Potato Leek Soup

So, I had a bag of Potatoes.  And it was St. Patrick's Day.  Why not make a Potato Leek soup?  Personally, I love it, and we've had it every week since then.  So, I hope you enjoy it too!

Potato Leek Soup

2 Leeks 

2 Bay leaves

10 Black Peppercorns

4 sprigs fresh Thyme

2 Tablespoons Butter

4 strips Nitrate Free, High Quality Bacon, chopped

1 Cup Apple Juice

2 Cups Chicken Stock

2 1/2 Cups Water

1 to 1 1/4 lbs Potatoes, diced

2 teaspoons Sea Salt

1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Though I've never made it without, I think this is probably optional...)

2 tablespoons snipped Chives 

Directions

Trim the green portions of the leek and, using 2 of the largest and longest leaves, make a bouquet garni by folding the 2 leaves around the bay leaves, peppercorns and thyme. Tie into a package-shaped bundle with kitchen twine and set aside. (Alternately, tie 2 leek leaves, bay leaves, peppercorns and thyme together in a piece of cheesecloth.)

Halve the white part of the leek lengthwise and rinse well under cold running water. Slice thinly crosswise and set aside.

In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the bacon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is very soft and has rendered most of its fat. Add the chopped leeks and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the apple juice and bring to a boil. Add the bouquet garni, chicken stock, water, potatoes, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are falling apart and the soup is very flavorful.

Remove the bouquet garni and puree the soup in a food processor or blender. Stir in the heavy cream. Serve immediately, with some of the snipped chives sprinkled over the top of each bowl of soup.  I also cannot eat a meal without cheese. So, I sprinkle cheese on top as well.  It's divine.  Enjoy!

13 Bean Chili

I'm super excited to help Jessica out with her blog.  Although, I realized that at least for this recipe, I had to call her and get the recipe before I could put it on here.  So, who knows if I will actually help?  Here's hoping!

And so it begins.  I have been waiting and waiting for the weather to cool off so that I could make chili.  It's one of the best things on a cold day, don't you think?  
Well, you should. 

13 Bean Chili

3 cups dry beans (I used a 13 bean combo, but you can use 12, 15, whatever you can find)

5 cups water

4 cups vegetable broth

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper (I'm sure you can use whatever color you prefer)

28 oz. can diced tomatoes

28 oz. can tomato sauce

1 can diced green chiles (optional)

1 TBSP chili powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp paprika

1 1/2 tsp cumin

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

Directions:

   Rinse beans and place in crock pot with water.  Cover crock pot, set to low and soak overnight.  In the morning, add the broth, garlic, onion, and bell pepper.  Turn to high and let sit for about 5 hours.  Add the rest of the ingredients and cook until the beans are tender.  Serve it up with some cornbread and Enjoy!

P.S. I'm not as good as Jessica, and am addicted to dairy.  So, I sprinkled mine with a little cheese.  Plus, I think it looks cool in the picture :)

Kale and Bean Soup

This is from my friend Lynne's recipe blog. It is one of our all time favorites. Don't be frightened of the kale. Really. This is yummy.

KALE AND BEAN SOUP

8 large garlic cloves, crushed or minced.

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cups chopped raw kale.

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2-3 (15 ounce) cans beans, such as cannellini , navy, pinto, un-drained.

4 plum tomatoes, chopped

1-2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning.

Salt and pepper to taste.

The recipe calls for a parsley garnish. Basil is much more delicious.

In a large pot steam (or sautee) garlic and onion in a bit of water (or olive oil) until soft. Add kale, broth, beans, tomato, herbs, salt and pepper. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Ladle into bowls; sprinkle with chopped parsley (or basil).