This hearty Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is like a warm hug by the fire on a cold day. Loaded with potatoes, veggies and ham -- pure comfort food. It’s also quick and easy to prepare and is ready to eat in about half an hour. I buy ham after major holidays at a reduced price just for delicious treats like this throughout the year. I slice, dice and cube chunks of the ham and freeze them in quart sized zipper bags in 2 cup portions. It only takes a quick trip to the freezer when the mood strikes for a super hearty – omlet, casserole or whatever. An unexpected early – early – fall snow was the inspiration for this wonderful soup. Thaw the ham before cooking, either by setting it in the refrigerator overnight, putting it in a pan of hot water for a couple of hours, or a 1-2 minutes in ... [Read More]
Soup
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is creamy delicious, richly satisfying and rumored to be a copycat of the wildly popular Panera version. (I personally haven’t gone that far down the Panera menu – just found my favorite and stopped there!) It is guest worthy – lunch or dinner, with a small salad and a light dessert. Serve it to the family one evening and take the leftover soup to work the next day for a yummy lunch. I prefer the original wild rice blend because I like the texture of the rice better. I used the basic chicken flavor and Uncle Ben’s brand, but choose the flavor variety of wild rice blend that matches your family’s taste. It takes about 20 minutes total to cook. You can use the quick cook version of the wild rice blend by turning off the burner under the soup pot, ... [Read More]
Seriously Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup
The best ever chicken noodle soup – and so quick to make. You can have a hot and filling complete meal on the table in just about thirty minutes. Add a small salad or a cup of fruit, maybe a crusty roll. Done! Game on. Or whatever else claims your time in a busy day. A quick recipe often uses packaged ingredients and this is no exception. Use broth – canned or in a carton – to save time. The canned soup helps thicken the soup without spending time you don’t have making a roux. The ranch dressing helps thicken, and also provides flavor, without measuring a bunch of ingredients. But first time I made this particular soup – way back when -- it was so salty I ended up throwing it away. And that is NOT an economical choice – not in terms of health, finance, time or any other way you ... [Read More]
Savory Chicken Noodle Soup Mix
Savory chicken noodle soup mix is not your grandma's chicken soup even though it tastes just like it! And just like grandma's soup, this makes a healthy, comforting gift -- but so much easier to make. Pair a jar of mix with a can of chicken and it is perfect for a sick friend. A minute or two of measuring water and waiting for the soup to cook is all the effort needed to make four servings of healthy comfort. Chicken noodle soup mix is great for the pantry shelf as well. A healthy no preservative quick lunch or dinner for those really busy days – just add crusty bread and/or a salad. A single college student or young professional would also appreciate this (along with a couple of other mixes!) as a stock the shelf gift. Minimal prep time and there will be 2-4 meals depending on ... [Read More]
Potato Soup Mix — gift in a jar
Potato Soup Mix is great for your own pantry shelf. You can make a mug for lunch or as a warm up after a chilly afternoon raking leaves. It's convenient, quick and very easy to make a tasty mug full! For the same reasons, this Potato Soup Mix also makes a great gift for the person who often eats lunch at their desk. It's perfect for the backpacker who needs something lightweight and filling as a meal or quick snack. Create your own uses. Begin by mixing all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Buy the instant potato flakes in a box or pouch. I use 1 package of buttery instant potato mix in the pouch because it gives a flavor boost. You'll have to use a full pouch and a part of a second. I usually use one pouch and complete the full amount by using the plain potatoes from ... [Read More]
Chicken Taco Chili
Chicken Taco Chili was a unanimous thumbs up the first time I made it. And every time since. Before I found this recipe I was definitely not a chili fan. Chili always seemed "heavy" and unappetizing. This one, with chicken and taco seasoning, is light and flavorful and full of good stuff. When Bytes and his big brother turned up their toddler noses at something, I'd wait a couple of weeks or so to bring back the objectionable food. When they protested at food they'd already rejected, I told them that they didn't like it when they were little but now that they were "big" boys it their taste buds just might like it. Worked 99% of the time! Obviously, my taste buds have finally matured. You'll like it too!! Chicken Taco Chili is very simple to make ahead and freeze for later ... [Read More]
