For the past few months I have been "writing" articles for our neighborhood newsletter. They usually revolve around Fun Food Holidays and then I add a couple of my favorite recipes that go with the theme. For January, I wrote about that it is National Soup Month and National Bread Machine Baking Month.
Here is what I submitted.
Did you know that January is National Soup Month and National Bread Machine Baking Month?
Have you ever thought “nothing fills you up more than a bowl of hot soup?” or why when you are sick, hot soup just makes you feel better? It could possibly be because protein in hearty soups helps satisfy your hunger, and the nutrient rich stock/broth is digested quickly and signals your brain that you’re full.
Here are some of our favorite soup recipes.
Chicken, Butternut Squash and Pasta Soup
1 tbs olive oil
2 medium celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion chopped
1 tsp dried sage leaves (or poultry seasoning)
6 cups chicken stock
2 1/2 cups cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups uncooked tricolor rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
1/8 tsp pepper
pinch salt
In a dutch oven, heat oil over medium high heat. Add celery, onion and sage. Cook 5 to 6 minutes stirring frequently, until onion is softened.
Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to medium. Cover; cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta and squash are tender.
Minestrone with Italian Sausage Soup
1 tbs olive oil
1 lb bulk sweet Italian Sausage (or links skinned and broken into bits)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 tsp dried basil leaves
2 tsp finely chopped garlic
5 1/4 cups beef stock
2 cups diced tomatoes
1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup uncooked small elbow macaroni
1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise in half then cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 cup frozen green beans.
In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onion, carrots, basil and garlic; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until sausage is no longer pink; drain.
Stir broth, tomatoes and great northern beans into sausage mixture. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; cook 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in macaroni, zucchini and frozen green beans; heat to boiling. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are hot and macaroni is tender.
Beef and Barley Stew
1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 medium onion chopped
2 tbs canola oil
4 cups water
1 can (15oz) tomato sauce
5 medium carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 celery rib
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups fresh or frozen green beans, thawed
2 cups fresh or frozen corn thawed
3/4 cup medium pearl barley.
In a large skillet, brown beef and onion in oil until meat is no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a 5 quart slow cooker. Add water, tomato sauce, carrots, celery, salt, oregano, paprika and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Add the beans, corn and barley; cover and cook on low for 2 hours longer or until barley, beef and vegetables are tender.
Pork Stew with Polenta
1 1/2 pounds boneless pork country style ribs
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup coarsely chopped green, yellow and/or red sweet pepper
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with basil and oregano
1/4 cup dry red wine
3 tbs quick cooking tapioca, crushed
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1/4 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 16 oz tube refrigerated cooked polenta
2 cups torn fresh baby spinach (optional)
shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
Trim fat from meat. Cut meat 1 1/2 to 2 inch pieces. In a slow cooker, combine meat, onion, and peppers. Stir in undrained tomatoes, broth, wine, tapioca, Italian seasoning, salt and garlic.
Cover and cook on low-heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
Meanwhile, prepare refrigerated polenta according to package directions.
Just before serving, if desired stir in spinach. Serve with polenta and if desired sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Steak and Vegetable Soup
1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 cups cubed red potatoes
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup frozen peas
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
1 cup water
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced chives
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
In a large saucepan, cook beef and onion in oil until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the potatoes, carrots and peas. Add the broth, water, vinegar, parsley, chives, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until meat and vegetables are tender.
Chinese Chicken Stew
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1 inch pieces (I used chicken breast)
1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
1/2 to 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbs peanut or vegetable oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 pkg (8 oz) fresh mushrooms
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) chicken broth, divided (I sub Kitchen Basic Stock)
1 tbs cornstarch
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
2 tbs soy sauce
1 tbs sesame oil
2 large green onions, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
3 cups hot cooked rice (optional)
1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro (optional)
Toss chicken with five spice powder in a small bowl. Season with the red pepper flakes. Heat peanut/vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add onion and chicken; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until browned. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook and stir until chicken is no longer pink.
Combine 1/4 cup broth and cornstarch in a small bowl; set aside. Place cooked chicken mixture, remaining broth, bell pepper and soy sauce in crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 3 1/2 hours or until bell pepper is tender.
Stir in cornstarch mixture, sesame oil and green onions; cook 30 to 45 minutes or until juices have thickened. Ladle into soup bowls; scoop 1/2 cup rice into each bowl. Sprinkle with cilantro if desired.
Here are some of my favorite “go to” recipes for my bread machine.
French Countryside Bread
1 3/8 cups water
1 1/2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 cups white bread flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Place ingredients in order given by manufacturer of your bread machine.
Select French or Basic setting and desired Crust Color setting; press start.
Makes one (2 pound) loaf.
Farmhouse White Bread
1 cup milk (warmed slightly)
1 egg
2 tbs unsalted butter softened
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tbs sugar
3 cups bread flour
1 1/2 tsp bread machine yeast.
Add ingredients to your bread machine in order from the manufactures directions.
White bread setting, medium crust and then press start.
Makes one (1 ½ pound loaf)
Double Cheese Wheat Bread
Makes 1-1 / 2-pound loaf
2 / 3 cup water
2 / 3 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup bread flour
1 / 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 / 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons FLEISCHMANN’S Bread Machine Yeast
Directions
Add ingredients to bread machine pan in the order suggested by manufacturer.
Select basic/whole wheat cycle; light/normal color setting.
Hot Chocolate Recipe
