Leek and Potato Soup

I think Potato Soup always tastes better than it looks.  Case in point:

The potatoes get all shy and flee to the bottom of the pot, while the parsley puts on a slinky show with the butter. 

But this potato soup was amazing in its simplicity and had a slightly more sophisticated taste.

Leek and Potato Soup

2 Leeks, trimmed of the dark green tops and root tips

5-6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

4 cups of water

2 tbs. butter

4 chicken bouillon cubes

1 clove of garlic, chopped

1 can of evaporated milk

1 tbs. dried parsley

Now, leeks are a little fussy.  I think that since they look like the upperclassmen version of the green onion, they think they have the right to boss everyone around and be difficult to handle. 

But we can do it.

Slice the leeks in half, lengthwise.  Then slice them crosswise into little half moon shapes.  Fill the sink with a little water, place the leeks in a colander in the sink and let them soak so that the sandy dirt will fall to the bottom of the sink (so Rachel Ray).

Heat the butter in a soup pot over medium heat.  Add the leeks and the garlic.  Let them cook until they get all soft and lazy.  Then add the chopped potatoes, water, and bouillon cubes.  Crank up the heat and bring it to a boil.  Boil until the potatoes are soft, maybe 12 minutes. 

Once the potatoes are soft, turn down the heat to medium low and add the evaporated milk and parsley.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Serve.

It is so good.

I served it with homemade chicken salad and crackers.

Oh, and when you make chicken salad, add a couple of tablespoons of capers to the usual mix. 

But, don't tell me you did.

Because I might show up at your house and lick the bowl in front of your family. 

And that would be weird for all of us.

Slow Cooker Fancy Chicken

OK, I totally didn't remember to take a picture of this dinner, so you are just going to have to trust me...it is sooooo good!

Slow Cooker Fancy Chicken

3-4 Chicken breasts, thawed

1/2 c. chicken broth

1/2 c. white wine

8 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms (I used baby bellas)

1/2 a red onion, chopped

1 tbs. chopped garlic

1 tbs. dried parsley

1 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary

2 bay leaves

salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 c. heavy cream

2 tsp. corn starch

Place all ingredients except the cream and cornstarch into the slow cooker.  I literally just piled it all in there, didn't even stir.  Cook on low for about 6-7 hours or high for about 4 hours. 

When the chicken is done pull it apart in the slow cooker with a fork.  Just stir it all up, making sure to leave the chicken chunky. If it isn't on low, turn it down now and leave the lid off for a few minutes.

Stir the corn starch into the cream.  Add the cream mixture and stir.  Let it cook on low for about 30 minutes.

Serve over brown rice. 

Oh, my.  This was wonderful.

My husband (who hates rice and barely tolerates chicken) loved this.  I fed it to four kids, and they all thought I was amazing. 

And I was.  Because I made three chicken breasts feed six people really well.

Look out.

Sweet Potato Oven Fries

Tiny Love said something to me yesterday that all mothers long to hear:

"Mom, your cooking is better than McDonald's." 

Be still, my heart.

What did I make that was cause for such a compliment? 

Better-Than-McDonald's Sweet Potato Oven Fries

1 large sweet potato, sliced (you can do a half moon shape like this or more of a French fry shape)

1 tbs. olive oil

garlic salt (to taste or maybe 1/2 a tsp.)

paprika (to taste or maybe 1 tsp.)

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Toss all ingredients in large bowl.  Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.  Bake for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time. 

Serve! 

Ronald has nothing on me.

Crock Pot Mulled Cider

Today was such a lovely day!  The temperature was cool and so much like fall that the kids and I piled into the car and hit the local apple orchard for some cider.  Then we came home to MULL IT while we worked in the yard all day (thanks for everything, Mother-in-Law!).  At the end of a busy fall day, I had hot cider on my pretty little front porch.  Perfect.

