cdforever

Random Thoughts from Home

So as you all know, Becky has loved the Little House books since she was itty-bitty! I now love them too and am looking forward to re-reading the series this winter as I cozy up with cocoa!

One of my favorite parts of this series is learning how they made use of everything. They were the ultimate re-cyclers! I think of that because I have just froze another 14 cups of broccoli and cauliflower that came from my friend Andrea. I refused to have it go to waste so I went on line and read how to blanche and freeze it. And we all know how expensive this frozen stuff is at the stores! This is certainly the time of harvest whether it came out of our gardens or from a friend.

Working at a school I know about waste. It breaks my heart to see all the fruits, veggies, breads and main dishes that goes into the trash. Tonight we are having leftovers for dinner because I don't want to waste the leftover soups, casseroles and veggies that are still in the fridge. Maybe if more people read the Little House series they wouldn't be so wasteful, but perhaps that's only wishful thinking

But as for me and my house, we will not waste!!!

Let me share this soup recipe that was delicious with a capital 'D'.

Creamy Corn and Potato Chowder:

Melt 2 Tbls margarine in a large saucepan and stir in 1 lg. onion and 1 rib celery. Partially cover the pan and cook veggies over medium heat for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 5 1/2 c. chicken stock (I used 5 1/2 c water with 5 tsp chicken bouillon), 1/2 c frozen corn (I used the corn I froze from grandma Joyce), 1 large diced potato and 1/2 tsp salt and bring to low boil. Lower heat, cover pot and simmer for about 7 minutes. In a small bowl whisk together 1 cup heavy cream (I substituted 3/4 cup milk and 1/3 c melted margarine which I mixed and cooled) and 3 Tbls flour. Stir into the soup and add pepper to taste. Bring soup to low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 8 minutes. I was afraid of what it would taste like with all the substitutions but it was wonderful! And considering I used ingredients that I had at home it was also very, very cheap! Hooray for cheap!

Love ya

Mom