Winter Time Comfort Food Recipes : Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup

As the weather outside gets colder, my thoughts go to hot chocolate, hot soups, cornbread, chili and crackers.
Are you with me?
Here are some of my favorite winter time recipes.

Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup
This is a simple, inexpensive soup to make. Adapt this recipe to personal preferences. Consider adding broccoli or sausage for variation. My dad made this one when I was little. Now that I'm the cook, I top iit with shredded cheese, chives and bacon bits. It's like a baked potato soup! You could even consider leaving the peelings on the cooked cubed potatoes.

Ingredients :

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 1 (14-ounce) can vegetable or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk, divided
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups milk

Cooking Instructions :

1. In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, add potatoes, carrots, onion, and vegetable or chicken broth. Cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from heat.
2. While vegetables are cooking, make cream sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter; add flour, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Add milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat. Add cheddar cheese and dill weed. Stir until cheese is melted. Set aside.
3. In a food processor or blender, in small batches, puree potato mixture with some of the milk. Pour blended potato mixture back into the soup pot. Add the cheese sauce, sour cream, remaining milk, salt, pepper, and chili pepper. Stir until thoroughly blended. Return to medium heat and heat until warm. Remove from heat and serve in soup bowls.

Winter Time Comfort Food Recipes : Holiday Leftovers Soup

As the weather outside gets colder, my thoughts go to hot chocolate, hot soups, cornbread, chili and crackers.
Are you with me?
Here are some of my favorite winter time recipes.

Holiday Leftover Vegetable Beef Soup

Take a little of that roast, turkey, ham or chicken, whatever you have left over and almost every vegetable in the fridge and combine it with a few simple ingredients for a tantalizing hot soup to warm those cold bones on winter days yet to come.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium yellow onions, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 lbs leftover cooked meat: beef, turkey, chicken, ham or sausage
• 64 ounces beef stock or beef broth or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning, to taste
• ketchup, to taste
• 2 cups of cooked green beans ( you can also use any vegetables you have on hand or in the fridge, be creative)
• 2 cups of cooked green peas
• 2 cups of cooked corn
• 2 cups of cooked carrots ( use the carrot sticks from the party trays, cook and chop into pieces)
• 2 cups of cooked diced potatoes
• cherry tomatoes and chopped green or bell pepper if desired (party tray leftovers)
• 1 (32 ounce) can of vegetable juice or tomato juice
• 1 packet of instant au jus or instant onion soup

Directions:

1. In a large pot, cook onions, celery, and garlic in butter or oil until onions are golden.
2. Stir in the chopped cooked meat
3. Add the broth, vegetable juice and the Worcestershire, stirring to mix, and seasoning to taste with Italian seasoning and ketchup (how much you add will depend on how seasoned the meat and broth already are, so be careful here).
4. Once the soup base is set, add the vegetables one by one
5. Add the au jus or instant onion soup and additional water or beef broth if needed.
6. Let the soup simmer on the stove for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
7. Cool, divide into cartons and containers and freeze until needed

Serve with hot buttered cornbread.
If you haven't added potatoes, this will freeze well. Potatoes become mushy when frozen.

Winter Time Comfort Food Recipes : Easy Taco Soup

As the weather outside gets colder, my thoughts go to hot chocolate, hot soups, cornbread, chili and crackers.
Are you with me?
Here are some of my favorite winter time recipes.

Easy Taco Soup
Ingredients:

• 1 large family size can of ready to eat pinto beans
• 1 pound of ground turkey seasoned with taco or Mexican seasoning
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes & green chillis
• 2 cups of tomato juice
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 cup of taco seasoning
• 1 can of corn
• 2 cups of water

Directions:

1. Brown the ground turkey and onions together, drain any fat off
2. In a large 4 Qt soup pot, bring to a bowl the water and tomato juice
3. Reduce down to a simmer
4. Add the taco seasoning and blend well
5. Now add the beans, taco meat, onions, tomatoes, green chilies and corn. It's fine to dump everything into the pot.
6. Stir and keep warm until ready to serve.

* This soup can easily be dished up into individual serving or family size cartons and frozen until needed**
I love this with saltine crackers.

Winter Time Comfort Food Recipes : Easy Bowtie Chicken Alfredo Soup

As the weather outside gets colder, my thoughts go to hot chocolate, hot soups, cornbread, chili and crackers.
Are you with me?
Here are some of my favorite winter time recipes.

