A lot of the traditional foods that come with Saint Nick's day involve sweets. Could be done in a healthy fashion using soaked or sprouted flour, natural sweeteners and so forth, but if you rely to much on the sweet expressions , you can get into trouble. I chose instead to do something simple, nutritious and kind of sort of cute- Open Faced Bishop Sandwiches
Okay, I need help in the food styling department ! They are supposed to look like Bishop Miters. On a slice of whole wheat soaked bread place a slice of cheddar cheese and then cut a slice of Swiss into a sort of elogated wedge. Top with a strip of red pepper and place in a 350 oven for 10 minutes. Serve with a salad and a bowl of soup.
Soup is one thing that is no longer being used from a can. In the days long ago, grilled cheese would be accompanied by either a can of tomato or mushroom soup for a quick, go to meal that left you feeling peckish about 2 hours later. Reason being, canned soup is NOT food. It is a lab experiment in a can. If it was lunchtime I would opt for minestrone or spit pea soup, but my husband really prefers cream of mushroom soup or clam chowder. What better reason to try out a recipe for universal real food cream of whatever soup ?? This recipe was designed for once a month freezer cooking, so the leftovers freeze very well on their own , or in casseroles
Katie’s Real Food Cream of {X} Soup
makes the equivalent of 4 cans of soup It freezes well inside a casserole but can separate if you freeze it alone3/4 cup butter ( yes, butter- margarine is a posion)
3/4 c. whole wheat flour (can add more if you like a really thick base)
4 cups whole milk ( or 3 cups of heavy cream and one cup whole milk for a richer soup
2 cups homemade chicken bone broth
Optional: Chopped onions
Method:
Melt butter over low heat. If using onions for extra flavor, saute in butter until limp. Add flour and whisk together until smooth. Cook 1 minute. Do not let it brown! Gradually add milk and chicken stock, stirring constantly. Remove from heat when sauce has thickened. This may take up to 15-20 minutes.
Options:
* Cream of celery: Saute a stalk or two of chopped celery with the butter before adding flour.
* Cream of mushroom: Saute chopped fresh mushrooms in butter.
* Cream of broccoli: Add chopped steamed broccoli to the soup after it thickens.
* Cheesy sauce: Add shredded cheese (sharp cheddar gives the most flavor) after removing from heat. Stir to melt.
* If you want to make a big batch of soup and have different flavors, you can always saute mushrooms or celery separately and simply add to the finished soup, one can-equivalent at a time.
Th result ? Move over Campbells. It's been fun, but I prefer real food ! The resulting simple supper of grilled cheese, soup and salad was incredibly satisfying, nourishing. Not only did I wind up with dinner, but extra to freeze and use in things like Tuna Noodle Casserole or simply soup for lunch or dinner. A little gift to rely on in the future- real food, fast and convenient. A red and white can replaced by something healthily made on the day that honors the man in the red and white suit !
That's me and my next in line sister, visiting the figure the good Bishop was morphed into , back in 1961. I was 3 1/2 and my sister was 2. Such visits were of great importance ! Santa delivered ! And years later , the ma behind the iconic figure would help to bring about the greatest gift I have ever received- my son. It's good to say Thank You.
1 comment:
That picture of you is too cute, Diane!
I always wanted to make cream of X soup instead of using the canned stuff. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
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