Baked Potato Soup

Here is another use for those potatoes you find in your refrigerator! I got this fabulous recipe from my cousin, Kyersten.

In a soup pot make a roux using:


2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
7 cups milk

Once the milk is thick add:

4 large baked potatoes, cubed
4 green onions, sliced

Keep cooking the soup and stirring constantly until thick and hot. Then add:


12 bacon strips, cooked and cut up
1 cup sour cream
1, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Cook bacon at 425 for 8 minutes on a foil lined sheet for a no mess stove top.

Chibata Sandwich

No recipe here, just a fun idea for lunch. I love the chibata bread at walmart. Just butter the outside of the bun and throw it on the grill. Inside the sandwich use real mozzarella cheese, basil and tomato slices. I drizzled olive oil over the tomato for extra flavor!

1-2-3 Chocolate Chip Cookies

My mom's friend gave her this recipe. We love it because it is super easy to measure out. You only dirty one measuring cup!

Mix:

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar

Add:

1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

Add:

3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Add:

1 cup chocolate chips

Bake at 350 for 13 minutes

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

Say what you will about Happy Valley, they really take care of you when you need it! I had so many meals brought in that I actually lost count. And here's the thing...they were all SO yummy!! From Papa John's to homemade, everything was yummy. Women here really know how to cook.

Here is one that I really really enjoyed. I really liked the fresh taste of lemon mixed with the salty Parmesan. Usually these sides are served cold, but I love that this is a HOT meal. Thanks Jessica!

Cook 1 box penne pasta according to directions.

While the penne pasta cooks, heat over medium heat for 1 minute:

1, 1/2 T extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

Now add and simmer for 10 minutes:


1 cup half and half
zest and juice of 3 lemons
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Drain the pasts and place back into pot. Add the cream mixture along with

1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan (I used shaved Parm from the deli)
2 large fist fulls of baby spinach (the spinach will wilt down)

Give this all a good mix and serve immediately along with grilled chicken breast.


I have never been a fan of cherry tomatoes because every dish they are in is a cold side. This hot side makes the tomatoes savory and salty. Yumm!!