Creamy Potato Soup

Honestly, this time of year, who doesn't love soups? I think they are soo savory. Here is a great recipe I found on the Food Network using leftover mashed potatoes. I've changed a few things because we like a thicker soup but feel free to adjust as you like!


2 tsp olive oil 8 ounces shredded Cheddar
1 Cup diced onion 1/2 tsp salt
1 Cup diced celery 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
4 Cups reduced-sodium chicken 2 Cloves Garlic
or vegetable broth ½ C Sour Cream
1 tsp dry mustard
3 Cups mashed potatoes
Hot sauce, optional

Add oil to a large pot set over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and celery. Sautee for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they start to soften. Add stock and mashed potatoes and bring to a simmer.

Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree soup until smooth (when using a regular blender, work in batches to prevent messy cleanups!). Add Sour Cream Cheddar, salt, white pepper, dry mustard and hot sauce. Stir to combine and allow the cheese to melt.

This recipe is super easy, a great way to use left over mashed potatoes and will warm anyone up.

Fast Focaccia Bread

I found this recipe on a foody blog and it has become a fast favorite. It is crunchy, chewy and SOO easy!

It comes from the King Arthur Flour website.

Ingredients

1 1/2 C (12 ounces) Warm Water
3 Tbs (1 1/4 ounces) Olive oil (plus additional for drizzling)
1 ¼ tsp Salt
3 1/2 C (14 ¾ ounces) Unbleached All-Purpose Flour1
Tbs Instant Yeast (If don’t have instant use 2 Tbs of Active)
1 C Cheddar or Feta Cheese
Pizza seasoning, optional

Lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan (I’ve found glass works best), and then drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil in the bottom.

Dissolve the yeast in the water and wait 5 minutes. Combine the rest of the ingredients, excepting the cheese, into the proofed yeast, and beat at high speed with an electric mixer for 60 seconds. After the 60 seconds of beating, add the cheese and combine into the dough.

Scoop the sticky batter (yes, it is VERY sticky…you didn’t mess up) into the prepared pan, cover the pan, and let it rise at room temperature for 45-60 minutes, until it’s puffy.

While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F.

After the dough has risen, gently poke the dough all over with your index finger. Drizzle the dough lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with pizza seasoning, Italian seasoning, or the dried herbs of your choice.

Bake the bread till it’s golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.

Remove it from the oven, wait 5 minutes, then turn it out of the pan onto a rack. (This is an important step. If you leave the bread in the pan it will get soggy.) Serve warm or at room temperature.

Gingersnaps

What is more Christmasey than Gingersnaps! These are chewy and delicious. The lemon zest adds a nice citrus aftertaste.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups shortening
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
½ cup molasses
4 cups flour
½ tsp salt
2 tsp soda
2 tsp ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp cloves
2 Tbs Lemon Zest
1 tsp Lemon juice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Cream shortening and sugar together. Beat eggs on high for 3 minutes. Add molasses and sifted dry ingredients. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Roll into 1 inch balls. Dip in sugar. Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until dough just starts to crack on top of cookie.

Holiday Blocks (Set of 8)

This set is a great table or hearth decoration for any home. And, unbeatable for the price!

Price: $1.65 + shipping

Dimensions: 3-3/4 x 11-3/4 x 1-1/2

Manufactured from: Wood

Ho ho ho Ornaments (Set of 3)

Cute boxes that could serve as an accent or spray holders!

Price: $6.44 + shipping
Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 1-3/4
Manufactured From: Paper mache and wire.

Primitive Berry Garland

This spray could be for a tree, hearth or anything that needs that extra touch.

Price: $8.47 + shipping

Dimensions: 4 x 60 x 2

Manufactured from: Life like vine and berries

Jingle Bell Tree

This is the ultimate Charlie Brown Christmas tree but with a touch of comfort.

Price: $13.59 + shipping
Dimensions: 18 x 11-1/2 x 11-1/2 inches
Manufactured from: Wood, metal, and life like pine