for the simple, nourishing moments of life. As the spices and sausage simmer, the rich scents fill the kitchen, inviting reflection on how everyday actions—like cooking—offer warmth, comfort, and connection. It’s a moment to appreciate what’s in front of you.

Build the Broth with Peace & Presence:

Next, stir in the tomato paste, letting it caramelize for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor and create layers of comfort. As you pour in the stock, passata, and diced tomatoes, take a moment to really appreciate this nourishing blend. Add the herbs and bay leaf, allowing it to simmer for 15 minutes. During this time, take a deep breath and inhale the peaceful aromas filling your space—let them calm your mind and center your thoughts.

Affirmation: "I welcome peace and joy into my life this month." Say this affirmation aloud, feeling the resonance of peace wash over you amidst the bubbling pot of deliciousness.

As you build the broth, you are laying the foundation for a rich, flavorful meal, just as we lay the foundation for peace in our lives. Letting the soup simmer represents the process of slowing down, being present, and welcoming calm and joy into our hearts, especially during a busy month like December. The slow simmering mirrors the importance of patience and mindfulness in cultivating inner peace.

Cook the Pasta Honoring Abundance & Celebration:

Add the lasagna pieces to the simmering soup, knowing that they will soften beautifully in about 8-10 minutes. As you stir in the cream and Parmesan, take a moment to savor how these ingredients elevate the dish, creating a comforting richness that brings a sense of joy. This act of creation not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul, reminding you of the abundance that surrounds you.

Affirmation: "Abundance flows to me in all areas of my life." Repeat this affirmation, allowing it to reinforce feelings of prosperity and fulfillment, opening your heart to receiving good things.

The addition of lasagna pieces represents the abundance that we add to our lives—nourishment, love, joy, and connection. As the pasta softens and blends with the rich broth, you’re reminded that abundance doesn’t always come all at once, but in small, consistent steps. The cream and Parmesan added at the end symbolize the abundance of experiences and blessings that add richness and depth to our lives.

Garnish and Serve - New Beginnings:

As you ladle the soup into bowls, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful colors and textures. Top it with fresh basil, a dollop of burrata or ricotta, and a drizzle of truffle oil, creating a visually stunning and uplifting dish. Serve it with crusty bread, sharing this comforting meal with loved ones. This can be a heartwarming way to connect with family and friends, creating bonds over nourishing food.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of stock to keep the soup's consistency just right—this is a nurturing touch reflecting self-care.

Affirmation: "I step into the future with hope and confidence." Repeat this affirmation as you enjoy your meal, letting it remind you that with every bite, you are embracing new beginnings and possibilities.

The final garnishing step is a visual representation of new beginnings. Just as fresh basil, burrata, and truffle oil bring a finishing touch to the soup, stepping into the future with hope and confidence brings a sense of completeness and renewal. The thoughtful additions to the soup reflect the importance of embracing new opportunities, allowing the little details of life to elevate our experiences.

Serving Suggestions

As you serve this comforting lasagna soup, it’s not just about nourishing the body, but also about nourishing the spirit—aligning the act of enjoying this meal with the themes of December.

1. Closure: Reflecting on the Past Year

   • Serve with a Slice of Freshly Baked Sourdough or Garlic Bread
     Sourdough and garlic bread, with their warm, hearty texture, are a reminder of the comfort found in taking time to reflect on the year. As you dip your bread into the soup, consider the moments of growth, challenge, and success you’ve experienced. Let each bite be a moment of closure, appreciating how far you've come and allowing the year to come to a peaceful end.

     • Affirmation: “I honor my past and let go of what no longer serves me.”

   • Drink Pairing: Red Wine – Zinfandel or Syrah
     A full-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah brings deep, rich flavors with a hint of spice, perfect for reflecting on the past year. Zinfandel’s fruity, peppery profile can evoke the warmth of fond memories, while Syrah’s boldness invites a sense of closure. These wines pair beautifully with the savory flavors of the soup, grounding you in the moment as you honor what has passed.

     • Affirmation for the Drink: “I honor my journey and embrace the lessons of the past year.”

2. Celebration: Joyful Moments Shared

   • Top with Fresh Basil and a Drizzle of Truffle Oil
     Fresh basil and a drizzle of truffle oil add a celebratory flair, elevating the dish with luxurious flavors. These finishing touches represent the celebration of the present moment—marking the joy and gratitude of what you have now. Share this meal with loved ones, taking the time to appreciate the connections you’ve made throughout the year.

     • Affirmation: “I celebrate the blessings of today and the love that surrounds me.”

   • Drink Pairing: Sparkling Wine – Prosecco or Cava
     To celebrate the present moment, a glass of sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava adds a bubbly touch to the meal. The crisp acidity and effervescence of sparkling wines lift the spirits and bring joy to any occasion. As you enjoy your lasagna soup with a celebratory toast, the fizz mirrors the lightness and happiness of the season, perfect for marking the holiday season with family and friends.

     • Affirmation for the Drink: “I celebrate the love and joy that fill my life today.”

3. Renewal: Stepping Into a Fresh Beginning

   • Garnish with Burrata or Ricotta Cheese
     A creamy dollop of burrata or ricotta symbolizes renewal and the beginning of something new. The smooth texture of the cheese contrasts beautifully with the rich soup, representing the balance between comfort and transformation. As you enjoy this final bowl of soup before the new year, consider it a moment to embrace fresh opportunities, new experiences, and the promise of growth in the year ahead.

     • Affirmation: “I step into the future with hope and confidence, ready for new beginnings.”

   • Drink Pairing: Herbal Tea – Chamomile or Peppermint
     For renewal, sip on a warm herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint. Chamomile has a calming effect, promoting relaxation and renewal, while peppermint is refreshing and invigorating—both perfect for closing one chapter and preparing for the next. These teas are gentle, restorative, and cleanse the palate, symbolizing a fresh start as we look forward to the new year.

     • Affirmation for the Drink: “I embrace the new beginnings that await me and welcome change with open arms.”