Winter weather means comfort food. Nothing quite says comfort like a bowl of creamy, hot soup. And there is no better time to enjoy soup than January’s National Soup Month!

When it’s time to say "Soups On!" homemade potage dazzled with the addition of dairy, a crusty loaf of bread or a side of buttermilk biscuits and a leafy salad will certainly garner rave reviews. And you can rest easy knowing the dairy ingredients are nourishing your guests.

The process doesn't have to be high maintenance. Use your slow cooker or Instant Pot® to create soups with a set-it-and-forget-it attitude. Make more than you need, as this recipe freezes and reheats well.

Pro Tip: Best results in mixing milk with broth for a creamy finish come by adding dairy ingredients at the end. This gives other ingredients a chance to reduce and build flavor. Then, the addition of your favorite dairy--such as milk, yogurt, or cheese--combine to create that wonderful mouthfeel, texture, and finish everyone loves.

Cheesy Does It: As you melt cheese into any soup or sauce, remember that smaller pieces melt better than bigger ones. Cold cheese grates better than that at room temperature. Add the grated cheese in small batches for the best results. Stir as you sprinkle it in. As one batch melts, add another.

When Soup Becomes Sauce: Leftovers? Add more thyme, fresh minced parsley, and a tablespoon of tomato paste to a cup of this soup and use to sauce anything hot off the grill.

Mushroomand Brie Soup

2Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2lbs. mushrooms

2Tbsp. butter

1onion, thinly sliced

1-2sprigs fresh thyme

2Tbsp. flour

1/2cup red wine

4cups beef or veggie broth

4oz. ripe brie, shredded

1/2cup heavy cream

salt& pepper to taste

Sliceor chop the mushrooms. Use a mix of varieties. Sauté in olive oil until lightlybrowned.

Addbutter, onions and thyme; cook until onions are tender (5-7 minutes).

Stirin flour. Blend well.

Addwine and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook for 20 mins. Slowly, addshredded brie to hot broth. Stir as the brie melts.

Stirin heavy cream. Cook to warm through. Season to taste.

Here’sto starting your 2020 with comforting, warm soups that nourish your body forthe year ahead!

Heidi Billotto, Charlotte-based culinary expert, writes about food, restaurants and food-centric travel for regional magazines, newspapers, blogs & websites. In addition, Heidi conducts private in-home or office cooking classes for corporate team building & social gatherings. Follow her culinary adventures at HeidiBillottoFood.com.