Love Shack Larder

Better Than "Bean w'Bacon Soup"

One of my all time favorite soups is Campbell's Bean with Bacon Soup...and since we are trying to eat and live better these days...I have been wanting to find a recipe to make our own version...sans the extra sodium and preservatives.  Then I was really motivated to try making it when I got this recipe for Great Northern Bean Soup in my Swanson Health Products newsletter.  So after adapting the recipe a bit for our taste (we like it creamier and with a little kick ;) here is how I came up with our new favorite soup: Great Northern Bean n'Andouille Sausage Soup

Fresh n'Fast Chicken Tortilla Soup

Come join Soup-a-Palooza with TidyMom and Dine and Dish sponsored by Bush’s Beans, Hip Hostess, Pillsbury and Westminster Crackers.

This recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup is one that we have adapted from several recipes over the years.  We were looking for one that used as many fresh ingredients as possible and that was thickened naturally by pureeing the beans in lieu of using a thickening agent such as powder.  ALSO I am not a fan of bell peppers or corn in my soups/chowders...but you could certainly add them if you are ;)

Back to Basics: chillin' chili

Well it's Friday and I was catch-in' up on my Food Network shows, that I taped this week, and as always, was very inspired to get off the couch when I watch Paula's Home Cooking, "Cajun Cooking" to be exact. On this episode she makes Jambalaya and Cajun Seafood Balls and I'm putting these two on the back burner (for when I have all the necessary ingredients).  My love of "cajun" is deep and when I lived in Louisiana (some years ago), I loved everything about the state and became a fan of Justin Wilson's "Homegrown Louisiana Cooking".  Then later, when I met my DH, I turned him onto watching Justin...long before there even was a "Food Network" channel... "I guuaaaarrrraaaannntteee"...as Justin use to say.  God Bless Justin, sure do miss his style of cooking and his wit on TV :}

So all these spicy, hot cravings had to be satisfied...so out to the kitchen I went and I grabbed the ingredients for preparing my ole standby...Chili!  There is no recipe for this...what can I tell you...I follow the package directions on the back of the McCormick Chili, Original mix...only I buy the "hot" package (but not 24 at a time)...cause I like it HOT!