SOUP RECIPES!

Tis the season for warm, hearty foods on a cozy evening, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch! There is nothing I like more!

Please feel free to SHARE your favourite soup recipes below for everyone to try!!! I would also LOVE to expand my soup database this Winter :)

Here is a favourite of mine--and so simple!

BROCOLI & CHEDDAR SOUP

1 1/4 tablespoons melted butter

5/8 medium chopped onion
1/3 cup melted butter
1/3 cup flour
2 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
5/8 lb fresh broccoli
1 1/4 cups carrot, julienned
1/3 teaspoon nutmeg
10 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/4 to taste salt and pepper

*You can also add a pinch of garlic to the recipe*

Directions:

1 Sauté onion in butter. Set aside.
2 Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.
3 Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4 Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.
5 Add salt and pepper. Can be puréed in a blender but I don't. Return to heat and add cheese. Stir in nutmeg.

Baked Apples in a Bag

 Great for the whole family!

Want a healthy, quick snack that will satisfy your cravings?? TASTES LIKE APPLE PIE FILLING AND
LESS THAN 100 CALORIES!

I had originally saw this recipe posted on Pinterest, but I played around with it a bit until it was to my liking!

All you need is:

1 small-medium sized apple (the original called for Granny Smith, but I used Empire)
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/4tsp Cornstarch
1 spoonful of sugar (or sweetner if preferred)
1 tsp of water
 1 Medium Sized Ziploc freezer bag (durable to withstand heat in microwave) or use a microwave-safe contained with lid.
Raisins, nuts, etc optional

Instructions:

1. The original recipe called for peeled OR unpeeled apple slices, however, the first time I attempted the recipe, I wasn't too fond of the cooked 'skin' taste.
2. Place apple slices & all ingredients in Ziploc bag, close and shake until all pieces are covered.
3. Open a small corner of the bag to act as a vent for steam.
4. Microwave for 2 minutes--let sit before removing from microwave as the bag will be VERY hot!
5. Open up, take a fork and dig in!!

SO DELICIOUS!

Tip of the Day # 104: Keeping socks in Order

Place a mesh bag on each family member's door handle--have each person throw their socks in their bag every night. Come laundry day, just zip each bag up and throw directly in the washer and dryer--not only will it stop confusion on which socks belong to whom, but also, socks won't go missing in the dryer! :)

Tip of the Day # 103: Adding Vinegar to Meat

When defrosting meat from the freezer, pour some vinegar over it. Not only does it tenderize the meat; it will also bring down the freezing temperature of the meat and cause it to thaw quicker.

Tip of the Day # 102: Storing Containers

When storing empty airtight containers, throw in a pinch of salt to keep them from getting stinky.

Tip of the Day # 101: What produce to NOT put in Fridge

Never put CITRUS FRUITS or TOMATOES in the fridge. The low temperatures degrade the aroma and flavor!

Tip of the Day # 100: Preserve your Potatoes

(Photo curteousy of did-you-know-tumblr.com)
I had posted this tip a VERY long time ago and was reminded to post it again!! You can also place an apple in your bag of potatoes to do the same thing :)