September 13, 2024
Hello Foodie Friends
Sometimes even I can draw a blank and can't think of a thing fix.....yep it's true, I am human. That's the perfect time for me to go straight to my trusty backups of a good soup recipe. No matter what the temperature outside this CHICKEN N' CHEESE CHOWDER warms the belly inside. Don't miss out on those homemade croutons too (recipe also below) which are a perfect go-with for any soup. I've been known on occasion to polish off a whole batch of those like popcorn ;)
Enjoy!
Marzee
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CHEESEY CHICKEN CHOWDER
INGREDIENTS:
4 c Chicken broth
1 1/2 c Diced potatoes
1 c Diced celery
1 c Diced carrots
1/2 c Diced onions
1/4 c Butter or margarine
1/3 c All-purpose flour
3 c Milk
1 tb Soy sauce
8 oz Processed cheese spread, cubed (1 loaf)
2 c Chopped cooked chicken (or use canned if in a hurry)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the broth and the vegetables in a large sauce pan. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over low heat. Add the flour, stirring until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Gradually stir in the vegetable mixture, soy sauce, cheese and chicken. Cook until the cheese melts and the soup is thoroughly heated.
Yield: 2 1/2 quarts
Category: Soups, Chicken
MARZEE's CORNER
DRESS UP THE SOUP!
You can make a soup look sensational in many ways. A successful garnish complements a soup without masking its basic character. There's only one cardinal rule not to break: Complex tasting soups that have lots of flavor call for simple garnishes, and simple soups call for complex garnishes.
Try chopped fresh herbs, a slice of lemon or lime, a dollop of sour cream, a grating of Parmesan, a sprig of watercress, chopped scallions, hard-cooked egg, steamed shrimp, or assorted chopped wild mushrooms.
HOMEMADE CROUTONS RECIPE:
This is such a simple thing and a delicious addition to salads, soups, or snacks!.
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups of French bread (day-old, cubed into 1-inch pieces)
3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan for extra flavor
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Season the bread: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter. Add garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle in Parmesan. Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning the croutons halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes to prevent burning. Once golden brown and crispy, remove from the oven and let them cool. Store in an airtight container.