ALTON BROWN LENTIL SOUP

ALTON BROWN LENTIL SOUP
We all really liked this.  Scott just started eating plant based so I did 1 can (15 oz) chicken broth and the rest vegetable broth that I made myself (frozen vegetable scrapes boiled down and some vegetable concentrate added)

Alton Brown Lentil Soup
https://www.food.com/recipe/alton-browns-lentil-soup-369791?utm_campaign=yummly&utm_medium=yummly&utm_source=yummly

2 tablespoons olive oil - didn't add
1 cup onion (chopped finely) - any onion will work
½ cup carrot (chopped finely) - used 1 cup
½ cup celery (chopped finely) - used 1 cup
2 teaspoons kosher salt - did 1 kosher and 1 iodized
1 lb lentils (culled & rinsed)
1 cup tomatoes (peeled & cubed)
1 quart chicken broth
1 quart vegetable broth
½ teaspoon coriander (ground) - at the end used 1 drop fennel and sprinkled in more cumin 
½ teaspoon cumin (ground)
½ teaspoon grains of paradise (ground) - can substitute black pepper/cardamom

with salt, sweat the onion, carrot, and celery in hot olive oil.
add the broth, tomatoes, lentils and seasonings.
bring to a boil.
reduce heat and cover, cooking about 35-45 minutes.
blend if desired (I do not blend).

POTATO SOUP

We loved this soup.  It is so hearty and keeps you full.  Nice on a cold day.  I put it in the instant pot about 1:30 and did crock pot setting.  We ate it about 5:30 pm.  Everything was soft.  We cooked bacon and crumbled in each serving.  Also put in chopped chives.  For the leftovers we haven’t put in bacon.  Good without.

1/4 onion diced
6 potatoes diced small, skins removed, or most of them, yukon gold are softer than others for this, or can use russet (I did some of both)
1 c celery diced
6 c chicken broth more or less depending on how thick you want it
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 c carrots shredded or finely diced, optional
3 tbsp bacon bits optional
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1.5 c (I did about 2 cups) cheddar cheese shredded, I like sharp
1 c heavy cream (did add 2 T cornstarch to help it thicken)
1 tbsp chives for garnish
cooked bacon to garnish, optional

Instructions
Add all onion, potatoes, celery, salt, carrot, garlic powder and broth to your pot. (add bacon bits if desired now too) Stir together
Put lid on and close steam valve. Press pressure high for 8 minutes.
When you hear the beep do a quick release.
Carefully remove the lid and stir.
Add 1 1/2 cup of cheese, and heavy cream and stir until cheese has melted. It will thicken more as it sits. (if you want it a bit thicker turn to saute, add 3 tbsp of water / heavy cream whisked together with 1 or 2 tbsp cornstarch, add in, stir, and allow to bubble and thicken)
Serve in a bowl garnished with extra cheese and chives (parsley would be good too).


https://temeculablogs.com/instant-pot-potato-cheese-soup/

MAMA'S CHICKEN ROLL

http://freshfamilyrecipes.com/mamas-chicken-roll/

MAMA'S CHICKEN ROLL
We all really liked these. I got 2 pkgs of crescent rolls and used them all.  Didn't double the soup mixture (and you wouldn't want to).  We had with broccoli and cottage cheese.  Would be really good with any kind of salad.  Jackson took leftovers for lunch, he said they were good.  Made chicken up before so it was super easy to assemble.

• 2 large chicken breast
• 1 can crescent rolls (I used 2)
• 1 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 soup can of broth (use what the chicken cooked in)… (added a little better than boulin)
• 1/2 soup can milk
• 1 T. all purpose flour
• 6 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese (any cheese would be good)
• pinch of salt and pepper 

Place the chicken in a pot and cover with water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and cook till chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken (save broth).

When cooled enough to handle remove the chicken from the bone and shred, set aside. Whisk together the soup, broth, milk, flour, salt and pepper. Unroll the crescent dough and separate into the triangles.

Place a little cheese over the dough and at the larger end place a good heaping of the chicken.

Roll up and place in a 9×13 casserole dish. Repeat with remaining. Once all are in the dish, pour the soup mix around each one and then drizzle a little over the tops (not too much).

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 25 minutes, remove and top with a little more cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes. (I did the broiler for about 3 minutes)

Let sit for a couple of minutes before serving, the soup mixture will thicken up like a gravy.

BEEF-STUFFED SOPAIPILLAS

This recipe came from Taste of Home Contest Winning 2006 pg. 124
https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/beef-stuffed-sopaipillas

We all loved!

We put the sauce on top instead of inside.  Had enough left over for about 2-3 more.  We thought this mixture would make good nachos as well.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1-1/2 teaspoons canola oil
• Additional oil for frying
• FILLING:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• SAUCE:
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking powder. Stir in water milk and oil with a fork until a ball forms. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently for 2-3 minutes. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Divide into four portions; roll each into a 6-1/2-in. circle.

In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry circles, one at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the salt, garlic powder and pepper. In a large saucepan, combine the soup, broth, chilies and onion powder; cook for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Cut a slit on one side of each sopaipilla; fill with 1/2 cup of meat mixture. Top with cheese. Serve with sauce. Yield: 4 servings.

