Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Chex Mix

1 large box of Rice Chex
1 small box of golden grahams
1 1/2 c. (3 cubes) margarine
2 c. light karo syrup
2 c. sugar
1 pkg. sliced almonds
1/2 pkg. coconut

Mix margarine, karo syrup and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to dissolve sugar. Mix cereals, almonds and coconut in large bowl. Pour mixture over cereals and gently toss with a spoon from the outside of the bowl to the bottom to coat all pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Tips: I use my large tupperware bowl and pour the rice chex in... probably 2/3 or so of the bowl is rice chex. Then I just add the golden grahams on top (I always buy them in bulk so I have to guess how much:). You can also add as many almonds and as much coconut as you want. But when you get the dry ingredients in, the ingredients before the syrup should be about an inch from the top is all. Enjoy!!! It is one of our most favorite treats!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Cheeseburger Soup

1 lb. hamburger
1 1/2 c. chopped onion
1 1/2 c. diced celery
1 1/2 c. shredded carrots
8 c. diced potatoes
2 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. basil
1 1/2 cubes butter (divided)
2 Tbl. olive oil
6 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. flour
3 c. milk
32 oz. pkg. Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 c. sour cream
salt and pepper to taste

Brown hamburger, seasoning it with salt, pepper, minced onion as desired. Drain and set aside. In large pot, melt 1/2 cube of the butter and extra virgin olive oil. Add carrots, celery, onion and cook until tender. Add potatoes & broth. Bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are tender, approx. 15 minutes. Add hamburger and seasonings. In skillet that you browned the hamburger in, melt 1 cube of the butter, stir in flour and let cook for a few minutes. Add milk gradually, mixing well. When thickened, add to vegetable, broth mixture. Add in sour cream and cubed velveeta. Stir soup until velveeta is completely melted.

I always use chicken boullion in place of the broth (6 boullion cubes to 6 cups water). I like the flavor better. With the boullion, I don't usually have to add more salt. You can also save some time by using frozen hash brown potatoes and packaged match stick or shredded carrots. This soup re-heats really well too. Enjoy!