Easy Cream of Chicken Alfredo Bow Tie Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

• 5 oz. of canned or fresh cooked and de-boned chopped chicken breasts
• 1 15 oz. Classic Alfredo sauce
• 12 oz. box of bowtie pasta (cooked to package directions)
• 1 10oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of milk
• Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper ( to taste)

Directions:

1. Start off by combining the condensed soup, milk and Alfredo sauce in a soup pot on the stove.
2. Stir well and heat until warm.
3. Add the cooked or canned chicken and the cooked bow tie noodles. Stir well again and keep warm.
4. Lastly, stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste

This makes about 4 servings depending on the size of the soup bowls

Winter Time Comfort Food Recipes : Chicken and Dumplings

As the weather outside gets colder, my thoughts go to hot chocolate, hot soups, cornbread, chili and crackers.
Are you with me?
Here are some of my favorite winter time recipes.

Chicken & Dumplings

• 1 large can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 large can of chicken breast
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 6 cups of flour
• 1 cup of shortening
• 1 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder

1. Dumpling dough is made by combining the flour and baking powder first. Stir well.
2. Then cut in the shortening and keep mixing well with your hands.
3. Slowly add a little of the milk at a time until a rich dough is formed.
4. Flour a flat surface. Roll and flatten out dough into a large rectangle about a 1/4" thick
5. With a pizza cutter, cut dough into 1/2" X 1/2" squares
6. Boil the 6 cups of chicken broth and after it starts to boil, slowly add the dumpling a little at a time.
7. Keep a constant watch on it and stir continuously. Do not let dumplings stick to sides or bottom of the pot. Continue to cook and stir dumplings for at least 10 minutes in the boiling broth.
8. Then stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken and a little milk.
9. This is the crucial part. Turn off the heat and stir continuously for the next five minutes to avoid scorching of the cram and milk.
10. Let everything stand and thicken up for 15 minutes before serving.

This does not freeze well, but makes enough for about 14 servings.

Wonderful with cornbread.

Winter Time Comfort Food Recipes : Mild Texas Chili

As the weather outside gets colder, my thoughts go to hot chocolate, hot soups, cornbread, chili and crackers.
Are you with me?
Here are some of my favorite winter time recipes.

Mild Texas Chili

• 4 pounds of ground beef, cooked & drained
• 1 can of tomato juice
• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Large chopped and minced onion
• garlic powder, salt & pepper to taste
• Add a large can of pinto beans if desired

1. Combine all ingredients together.
2. Stir and simmer at least an hour

Again, makes a lot, freezes well

Winter Time Comfort Food Recipes : Easy Hamburger Stew

As the weather outside gets colder, my thoughts go to hot chocolate, hot soups, cornbread, chili and crackers.
Are you with me?
Here are some of my favorite winter time recipes.

Easy Hamburger Stew

• 3 pounds of ground beef, cooked and drained
• 6 cups of beef broth
• 3 cups of mixed vegetables frozen or canned
• 1/2 cup of worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup of ketchup
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper & garlic to taste

1. In a large soup pot, combine the 6 cups of beef broth with the 3 cups of vegetables and bring to rolling boil and cook and stir occasionally for 20 minutes.
2. Stir in cooked ground beef, worcestershire sauce, ketchup and sugar.
3. Now add seasoning as you like. Let simmer for at least 15 minutes before eating.

This makes a bunch and freezes well.

I Gave My Baby A Bumbo This Year

This has been an adventurous year for us. On January 17, 2011, we found out that God had blessed us with a baby for New Years, and although she wasn't due to arrive until the end of September, Miss Kaitlyn made her appearance into this world on August 16, 2011, about 6 weeks early. She's a little bitty thing but the joy she brings to our family is immeasurable!.

She'll only be 4 months this Christmas and she still can't hold herself up well or grasp a toy, but she loves to sit and watch everything. She enjoys talking to you, cooing, smiling and babbling. Her favorite toy? Me, of course!
So, what did I get my little bundle of smiles for Christmas this year?
I got her a Bumbo!

This little chair is so cool.
I first saw one in March. A friend of mine brought her Bumbo to an Easter Egg hunt/ church family picnic so her little 7 month old could sit up and watch everything.

