Soupy Thursday

Clearly, I've been delayed with updating my blog. Through the process of setting and adjusting to a new schedule with three kids, my computer crashing, me taking over my hubby's netbook, and normal life, I continue to feel like "I'm getting there!" I made this soup with leftovers for THIS recipe. It was outstanding, I used decaf coffee just because the caffeine factor needed to be addressed! And the carmelized onion compote is not to be forgotten, they were delicious!

Soupy Thursday:
1/2c leftover carmelized onions
6 strips leftover steak
3 bouillon cubes
6c water
1 can butter beans, drained

Simmer on low on stove for at least 30 minutes.

Changes to Simplify

Simple things, simple changes, simple ideas. I've been thinking about my blog. You know, some blogs talk about religion, relationships, fashion, food, family, crafts, well mine, I talk about everything. But I've been trying to stay focused and organize many areas of my life. So right now, I'm organizing my blog. This new schedule will start Monday February 7th, 2011!

Monday: Family
Tuesday: Healthy Tips
Wednesday: Devotions
Thursday: Soupy Thursday until this winter is over
Friday: Fun, Free, "Yes-Day" type topics: Book Reviews, Product Reviews, Fashion fun, Murdock adventures, i.e.


(photo recognition)

Soupy Thursday

Cannellini Minestrone
adapted from CP Classics

4c chicken broth
1 14.5 can diced tomatoes
1 12 can tomato-veg juice
2c escarole or spinach
1c green onions, chopped
1c carrots, chopped
1c celery, chopped
1c potatoes, chopped
1/4c dried cannellini beans
2T chives, fresh & chopped
1/4t salt
1/4t pepper
2oz uncooked ditalini pasta

Dump in CP, except pasta, stir, set to Low for 6-8 hrs or High 4-6 hrs. Last 20 mins, add pasta, stir again, cover and cook.

Soupy Thursday

Easy Italian Wedding Soup

This is one of my go-to recipes as a nice alternative to the usual soups. I think started making this five years ago and love it each time I make it! And I've not changed one ingredient from this recipe!

10 meatballs (I love to use the Turkey Trader Joe's meatballs or my own)
1 bunch of fresh spinach
2T of Italian seasonings
8 cups of broth
1-2 cups of small pasta, like orzo, letters, choo-choo wheels
1/4c diced onions
1t garlic

Dump all ingredients into pot on stove, bring to a boil, simmer 10 mins until pasta is done! I usually serve this with Italian Semolina bread and EVOO with fresh cracked pepper!

Soupy Thursday

Irish Stew
adapted from Crock Pot Classics

1c chicken broth
1t dried marjoram
1t dried parsley
3/4t salt
1/2t garlic powder
1/4t black pepper
1 1/4 lbs whited potatoes, cut 1" pieces
1 lb lean lamb, cut 1" cubes (I used a beef roast)
8 oz frozen green beans, thawed
2 small leeks, sliced (I used green onions)
1 1/2c carrots, 1" pieces

Additions I Added:
1 1/2c shredded cabbage
1c celery, 1" pieces

Combine all herbs and broth in CP first. Add meat and potatoes next. Cover and cook low 7-9 hours.

Tip: Thicken cooking liquid with a mixture of 1T cornstarch and 1/4c water. Stir this mixture into cooking liquid; cook on High 10-15 minutes.

Happy Soupy Thursday!

Soupy Thursday

Today starts my Autumn Kickoff of Soupy Thursday! WooHooo! I've have gathered some easy, Crock-Pot friendly soups and stew recipes that are sure to keep us warm as the weather changes! Please let me know if you make any of these, I'd love to hear feedback and any changes you make!

Fresh Lime & Black Bean Soup
adapted from CP Recipe Collection

2 15 oz cans of black beans, undrained
1 14 oz can of chicken broth
1 1/2c onion, chopped
1 1/2t chili powder
3/4t cumin
1/4t garlic powder
1/8-1/4t red pepper flakes
1/2c sour cream
2T EVOO
2T cilantro, chopped
1 medium lime

Dump all ingredients except sour cream, EVOO, cilantro, and lime. Cover; cook on low 7 hours or High 3 1/2 hours.

Remove 1 cup of soup and puree in blender, return to CP. Repeat this process until desired consistency. (I like mine smooth and creamy.)

Garnish with 1T of sour cream, drizzle of EVOO, and a splash of fresh squeezed lime juice!