Crock Pot Mulled Cider

2 quarts apple cider (our orchard has the BEST)

4 tbs. pure maple syrup (more or less, to taste)

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp. whole cloves

1 tsp. whole allspice

2-3 inch peeling of lemon rind

Pour all ingredients into a small crock pot:

Heat on high for two hours, or on low for four to five hours.

You can put all the spices in cheesecloth and tie it for easy removal, or use a tea ball for the allspice and cloves. 

Or you can throw it all in because you have landscaping to do, and you don't have time to hunt down the tea ball.

Then just fish it out later with a slotted spoon.

Serve!

The only thing missing is a campfire...and s'mores. 

Okay, two things.

Cookies So Good, Your Teeth Fall Out

I baked cookies on Saturday, and the recipe made the most delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER. 

I sent some over to each of my sisters' houses to welcome them home from their mission trip to El Salvador. 

And to keep myself from eating the whole batch by myself. 

Sharing is good for everyone.

Smitten Kitchen's recipe!  Go here to get it.

Now, don't eat too many, or your teeth might fall out. 

Take it from someone who has endured a sugar-induced tooth loss:

Someone who doesn't consume sugar like the favored form of addictive stimulants, and she still lost a tooth last week (ah, rites of passage, how I love you for letting me think Curlyjo is still just a little girl):

Here, Curlyjo, I will let you have the last cookie.

Too slow, girl. 

Maybe next time.

Busy Hands

I have been working on my bread making skills for a couple of years.  I just love making bread.  I like the kneading, the thinking that naturally happens when your hands are busy with a redundant task and the mind is free to wander.  I like the skill that comes with knowing, by sight and touch, that the bread is done being kneaded.  I used to just set the timer and knead it for however long the recipe recommended.  Now, I just know.  I like that.  My latest attempts have been with High Protein Whole Wheat Bread from the More with Less cookbook.  Oh, my.  If you are on a low-carb diet, please look away.  This will be obscene for you.

Yeah, I made those. 

I can't put the recipe on here, because I didn't make it up.  But, the cookbook is so worth the money! 

This bread is not too dense, slices beautifully and is super nutritious.  It is not, however, vegan, if that is a concern.  It is a concern for me, when visions of this book come a-haunting.

But, who could resist?

"Bring me the jam, stat."

(What does "stat" mean?)

The way my mind is wandering, you would think I was kneading something.

Tina's Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Those yummy cookies in the picture?  Those are the creation of a genius:  Tina @ Carrots & Cake.  I have made them many times, and they are as delicious as they look!  Even non-vegans and healthy-food-haters think they are wonderful! 
Give them a try.  And check out Tina's blog for more great recipes.
Thanks, Tina!

Recipe: here.

Menu Plan Monday

To participate in Menu Plan Monday, click here.

I have been trying to plan a menu for the next week for several days.  We have a very busy week, and we are leaving for vacation on Saturday, so our meals need to be quick, easy and not have too many leftovers!

Monday:   Toasted turkey and cheese sandwiches on bakery rolls, chips, fresh veggies with light Ranch dressing

Tuesday:  Enchilada Pie (I will be adapting the recipe by using canned cooked chicken breast and cooking the casserole in the crock pot.  I hope this works!), Salad

Wednesday:  Healthy Cheddar and Bacon Quiche, salad, whole wheat mini bagels

Thursday:  Tex Mex Turkey Soup (adapted by using ground turkey), crackers/tortilla chips

Friday:  "Leftover Round-Up"

Saturday:  Vacation begins!

I do plan to do some cooking while we are on vacation.  Eating out is not my favorite thing to do...it is not healthy or economical, two things that are very important to me.  I will be taking my blender (for smoothies!), and I thought out loud about bringing my Crockpot.  The family members we are vacationing with looked at me like I was out of my mind, so I think I better leave my beloved crock at home. 

What is for dinner at your house this week?

Menu Plan Monday

You want to participate in Menu Plan Monday?  Go to here.

We had such a great weekend!  We did some swimming with family, had a little campfire time, saw my Mom on the webcam, and attended a wonderful church service.  I feel ready for the week!

