Hearty soups have meat in them. What if it's the day before payday and none can be found in the freezer? What to do? You can make potato soup, if the potato bin isn't empty. It doesn't need to be raining to make this soup, but it helps, especially if it is a cold winter rain and, maybe, spitting snow. That is what you call a soup day. I have several recipes for rainy day soups. It might not sound like something your family would go for, but ask yourself:
1. Does my family like potatoes?
2. Do they like dumplings?
3. Is there any milk leftover from breakfast?
4. Will they tolerate cooked onions?
If most of your answers are “yes,” then give this recipe a try.

RAINY DAY ONION AND POTATO SOUP
2 tablespoons margarine
5 or 6 medium onions, sliced
6 or 7 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
Water
1 teaspoon salt
1 fluffy dumpling recipe
1 to 2 cups whole milk

Melt margarine in dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions. Cook until slightly browned. Add 2 cups water and sliced potatoes. Stir to combine. Add enough water to cover potatoes. Reduce heat and simmer on medium-low heat until potatoes are almost done. Add dumplings. Cover and continue cooking until dumplings are done. Uncover and remove dumplings to a medium bowl. Keep warm in microwave while you add milk to the soup. Heat soup over medium-low heat until almost to a boil. Return dumplings to pot and gently stir to combine. Serve with cornbread, if you've got it.