Lunch is about ready and I am starved. When it is cold outside, all I want to do is eat. I can’t afford to do that as much as I want because before too long I won’t fit through the door. Momma Said, “That would just be more of me to love.” It is the curse of women to gain weight and not be able to lose it.
I try to keep all the animals fed and happy. The birds have finally started eating and I can’t keep the dogs full. The Golden Retriever would eat me out of house and home if I would let her. She looks at me with those big brown eyes and it is hard to resist her hypnotic stare. I have found a treat for them that they love and it is not fattening. I dehydrate sweet potato slices and they get one in the morning and one in the evening, both dogs love them. It is cheap and good for them at the same time.
I enjoy my animals company. They are not demanding, arrogant, mean or hateful, their love is unconditional. Momma Said, “If people could be more like that, this world would be a much better place to live.” If we could get into the same groove as animals, we would probably find we could live longer, much better lives with less stress and illness.
Just think, if you could turn on the news and not hear about murders, bombings, war and all the other bad stuff going on in the world today. People had better wake up soon and see that as a society, we are killing ourselves. Momma Said, “If we can’t start living together, we are going to meet our end and it is not going to be pretty.”
I leave you this week with a recipe that will warm your heart and soul on these cold winter days. It is wholesome and makes you think of a toasty fire and a warm blanket. Enjoy.
Loaded Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Ingredients
· 2 – 14.5 oz. cans chicken broth
· 2-3 large carrots, peeled and diced
· 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed into small pieces
· 1 tsp. onion powder
· 2 small heads broccoli (washed and diced small)
· 3 TB butter
· ⅓ cup flour
· 3½ cups milk
· 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
· 1 tsp. salt
· ½ tsp. garlic pepper
· 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
In a large pot combine chicken broth, carrots potatoes and onion powder.
Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add broccoli, cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
While simmering, melt butter in a large sauce pan. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute (or until golden brown). Whisk in milk and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add cheese and stir until it is all melted. Add salt and garlic pepper.
Pour cheese sauce into the large pot and stir until well combined.
Add more milk for a thinner consistency and add any additional salt and pepper needed. Top with bacon pieces.
Serve warm.