It's A Cold Front

 White Chili - recipe passed on to me from my friend and neighbor. {Thanks Tammy!} Recipe posted below.

I turned our heat on today. {Yay!!!} Although it's hard to say this, it was officially too cold for me in the house.  I like it knippy.  I like to wear sweaters and turtlenecks and heap a lot of blankets on our bed at night.  Why I've lived where I've lived the past few years is a good question.  One I've asked God only a few times. :-)

I am relishing these crisp days while we have them and celebrating by cooping up in my house with my kids, 

...eating creamy fattening soups and chilis, baking whenever we have a worthy occasion that calls for it {which means whenever I'm in the mood for cookie dough}...

 Shiloh's idea of "2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet". :-)

...watching movies at night with Steven after the kids have gone to bed, dates with my man at Starbucks on Wednesday nights {and maybe we do window shop at TJ Maxx for fun...he's a good man I tell ya}, 

 

...walks around Wal Mart just for fun and walks in our neighborhood with the kids all bundled up tight, sewing and painting in my new favorite room {Should I post a reveal date to make sure I get it complete?}, and wiping runny noses...

Keller eating grass outside - pre haircut and nose wipe.  My husband says this is a gross photo, but you moms know what real mothering is like and I just wanted you to know we've got it going on over here too. :-)  Embrace it!

But right now it's naptime.  The laundry's going, I've got wheat bread in my new-to-me bread machine {and it's all I can do not to rip that loaf out and get a bite before it's done}, and Keller's climbing up on my lap, because he thinks he's too good to sleep when the girls sleep. ;-)  Life is calm and good.

My friend passed this recipe on to me last winter when we first moved here.   It was so good, that I froze several batches ahead for easy postpartum meals.  So nice to pull this out of the freezer, warm on the stove, add the dairy products, and have a warm and hearty meal within minutes. 

~ White Chili ~

ingredients:

1 lb. chicken cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1/2 medium onion, chopped

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tablespoon vegetable oil {or you can substitute olive or canola for a healthier option}

2 cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained

1 can chicken broth

1 can chopped green chiles

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup whipping cream (or milk)

Directions:

Sautee` chicken, onion,, and garlic powder in oil until not pink.  Add everything but creams.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.  

{This is where you can freeze the chili.  Simply cool it a little, pour into a gallon zip lock and store in the freezer.}  

Remove from heat, stir in creams.  Serve immediately.

I normally do not buy chips...EVER...we could get addicted...but I passed these in the grocery store and they called my name. Corn chips + white chili = amazing!!!

Happy Fall!!!

I know I keep saying that, but seriously.  I'm so glad it's here. :-)

P.S. And my friend won second place at her church chili cook-off with this recipe.  Woot Woot!!!!!!

Potato Soup

We all have scratchy throats around here this week. (sigh) Went to the doctor today for my poor congested little baby. The girls were excited because they always get suckers and stickers when we go.

So, I made soup for dinner to make swallowing a little easier. This is my go-to recipe when I need something easy peasy and something I'm sure everyone will love. This soup is a winner let me tell you!

Baked Potato Soup

This flavorful baked potato soup is loaded with cheese and baked potatoes. Top this thick soup with the cooked bacon and green onions just before serving.

Ingredients:

· 8 to 10 slices bacon, diced, about 8 ounces

· 4 tablespoons butter

· 1/2 cup diced celery

· 1 cup diced onion

· 1 bunch green onions, about 8 green onions, thinly sliced

· 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

· 3 cups chicken broth

· 2 cups half-and-half

· 4 large baking potatoes, baked, peeled, and diced

· 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

· 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

· 8 ounces sour cream

· 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

· Sliced green onion for garnish, optional

In a Dutch oven or large kettle over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towels to drain and pour the bacon drippings into a cup. Put 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings back into the pan along with the butter, chopped onion, and celery. Cook, stirring, until vegetables are tender. Stir in the sliced green onion and flour until blended. Stir in chicken broth; cover and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thickened and vegetables are very tender. Stir in half-and-half, diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and cheese. Continue cooking until cheese is melted. Add sour cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until sour cream is mixed in well. Serve the soup garnished with bacon and extra sliced green onion, if desired.

And just so you get a truer representation of my life...

This is one of the things going on while I was in the kitchen. (Along with a diaper blow-out by the same child. Hence, the lack of clothing and the burned onions.) Life is never dull here that's for sure!