It's a special seat designed for babies that can't yet hold themselves up in an upright, sitting position. This little booster seat is made of a lightweight foam material and special designed to hold a baby in a sitting position so he can sit up and see what's going on. It can be used for a baby as young as 3 months old as long as the baby can hold its head up by itself. It's recommended for babies 3 months to 14 months up to 22 pounds. 

Take it anywhere and everywhere. The Bumbo can be placed on any level surface to be used as a booster seat, feeding chair, and more. There are no straps or fasteners: it is designed to have baby's bottom slightly lower than the leg openings so that baby's weight is what actually holds them securely in the seat. The Bumbo can purchased by itself or with the tray attachment and it comes in a variety of colors.

The Bumbo chair is not cheap. The average cost of a brand new Bumbo is around $35. However, I ended up with two for $27. How?
Well, I first saw these chairs at  ToysRUs for $40 and thought, " Well, I can't afford that."
So, I started looking at my local Goodwill. I found one, but another lady beat me to it.
So, I began to shop  Ebay and I asked for one on Freecycle. I won one on Ebay for $27 the same day someone gave me one from Freecycle. So I sold the one I didn't need back on Ebay to cover the  $27 cost of the one I wanted to keep. So actually, I practically my purple Bumbo with tray for FREE!!!! YES!!!! 
Merry Christmas to me and Kaitlyn!

Winter Soups, Chili and Stew Recipes

Be prepared for those cold days when the weather keeps everyone home and hungry. Always keep the pantry stocked with a few basic ingredients to warm the family with their favorite soups, chilis and stews.

Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup

This is a simple, inexpensive soup to make. Adapt this recipe to personal preferences. Consider adding broccoli or sausage for variation.

Ingredients :

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 1 (14-ounce) can vegetable or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk, divided
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups milk

Cooking Instructions :

1. In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, add potatoes, carrots, onion, and vegetable or chicken broth. Cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from heat.
2. While vegetables are cooking, make cream sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter; add flour, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Add milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat. Add cheddar cheese and dill weed. Stir until cheese is melted. Set aside.
3. In a food processor or blender, in small batches, puree potato mixture with some of the milk. Pour blended potato mixture back into the soup pot. Add the cheese sauce, sour cream, remaining milk, salt, pepper, and chili pepper. Stir until thoroughly blended. Return to medium heat and heat until warm. Remove from heat and serve in soup bowls.

Basic Texas Chili

The basic difference between Texas chili and other chilis, no beans. It's more of a thick meat chili sauce. Served with crackers, cornbread or tortilla chips, it's the epitomy of southern comfort food.

Ingredients :

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped fine
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons blended chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 ½ cup water

Cooking Instructions :

1. In a heavy skillet, brown the meat, and drain off the fat. Transfer the meat to a large stock pot.
2. While the meat is still hot, mix in the onion and garlic, salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and let set for 30 minutes.
3. Add enough water to cover the meat. Put in the spices and bring to a simmer. Add more water if the mix becomes too dry. Add the tomato sauce and simmer another 20 minutes.
4. Mix 2 tablespoons flour with one half cup of water. Raise the heat under the chili until you get a good boil. Stir in the flour/water mixture and continue stirring until mixture thickens. Chili can be thick or soupy depending on personal preferences. Add more water if the chili is too thick. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 more minutes.

Home-Style Vegetable Beef Stew

This is a tasty frugal stew, made with ground beef and loads of different vegetables. In the south, this dish is not complete without cornbread.

Ingredients :

• 2 pounds of ground beef
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 packet of dry, instant onion soup mix
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 medium carrots, sliced, about 1 to 1 1/2 cups
• 2 to 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons flour mixed with an equal amount of cold water

Cooking Instructions :

1. In a stockpot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and drain off the fat. Add the broth, onion soup, water, celery, and onion. Bring to a simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Cover and cook over low heat for about 45 to 60 minutes.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, and corn. Cook for 20 minutes longer. Do not add the salt, pepper and seasoning salt until after the potatoes and carrots have softened.
3. Cover and cook for about 45 minutes. Combine the flour and water; stir into the stew mixture. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 to 20 minutes, until thickened.

Comfort Foods

For most people, comfort food is all about how the food makes the person feel when its being consumed. Comfort food is usually rich in taste and can be high in calorie. However, adjustments can be made if dietary restrictions need to be adhered to. Substitute ground turkey for ground beef, lower salt content and choose low fat dairy options for cream or cheese soups. As long as it's warm, soothing and has a wonderful taste that keeps people coming back for more, it's comfort food.

