Soups

Here’s an easy, easy recipe coming from my daughter-in-law…
another great ranch cook.

Mandy’s Potato Bacon Chowder

4 c potatoes cooked in cubes
1/2-1 c. chopped onion
1 cup water
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 lb bacon
1 8oz carton sour cream
1/2 tsp paprika
Chopped chives

Simmer potatoes, onion, water and cream of chicken soup. Fry bacon, saving some back to crumble on top. Add bacon and simmer longer. Fold in the sour cream right before serving. Garnish with bacon.

Steak Soup

This soup is always a hit. Bake up some of Dianna’s Quick Bread, your family will put you right up there with Rachel Ray.

2 pounds cubed sirloin steak dredged in flour
2 sticks ( 1 cup) butter
1 cup flour
2 quarts water ( give or take)
4 potatoes, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 or 2 onions chopped
2 cans mixed vegetables
1 tsp instant coffee (optional) just gives it a more full bodied flavor
Salt and pepper to taste

Brown meat. In heavy pot, melt butter and add flour. Brown and gradually add water to make a gravy. Add all ingredients and let simmer slowly. Great for crock pot cooking. If I’m in a big hurry I will use all canned vegetable. On the other hand if I have more time in the kitchen I like to use all fresh veggies (celery too)