The plan:

Monday:  Kale and White Bean soup, bread

Tuesday:  Beef Stroganoff, egg noodles, frozen veggie

Wednesday:  Grilled chicken (I will invent a marinade), healthy risotto, veggie

Thursday:  Taco Pizza, salad

Friday:  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, veggie

Saturday:  Spicy Shrimp, brown rice, salad

Sunday:  Leftovers!

Confession:  Sometimes I don't make what is on the list, or I switch the days around. 

I still like having a plan.

I leave you with a couple of weekend pictures that put me in a great mood this Monday morning:

The most beautiful place in the world, my family's farm, also known as "The Compound."

My sweet little family, just being together.

The Roo, who is always doing something funny...like looking deep into the eyes of Curlyjo's doll.

My lovely sister and her family.  And the most glaring portion of the picture...her husband's farmer's tan. 

*giggle*

Brother and The Husband, having a chat. 

I think. 

Gratitude.  For all the precious memories we created this weekend.

Romantic Asparagus?

Ahhhh, Saturday.  I had my Lentil Burger lunch around 11:00 am today, so by 2:00 pm, I was ready for lunch number two ;)
So, I cooked again.

Tomato Soup

Better than Campbell's, cheaper than Campbell's.

1 can tomato paste

2 1/4 c. water

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. soy sauce

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dried basil

3-4 tsp. real maple syrup

pinch of cayenne pepper

salt and black pepper, to taste

grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Put the tomato paste into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add the water and whisk until combined.  Add all other ingredients and whisk.  Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for five minutes.  Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, if you are using it.  I say go for it.  It is even better after it sits for a while!

Two lunches down, and it was time to go couponing. 

I went to the Wal-Mart in my town, which always proves annoying and fruitless.  I usually go to the store in another town, as they are much more cooperative and...nice.

I had coupons that enabled me to get lots of goodies free or nearly so, which wigged out the cashier. 

The loot the lady thought I was stealing:

Nice!  It was worth the ten minute argument with TWO cashiers. 

I came home and cooked again. 

Oh, and I got a bouquet from the Husband today!

Local, organic asparagus for one.  He knows the way to my heart :)

Lentil Burgers

Yesterday I did not cook anything for an entire day.  Somehow I still had tons of dishes, hmmm. 

This morning I just needed to cook something.

And I really needed to clean out the fridge. 

"Necessity is the mother of invention."

Homemade Lentil Burgers

Serves 6

2 1/2 c. cooked brown lentils

3 tbs. tomato paste

McCormick Steak Seasoning, to taste (I used about 1 tbs.)

chopped green chilies (I used about 2 tbs. of the canned variety, but do this to taste)

2 eggs

1 c. bread crumbs

1/2 c. quick oats

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray a non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray.  In a food processor, place lentils, tomato paste, seasoning, and eggs.  Pulse until it is blended.  Pour it into a medium bowl and add the chilies, bread crumbs, and oats. 

Let stand at room temperature for about five minutes.  Shape into patties. Heat 1-2 tbs. olive oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet. Cook the burgers in the skillet about three to four minutes per side.

Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.

Feast. 

I really like these!  Next time I will add some finely chopped onion and garlic, to make it a little more interesting.  I loved that they were not soggy in the middle.

So, the burning question:

Do they taste like meat?

The answer:

Of course NOT.

But they are tasty and healthy.  And I don't like things that aren't meat that taste like meat. 

Because that is just weird. 

Homemade Pizza

Homemade pizza has always been comfort food for my family.  I remember when my mom used to make it when I was a girl, and it was such a treat!  Fast forward twenty-five years, and I am making it for my little family (and Brother and a few of his friends).  I like to make the crust with some whole wheat flour, because it makes me feel virtuous. 

Homemade Pizza Crust

courtesy of allrecipes.com

Into a mixer, pour 1 1/2 c. warm water, 1 tsp. sugar, and 1 Tbs. yeast.  Wait 10 minutes for the yeast to "proof," or look foamy.  You can just stand there and watch if you want, because it is kind of neat.  Not that I do that.

