Soups, for this cool weather!!!

It has finally turned cool this week! The first cold snap we have I always want to run out and make a big pot of soup!! There is nothing like a bowl of soup to help warm you up on a cold day :)

I am going to share two family recipes and another that I found at allrecipes.com. the potato soup is probably my favorite of the three. Matter of fact, I believe I will share it first!

Baked Potato Soup

2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
7 cups milk
4 large baking potatoes
4 green onions, thinly sliced
10 to 12 strips bacon, cooked, drained, and crumbled
1 1/4 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Start by baking the 4 potatoes. As you know I like to do things these easy way so I usually wrap the potatoes in saran wrap, poke holes in the potatoes with a fork, and bake them in the microwave. You can bake 1 potato in about 5 mins. Which to me beats the heck out of baking them for an hour in the oven. Next, cool, peel, and cup the potatoes. This should be about 4 cups of potatoes. While you are baking the potatoes go ahead and cook 10 to 12 strips of bacon. I cook the whole pound. And again I usually use the microwave haha! After you have cooked and drained the bacon crumble it into bit size pieces. Then, in a large pot over low heat, melt butter. Stir in flour; stir until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until sauce has thickened. Add potatoes and onions. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until soup begins to bubble. Reduce heat; simmer gently for 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; stir until cheese is melted. I sometimes sprinkle a few extra pieces of cheese on top too!!

The next recipe is not as hearty as the potato soup. Is more healthy and good for when you are watching your weight. Sometimes you just don't want something quite as heavy and this is a good solution!

Healthy Veggie Soup

2 package of frozen veg-all (contains green beans, corn, carrots etc.)

2 cans of tomato juice

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 packet of Goya jamon season

1 beef bullion cube

Start by putting the veg-all packs, Goya, bullion cube, and 2 1/2 cups of water to boil. turn down to medium and let simmer for 30-45 minutes. Drain the veggies. Next add the tomato juice and diced tomatoes to the veg-all. Salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil then turn down to medium and let simmer for an hour.

The next recipe I found at http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Broccoli-Cheese-Soup/Detail.aspx. It is very tasty! It is hearty like the potato soup too!!

1/2 cup butter
1 onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food, cubed
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2/3 cup cornstarch
1 cup water

In a stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion in butter until softened. Stir in broccoli, and cover with chicken broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Reduce heat, and stir in cheese cubes until melted. Mix in milk and garlic powder. In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into water until dissolved. Stir into soup; cook, stirring frequently, until thick.

I hope these soups keep you warm!! Enjoy!!

Happy Cookin ;)