Tuesday, April 12, 2016

QUICK & EASY TOMATO VEGETABLE SOUP





A cup of soup is a favorite lunch time treat. Monday was a
very rainy and dark day, so I decided this tomato-based
2 vegetable version would hit the spot. Try this easy soup
recipe, add a grilled cheese…..YUM.


Ingredients:

2 cans ( 14 oz ) Hunts Tomatoes with Sweet Onions
   plus 2 cans of water
1 can ( 14 oz ) Cut Green Beans
1 small zucchini cut into small cubes*
3 beef bouillon cubes
1/2 cup Ditalini pasta ( tiny tube pasta )
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning* 
1 tsp. sugar
  

Directions:

In a medium size pan, combine the tomatoes, water, beef
  bouillon cubes, the seasonings including the sugar and
  stir over medium heat.
Add the zucchini and bring to boil, then add the pasta,
  and stir. Let boil for 5 minutes, reduce heat, add green
  beans and simmer till zucchini and pasta tender. About
  20 minutes.
* Poultry seasoning includes thyme, sage, marjoram,
   rosemary, black pepper, and nutmeg.
* Can substitute yellow squash

Done, how easy was that. Flavor develops as it sits. 
Ron took some for his lunch the next day, thumbs
  up from him.







Wednesday, April 6, 2016

CHICKEN SALAD






Husband Ron and my friend Marian really love chicken salad.
I like it too but have to admit tuna is my favorite. It's versatile,
works on thick sourdough or a croissant roll and presents well
in a lettuce cup. Use poached or baked chicken.


Ingredients:

4  cups large diced chicken from 2 large chicken breasts. I had
   some leftover baked chicken that was seasoned. (see previous
   post on baking and poaching chicken, boneless/skinless too.)
3  cups green or dark seedless grapes, cut in half
1  heaping cup chopped pecans, toasted
3/4  cup mayonnaise 
1/4  cup sour cream
1  stalk celery diced
2  Tbsp. minced or diced sweet onion
1/2  tsp. salt
1/2  tsp. pepper
1  Tbsp. fresh lemon juice


Directions;

In a large bowl, combine the cut up chicken, onion, celery, add
   the grapes and stir gently.
In a smaller bowl, combine the mayo, sour cream, salt, pepper,
   and lemon juice and stir.
Add the mayo mixture to the chicken and toss till everything
   is coated. Add the pecans and toss gently.
Cover and chill for at least an hour.
Serve sandwich style with a heavy bread or roll. I found a 
Pepperidge Farm Asiago Cheese Bread that was delicious.
Serve in lettuce cups with warm rolls, add a cup of soup.

Unless you like a lot of mayo and want it pretty creamy,
stick to the recipe. I added just a touch more salt. You
can omit the onion but I think it helps.
Enjoy.