Creamy Potato Soup

The weather is starting to change in the evenings, for the past two nights it's been a little cooler outside.  It's that time of year, where we have to start bringing in the pool chairs and the cushions, get the fireplaces going, and bring out the hot chocolate.  I love it, but not my hubby, he is pretty sad about it.  Winters in Georgia are not that bad compared to Connecticut, where I grew up.

I wanted to make something that would warm up my little bones, and Creamy Potato Soup always does the job. The best part about it?..the cheese and crispy bacon.  This soup is creamy and full of flavor.  Making a big pot is a must. 

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Not feeling so great calls for a nice bowl of Chicken and Vegetable Soup. When I first got married, I asked my husband if he wanted soup for dinner,  he looked at me as if I had 4 eyes.  He found the question funny because to him soup is just an appetizer and not a meal. This reminds me of an episode of Seinfeld... too funny, but true.

Soup with a side of rice was dinner for me growing up.  My mom made chicken soup, beef soup, bean soup, all kinds of soups.  I never saw it as just an appetizer.  My husband and I laugh about it, because now he loves soup and rice for dinner.  But, it took him a while to get used to the idea. 

Chili

There is nothing better than a big bowl of chili during a fall day.  As the leaves start to fall and the cool evenings come in, a bowl of chili is just what you need to bring it all together. But who says you have to wait until then.  Grilling hotdogs...top them off with this delicious chili.  I have made this recipe many times, and it's always a hit.

Ingredients:

3 pounds of ground beef

2 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes

1 8 oz can of tomato sauce

1 8 oz can of tomato paste

1 med onion chopped

1 med green pepper chopped

2 15.5 can of kidney beans

1 tbsp of cumin

2 tsp of chili powder

1 tsp of cayenne pepper

1 tsp of paprika

1 tsp of dried oregano

1 tsp of dried thyme

1 tsp of black pepper

salt to taste

In a pan cook the ground beef until brown then drain any liquid in the pan.  Add the chopped onions and peppers.  Cook for about 5 minutes.  Add all of the other ingredients.  Cook for about 20 minutes on low and then simmer for another 15 minutes.  Enjoy with some shredded cheddar cheese and a scoop of sour cream!!