How To Christmas Shop On A Tight Budget

Never pay full price. Buy used, save the difference.
Bargain shop this year. Save money. Shop Freecycle, Paperback Swap and CD Swap for gifts this year. Great deals can be found at the Goodwill too. Most of my shopping this year was done at the General Dollar and Family Dollar with coupons!

During these tough financial times, families don't have to go in debt to have a good Christmas. This year, avoid crowded malls, one day sales and the day after Thanksgiving madness. Look around town and keep a close eye online for deals too good to pass up.

Online Shopping Ideas

Freecycle : Everything offered is free. Freecycle is nationwide. Find a local group, sign up for emails or log on to the main website to post items offered and items wanted.

Paperback Swap: This site makes it easy to obtain books needed for school or enjoyment. Members post books they no longer want and in return, each time someone request and receives a book from a member's account, the member gets to request a book. There is a little cost involved. Members have to pay to ship out books requested. However, media mail is used and the average cost is never more than $3 a book.

CD Swap and DVD Swap : These are sister sites of Paperback Swap. They work on the same premise. Members post CDs and DVDs they no longer want and in return, each time someone request and receives a CD or DVD from a member's account, the member gets to request one in return. There is a little cost involved. Members have to pay to around $.50- $1.50 for each CD or DVD they request. Compared to $10-$20 each to buy a new CD or DVD, that's not bad. Members pay to ship out CDs or DVDs requested. However, media mail is used and the average cost is never more than $2 each.

Ebates : Get cash back for shopping online stores through Ebates. Many of the big online names have teamed up with Ebates to offer savings. Instead of going straight to the store website. Go to Ebates first and shop the store through them. Ebates gives a percentage off the total purchase. Customers receive a check from Ebates similar to old fashion rebate checks.

Swagbucks: This is a search engine that pays people to search through them instead of others. It's easy. Simply go to the Swagbucks website and search for things needed there. Every now and then, Swagbucks will award 1-5 swagbucks to an individual's account. These swagbucks can then be exchanged for gift cards or Paypal payments. For example, 45 swagbucks can be exchanged for $5 cash from Paypal.

My Points: Similar to Ebates and Swagbucks, this site rewards customers for shopping through them. Customers accumulate points that be exchanged for gift cards. Some of the offers are not free and require signing up for clubs and memberships to receive points. However with patience and diligence, points can be earned by reading emails, completing free online surveys. Easy points are earned by printing out and using grocery coupons from My Points. There are several big name gift cards available. Some customers choose Target or CVS gift cards because those stores offer great coupon deals. Learn to get the most for your money.

Ebay and Half.com : Anything and everything can and probably has been sold on Ebay. Before heading out the door to shop local stores, check to see if the item is on Ebay. However, beware of shipping cost. Look for free shipping deals. Half.com is Ebay's sister site offering books, CDs and DVD or VHS movies at discount.

Alternative Shopping Ideas

Goodwill and Salvation Army: Almost every city has a local Goodwill or Salvation Army Thrift Store. All profits earned go to help people in need.These are great places to find gently used clothes, books, toys and furniture.

Re-Sale and Consignment Shops: These stores take in gently used clothes, books, toys, furniture and household goods people would like to sell and sell it for them. Customers come in and shop, buy the merchandise and the original owner gets a percentage of the sale.

Garage Sales: One man's junk is another man's treasure. It's true for a garage sale fanatic. Like Ebay, almost anything can be found for sale at a garage sale. But unlike Ebay, customers are dealing directly with the owner and can negotiate price on the spot.

Something to Blog About

There are many out there blogging about money saving, deal seeking, coupons and gifts for free. Search for these blogs and sign up to follow them. Some people blog as a way to earn money. Others write for the pure joy of sharing what they've learned. It's an easy way to find the best deals on the web.

Many have learned sharing and giving comes from the heart. Christmas presents don't have to be expensive, new or the latest and greatest thing. Some of the best gifts in life are the ones that don't cost a dime, but their worth is unmeasurable.

Resources

The following is list of blogs dedicated to saving others money.

Money Saving Mom.com

Deal Seeking Mom.com

The Krazy Coupon Lady.com

Mommy Snacks.com

Feeling Frugal