Menu Planning Monday and a recipe......

I love soup.  Like really love it.  It's like the ultimate comfort food for me.  I also love that it's so easy to make.  Most soups I make involve a crock pot which for me is always a plus.  I mean, I love to cook but sometimes when the end of the day gets here, I'm tired and not in the mood to stand in the kitchen whipping up a masterpiece to put on the table.

This winter has been so cold here this year in the South and this soup recipe has been one of my go to recipes.

Ummmm....doesn't it look yummy?  I mean the soup, not the wine teasing this preggo lady that's hanging around in the background.

Ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 3 1/2 lbs)
• 1 large onion, chopped  
• 1 or 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 3 (14-ounce) cans of chicken broth
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons pepper
• 1 cup whipping cream or half & half
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream (optional)
• 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (I often use bacon pieces you can buy in the salad section)
• shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Combine the potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, butter, salt and pepper in a 5-quart or large crock pot.
2. Cover and cook on high 4 hours or low 8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
3. Mash the mixture until the potatoes are coarsely chopped and soup in slightly thickened.
4. Stir in cream, cheese and chives. 
5. Top with sour cream, if desired and sprinkle with bacon and cheddar cheese before serving. 

Now for what's on the menu this week.....

• 2/14 Monday - Going out for a Valentine's Day meal with the hubby
• 2/15 Tuesday - Taco Night at the Farm with Spanish rice and beans
• 2/16 Wednesday - Chicken Leg Quarters in the crock pot, potatoes and broccoli
• 2/17 Thursday - Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and Salad
• 2/18 Friday - Chicken Pot Pie
• 2/19 Saturday - Leftovers
• 2/20 Sunday - Farmer Roy's Choice

Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day!!  As always linking up over at the Organizing Junkie.

Slacker.....

I know I've been missing in action all week.  I'd like to blame it on something like I've been swamped doing something fabulous, but in reality I have no real good excuse.  I have been a little busy this week starting to study for a GINORMOUS test I have coming up in April and just doing regular ole mommy stuff but that's about it.

We do have several projects waiting in limbo out here at the farm.  I need the energy fairy to visit me so I can get them all done.  Here is a picture of the farmhouse table completely put together. 

I think the lil' princess approves so far.  We actually have also gotten all the holes filled, stained on top and painted with primer on the bottom.  Just have get a couple of coats of paint on the bottom and I'll share an official post about the finished project.

Well mommy duties call....I can smell the stinky princess from across the room.  Hope everyone is having a great week.  I promise to do better!

Superbowl Sunday!!!

I'll be working Sunday, but us girls at work love any excuse to eat.  I discovered this recipe at a friends Superbowl party 2 years ago.  It's so delicious so I love any reason to whip up a batch.  Oh and I don't even like chicken wings, but looooovvvveeee this dip.

Stock Photo

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 can diced chicken 
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 8oz block of cream cheese softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a skillet, combine chicken and hot sauce until heated through.
2. Add ranch dressing and cream cheese and stir until melted through.
3. Add in cheddar cheese and mix thoroughly.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
5. Serve with chips, celery sticks or crackers.

Hope everyone has a fun Superbowl Sunday!!

Oh baby!!!!

Sorry about no post yesterday, but after spending the morning in Columbia at the doctor's office and the afternoon grocery shopping with the lil' princess I was exhausted. 

I know I've been pregnant for a few weeks, but this is one doctor's appointment I love.  It seemed a little surreal to me until I got to see the new baby on the ultrasound screen and see the tiny heart beating.

I already can't wait to meet this little one.  I have so many hopes and dreams for him/her.  I wonder what kind of little person you are going to be.  I mainly just hope you know that I already love you.  Your daddy loves you and your big sister loves you.  It's gonna be a long 9 months, but I can hardly wait for the day I'll get to hold you, kiss you and love you.