Add 1 Tbs. olive oil and 1 tsp. salt.  With the paddle attachment of the mixer, mix this together.  That may have been a little redundant.  Or thorough, depending on how you look at it.

Next, add 2 c. whole wheat flour. Mix on low speed until incorporated.  Then add 1 c. all purpose flour and mix until it comes together.  Dump it on a floured surface.

Start kneading in the flour.  You will use another 1/4 to 1/2 c. of all purpose flour in the kneading process.  It is hard to really say how you know you are done kneading, but it should take about five minutes. 

Half way through:

Still bumpy and not quite elastic.

Done:

Smooth, elastic, and very pretty. 

Put it into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a towel.  You could use the mixer bowl.  Why not.

Go see what everyone else is up to while it rises. 

Some people may be destroying the living room in order to have a comfortable place to read.

Others may be just too drowsy to participate.

About an hour later, I had this:

Yeast, man.

Punch it down (no, really.  Punch it.) and cut it in two.  Place both under a towel to rise again, just for about 20 minutes. 

When it is done rising, kneed it a little and then roll it out on a floured surface into a circle.  Or something like a circle.

Place it on a pan or pizza stone, top it as desired, and bake in a preheated 475 degree oven for about 8 minutes.  Just look at it.  You will know when it is done.

Because it will look like that, and you will want to eat it...if the teenage boys don't get to it first. 

Luckily, the recipe makes enough dough for two pizzas.

"Party on, Wayne." 

A Juicy Weekend

I haven't been keeping up with my blogging this weekend, as I have been doing this:

Juicing stuff with my new juicer, sitting on the back deck enjoying the sunshine, reading a book that sucked and a book that doesn't (so far). 

In my juice:

• spinach
• cucumber
• basil
• apple
• pear
• ginger
• lime
• JOY.

So, Menu Plan Monday didn't happen.  I don't have a plan yet, but I am sure we will not starve. 

See you tomorrow, if I can tear myself away from the juicer. 

I Can Make That!

I love my coupons, but I never clip the following:

• kitchen cleaners (like 409, Lysol, etc.)
• laundry boosters (like stain releasers,etc.)
• glass cleaner
• bleach spray cleaner

Why?  Because I can make these for a fraction of the cost and in very little time.  My favorite is "all purpose cleaner."  It works on so many things (thus the name?):  carpet spills, kitchen counters, sinks, toys, varnished wood surfaces, etc.  And you can make it too.

All Purpose Cleaner

Materials needed:

• Dish soap (any kind)
• white vinegar
• borax (this stuff is awesome--so many uses!)
• an empty plastic spray bottle
• warm water
• Optional:  a few drops of tea tree oil (for scent and disinfection purposes)

Into the spray bottle, pour 2 tbs. dish soap, 2 tbs. white vinegar, and 1 tsp. borax.  Add the tea tree oil if you are using it (it can be found in the supplement section at Walmart).  Swirl gently to mix.  Fill the bottle the rest of the way with warm water.  Put the spray lid on and close tightly.  Turn the bottle several times to mix.  It is ready!

I actually wrote the recipe in marker on the outside of my spray bottle, so I never have to search for it when I need to make more.  It works great and doesn't have a strong chemical smell, which I appreciate. 

Give it a try!  Let me know what you think.

Menu Plan Monday

I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at the above website. 

I love planning ahead for dinners for the week.  It keeps me from freaking out at the end of the day about what to feed everyone, and I save lots of time and money by planning ahead!  Here is our menu for the week:

Monday:  Zuppa Toscana soup, bread (Aldi), and a green salad

Tuesday:  Crock pot Chicken, Brown Rice, Roasted asparagus

Wednesday:  Garden Quiche, Bread Machine bread

Thursday:  Baked Spaghetti, Salad

Friday:  Garlic Lime Grilled Chicken, Frozen Vegetable, Sweet Potato Fries

Saturday:  Out?

Sunday:  Leftovers

I will post all recipes next week, as I haven't tried some of them. 

What are you making??