HOW TO COOK A CHICKEN IN A CROCK POT

It is best if you cook chicken breast from fresh rather than frozen (according to Kate Penhallegan).  Put 1/2 cup stock to every pound of chicken.  Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Garlic salt is good as well.  Cook for 6-8 hours.  Take out breasts and either shred or cut into chunks.

https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/slow-cooker-chicken-recipe/

MINESTRONE SOUP

HEALTHIFIED CHICKEN MINESTRONE SOUP

http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/Recipes/RecipePrint.aspx?id=49284&revs=&text=Smalltext

So good. Jackson loved helping me make it. We had it with grilled cheese sandwiches on homemade wheat bread - yum!

75% less sat fat • 50% less cholesterol than the original recipe—see the comparison. Minestrone, an Italian vegetable soup, is a healthy option for lunch or dinner. Use low-sodium chicken broth and boneless, skinless chicken breast to keep the sodium and calories in check. 

prep time:25 min

start to finish:45 min

makes:8 servings

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1	tablespoon olive oil
1	cup sliced carrots
1/2	cup chopped celery
1/2	cup chopped onion
5 1/4	cups Progresso® reduced-sodium chicken broth
2	(15 oz) cans Progresso® cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
8	ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1	cup fresh green beans cut into 1/2-inch pieces (4 ounces)
1/4	teaspoon black pepper
1	cup dried multigrain bow tie pasta
1	medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1	(14.5 oz) can Muir Glen® diced tomatoes with basil and garlic undrained

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1.	In a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven heat oil over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add chicken broth, cannellini beans, chicken, green beans, and pepper. Bring to boiling; add uncooked pasta. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
2.	Stir in zucchini. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes more or until pasta is tender and green beans are crisp-tender. Stir in undrained tomatoes; heat through.

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Nutritional Information

1 1/3 cups: Calories 210 (Calories from Fat 25); Total Fat 2 1/2g (Saturated Fat 1/2g, Trans Fat0g);Cholesterol 15mg; Sodium 850mg; Total Carbohydrate 33g (Dietary Fiber 7g, Sugars 6g); Protein19g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 60%; Vitamin C 20%; Calcium 8%; Iron 15% Exchanges:2 Starch; 0Other Carbohydrate; 1 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Lean Meat Carbohydrate Choices: 2

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

CHICKEN NOODLE STEW

CHICKEN NOODLE STEW
Yum!  Yum!  Perfect comfort food.  We put on top of mashed potatoes.  Perfect!  Plan on 1 hour to make.  A great 1 bowl meal.  Would be a good one to take to others (taking in a meal).

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/chicken-noodle-stew/

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow or white onion (about 1 medium onion)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2-3 peeled carrots)
• 1 cup chopped celery (about 2-3 stalks)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 16 ounces frozen egg noodles (like Reames brand) - found at WinCo (12 oz bag would be okay)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3-4 cups cooked, chopped chicken (a rotisserie chicken works great)

1. In a 5- or 6-quart pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot and rippling. Add the onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are slightly tender, 5-6 minutes. Stir in the salt, pepper and chicken broth and bring to a boil.
2. Add the frozen noodles and simmer for 18 minutes (or according to package directions), until they are mostly tender (they’ll cook a few more minutes in the next step).
3. In a liquid measuring cup or blender, whisk or blend the milk and flour together until smooth (no lumps!). Whisk the mixture quickly into the soup and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and cooked chicken and heat through. Add additional salt and pepper to taste before serving. The soup will thicken as it sits (and if there are leftovers, they’ll definitely thicken up even more in the refrigerator).

VEGETABLE CHOW MEIN

VEGETABLE CHOW MEIN
We loved!  Easy!  Have everything ready before starting to prepare on stove.  Goes together fast once things prepped.  Sugar snap peas or broccoli would be a good addition.

http://www.dish-ditty.com/recipe/vegetable-chow-mein-recipe/

• 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
• 4 cups Napa Cabbage (shredded, more to taste) (Napa was so spendy used regular cabbage)
• 1 cup Carrots (shredded)
• 1/2 bunch Green Onions (sliced in long thin strips)
• 1lb Fresh Steamed Thin Chow Mein Noodles** 
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Light)
• 1/8 - 1/4 cup Pure Sesame Oil (To taste)
• 1/4 cup Panda Brand Lo Mein Sauce (oyster sauce, 1 tsp Better than Bouillon Chicken base, and 1/2 tsp sugar.)
• 2 cups Bean Sprouts (cleaned and trimmed)
• 2 cups Baby Bok Choy (sliced thin)

**used 3 pkgs ramen - cooked 2 min in boiling water or Angel Hair pasta and cook the pasta for 2 minutes, then rinse with cold water

Step 1

In a large colander, run hot water through the steamed chow mein for about 30 seconds, separating the noodles and removing the excess flour. Set aside. Step 2 In large wok or pan, heat oil on medium-high and add green onions, cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for about 2-4 minutes, or until the cabbage is wilted. Step 3 Increase the temperature to high and add the chow mein noodles and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Cook stirring and tossing constantly for about 45 seconds and then add the remaining chicken broth. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or so or until all the liquid is dissolved. Step 4 Add the remaining ingredients, soy sauce, sesame oil and lo mein sauce. Continue to cook for another 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat and serve. Step 5 Variation: You can also choose at this point to crisp the bottom by spreading the noodles on the pan and cooking on high for about 1-2 minutes without moving or stirring the noodles. Flip over onto a plate and serve.

