I love soup, especially the really yummy, not so good for you, comfort type. During our hot Texas summers I'm never as in the mood for a good bowl of soup, but as soon as fall rolls around and the weather starts to cool I get so excited for homemade soup. There is just something in me that says a cold day equals warm yummy soup eaten in front of the tv with a fire going in the fireplace.
One of our household favorites is potato soup. I have a recipe for a really good spicy sausage and potato soup but have forever searched for a perfect (and easy) regular "restaurant style" version (think Saltgrass). Last year I bought a Slow Cooker Southern Living Cookbook and I am happy to say I found what I think is an awesome potato soup. Since we are almost in October (hard to believe) I am in full force soup mode and bought all the ingredients to make it this weekend. I thought I would share for anyone looking for a really yummy and easy recipe...
Ingredients:
6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
3 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth with roasted garlic
1/4 cup butter
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
1 cup whipping cream or half-and-half
1 cup (4 ounces) sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
* Combine first 6 ingredients in slow cooker
* Cover and cook on high 4 hours or on low 8 hours or until potato is tender
* Mash mixture until potatoes are coarsley chopped and soup is slightly thickened, stir in cream, cheese, and chives. Top with sour cream, bacon, and cheese before serving.
** The original recipe called for 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt. We thought it was too salty, so the next time I made it I cut the salt in half and it was better. I also usually don't do chives since Jeff is not a fan.
** The picture above is not the actual soup, it is from My Recipes. I thought a post with no picture is never as much fun.
Since I'm in a cooking mood right now, I thought I'd also share one of my favorite desserts. This recipe is also from a Southern Living Cookbook (Easy Weeknight Favorites). Really I haven't found a bad recipe from Southern Living. I have several cookbooks and love everything I have tried. This is my "go to" recipe if I have to bring a dessert for something. I don't make it that much for us because Jeff isn't as huge a fan of caramel as me and then I end up eating all of it myself.
Gooey Turtle Bars
2 cups graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels
1 cup pecan pieces
1(12 ounce) jar caramel topping
* Combine crumbs and butter in an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan; stir and press firmly into bottom of pan. Sprinkle with chocolate morsels and pecans.
* Remove lid from caramel topping; microwave 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until hot, stirring after 30 seconds. Drizzle over pecans. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until morsels melt; let cool in pan on wire rack. Chill at least 30 minutes; cut into bars.
These are two of my favs...not really that good for you, but so, so yummy. Hope y'all enjoy if you try them. Happy Eating...
The first atempt in front of the tree. Really I was expecting them to just sit and look at the camera.
How can you not just laugh at the whole situation!
Everyone finally sitting, but looking at the workers across the street...and Diego could care less. I decided I didn't like the background so we moved to the front porch.
All tangled up...leashes everywhere and Sawyer climbing on Brinkley and Diego.
Not a single dog where I wanted them, Brinkley licking his nose, Sawyer looking loopey, and Moose yawning. How was I so dumb to think we could get all of them picture perfect at the same time.
I thought this one was hilarious. Jeff and I are all smiley, looking at he camera and every single dog is still looking across the street more interested in the workers. Cathy made noises and called their names and no one was interested.
