Say “Cheese”..as in Broccoli Cheese Soup with Smoked Chicken and Bacon

Broccoli Cheese Soup with Smoked Chicken and Bacon
Broccoli Cheese Soup with Smoked Chicken and Bacon

Taste this soup and it will put a smile on your face.  You won’t even have to say, “Cheese.” (PS.  take some advice from a photographer and never ask your subjects to say cheese…that’s where the term “cheesy smile” comes from.  So, just ask them to smile.) This soup has everything a comfort food soup should have:  cheese, bacon, smoked chicken, a little Tabasco and some vegetables, especially broccoli.  So, what more do you need in order to make it? Continue reading “Say “Cheese”..as in Broccoli Cheese Soup with Smoked Chicken and Bacon”

Mulligatawny Soup with Apple/ Mango Salsa. It calms the soul in times of stress.

Mulligatawny Soup with condiments
Mulligatawny Soup with condiments

And so my favorite season started on September 23.  Well, my favorite season after the Christmas season.  But fall makes me happy.  I love the beauty of the changing colors, clouds in the sky, fires in the fireplace and sweaters.  Here in the Sierras, we also look forward to the rain.

Continue reading “Mulligatawny Soup with Apple/ Mango Salsa. It calms the soul in times of stress.”

Who left the shrimp feet in the Brazilian Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Stew?

Close up of Brazilian Shrimp and Andouille Stew
Close up of Brazilian Shrimp and Andouille Stew

Now, here’s a recipe that can be made quickly and is great for a weeknight autumn evening.  Satisfying, spicy, shrimpy and delicious. But, don’t forget to remove the shells from the shrimp.

Continue reading “Who left the shrimp feet in the Brazilian Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Stew?”

Spicy Red Chicken Posole in a Crock or What to Eat While You Are Planning a Wedding

20130127-_MG_5783 web

Activities are starting to heat up around the Schmautzhaus, even though the weather has been a little chilly, because my only daughter is getting married this summer and we have lots of planning to do.  What better way to conquer the cold and plan a wedding at the same time than making something in the Crock Pot?  Yes!Chef! has never been a fan of the Crock Pot.  He won’t tell my why…he just shrugs his shoulders.  But, I think it’s because it doesn’t feel like cooking and, more importantly, you can’t lift the lid and stir it around while it’s cooking. Now, he says he is really enjoying the slow cooker and so he made some spicy Posole in the crock to prove it.

Continue reading “Spicy Red Chicken Posole in a Crock or What to Eat While You Are Planning a Wedding”

Get over your wintertime blues with French Onion Soup!

French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup

I think anyone who reads this blog knows how our family feels about home made soup.  We love it.  We even love soup in the summer as long as it is a cold soup like gazpacho.  Many soups are also good for the waist-line (and every other body line, for that matter) and many people are concerned about their weight starting this new year…including me!  Yes!Chef! said he could stand to lose a few pounds, too.

Continue reading “Get over your wintertime blues with French Onion Soup!”

Turkey Soup: It’s what’s for supper (and probably lunch)

20121216-_MG_3680 webI love soup…especially homemade soup.  I think there is nothing more homey and comforting than soup.  It makes the house smell good.  It warms me up.  It can be easily shared.  It can be frozen for a later date. It’s economical.  And, it gets better the next day. What more could you ask of food?

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