WHITE CHILI

CREAMY WHITE CHILI
This is in the Lemon Cookbook pg 43.  It is one of our favorites. So good.  We have this every year at the yurts.  So good with cranberry bread, corn bread or pumpkin biscuits.  Double or triples really easy.

1# boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2" cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic
1 T vegetable oil
2 cans (15 1/2 oz each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained, or Pinto & Piquettes
1 can (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth
2 cans (4 oz) chopped green chilies (my family likes 1 can)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp pepper
18 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream (not light)
1/2 c whipping cream (1/2 works too)
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cheddar cheese for on top of each serving
bacon crumbles, optional (Scott really likes this)

In a large saucepan, saute chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink.  Add beans, broth, chilies and seasonings.  Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.  Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and cream.  Serve immediately.  Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of individual servings.  Yield: 7 servings 

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
This won the chili cook off in our ward October 2016.  Got the recipe from The Hickens.  Was super yummy!

1/2 - 1 yellow onion
2 - 4 cloves garlic
2 chicken breast or thighs
30 oz great northern beans
15 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (just did regular without green chilies)
4 oz green chilies
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
8 oz cream cheese
1 T oregano leaves
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
chopped cilantro
shredded cheese
corn tortilla chips

Layer onion, garlic, chicken, beans, tomatoes, green chilies, chicken stock, cream cheese and spices in crock pot.  Cook on low for 8 hours.  Top with cilantro, shredded cheese and tortilla chips.

LIGHT CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER

http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2016/11/14/slow-cooker-light-chicken-corn-chowder/

SLOW COOKER LIGHT CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER
I wanted this for after church (11-1) so in the morning I prepared (in big pan) then let it simmer until after church.  Then I added cornstarch & milk.  We liked it.  Makes lots!  Is thick...would be good in a soup bowl.  Tasted like fall.  Next time I might try cooking breast whole and then shredding towards the end.

Ingredients:

• 4 strips bacon
• 2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (a little over 1 cup)
• 2-3 celery stalks, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 ounce) can cream-style corn
• 2 (14 ounce) cans corn, drained (or use about 3 cups frozen)
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (or regular potatoes)
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 5 cups (1200ml) chicken broth (I use reduced sodium)
• 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) whole milk
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• optional: fresh (or dried) parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned on both sides. (Keep grease in skillet!) Place strips on paper towels and allow to cool. Once cool, crumble the bacon.
2. Add the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook the vegetables in the bacon grease over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
3. Place the creamed corn, corn, sweet potatoes, chicken, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper into a 5 quart or larger slow cooker. (Here's one I own and love!) Add the celery/carrot/onions and the crumbled bacon (save some for garnish if desired!). Give it all a quick stir, cover with the lid, and cook on low heat for about 6-7 hours.
4. At the 6-7 hour mark, whisk the cornstarch and milk together. Pour in the soup. Give it a stir and cover. Cook 1 more hour. Serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley and/or any leftover bacon crumbles.
5. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 1 week. To reheat, simply pour into a pot over medium heat and cook until warm. Soup freezes well, up to 3 months.

No slow cooker? No problem! Prepare recipe through step 2. Instead of placing ingredients into a slow cooker in step 3, place into a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Give it a nice stir, then allow to boil and cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 30 minutes. Turn the heat down to low, stir in the whole milk and cornstarch, and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Serve.

CROCK POT CORN CHOWDER

http://www.thehungryhoarder.com/2012/12/04/crockpot-corn-chowder/

Crockpot Corn Chowder

Didn't sure how we would like this, but very yummy!  Used some of our leftover Christmas ham.  Leftovers were very good too.  Really liked it because it isn't as heavy as some of other soups.  Had some little teeny tiny potatoes (Trader Joes) that I used whole.  Just threw them in - didn't peel.  Also used three russet potatoes.

8 Servings

I love corn and this chowder was delicious. It had just the right amount of creaminess, and the ham tied it all together.

Ingredients:

• 6 potatoes peeled, cubed
• 1 can (14 ounce) creamed corn
• 1 cup corn frozen
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces ham diced
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon sweet basil
• 1 cup onions diced
• 1/2 stick butter softened
• 2 cups half & half
• 1 cup colby jack cheese shredded
• 3 green onions sliced, green part only (didn't have any)

Directions:

1. Place potatoes, corn, chicken broth, ham, pepper, basil and onions into the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
3. Using a handheld potato masher, mash the mixture to your desired consistency.
4. Add the butter and half and half.
5. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.
6. Top with cheese and green onions.
7. Serve with your favorite bread.