With the cold weather, my family enjoys hearty soups, with a loaf of crusty bread. I can make a loaf of bread I can be proud of, but I struggle with rolls and artisan breads. But I keep trying, even unfortunate bread can be dunked in a flavorful soup! This soup mix isn’t always easy to find, ask your grocer, he may be able to get it in for you. Have a great week and stay warm!
13 Bean Soup
(I use Bob’s Red Mill)
2 cups 13 Bean Soup Mix
2-1/2 quarts Water
1 Ham Hock/bone
1 cup Onion chopped 15 oz
Tomato Sauce or 1 quart fresh Tomatoes
1 to 1-1/2 tsp Chili Powder
2 Garlic cloves (or 2 tsp Garlic Powder)
Directions: Rinse 2 cups of Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix, then soak overnight in water to cover. In the morning, drain and rinse the beans. Combine the beans with 2-1/2 quarts of water and ham hock/ bone; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer until beans are soft, 3 to 3-1/2 hours. Add onion, tomato sauce or tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Baked Potato Soup
12 slices bacon
2/3 cup margarine
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
7 cups milk
4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 green onions, chopped
1 1/4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions: Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium heat until browned. Drain, crumble, and set aside. In a stock pot or Dutch oven, melt the margarine over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes and onions.
Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Mix in bacon, cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted.
I really enjoy this time with you each week and would love to hear from you. Do you have any requests? Is there a recipe you have been looking for or remember from your younger years? Can I help you find it? Do you have any recipes that are special to you that you could share with us?
Please contact me at susieqcooking@ainop.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.
