Potato Soup

This is something I modified from a crock pot recipe.  Last year sometime I had this soup going in my crock pot when it decided to quit working.  I dumped it in a soup pot and realized how quick this was on the stove top.  This is my go-to soup.  I really don't measure.  

In my soup pot (I think it's 8 qt) I add 7-8 pounds of potatoes peeled and diced.  Sprinkle with parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.  Add 1 box of TJ's chicken broth or 3 heaping teaspoons of chicken bouillon (depending on what I have) then fill the pot with enough water to cover the potatoes.  Bring to a boil then simmer until the potatoes are cooked (about 20 min.).  Here's where I cheat.  I thicken the soup with a bit of instant mashed potatoes.  Since the soup is already hot, I just pour in somewhere between 1/2c. and 1c. from the box.  Add a can of condensed milk to make it creamy.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Serve with bacon and shredded cheese.  YUM!  

***As a rule at our house, things are seasoned pretty mild.  With kids, I know they can be picky.  And if it's 'spicy' they're quicker to complain.  I can always add spice to my bowl but I can't take it out of theirs.  

Tortilla Soup

But, to be honest, we leave out the tortilla chips a lot. =0)

This soup mix is for a gift jar...but we like it so much I keep the mix in the pantry for a quick dinner.  On a rushed night, dumping a bunch of things into a pot to simmer for 20 minutes is my kind of dinner.  

Seasonings:

2T. chichen bouillon granules

2t. lemonade powder with sugar

1t. lemon pepper

1t. dried cilantro leaves

1/2 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. ground cumin

1/2 t. salt (I usually leave this out)

1/4 c. dried minced onions (I use 2 T.)

1c. rice

1 10 oz. can chicken

1 14.5 oz can tomatoes (I like Hunt's Fire Roasted or something with green chilies)

Add everything to a pot with 10c. water.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.  Serve with crushed chips at the bottom of the bowl.  Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, olives...you name it.  YUM!