Thursday, August 5, 2010

Re-purposed Towels

I have an issue with things being thrown away.  We recycle and compost as much as possible in our home.  However sometimes there are still items that meet the end of their intended purpose.  I'm one that looks through magazines and says, "Hey, that's a great idea, I can make that!" or "I know what I can use to do that!"  You know those old towels that have holes in them that you just can't bear to throw out?  Have no fear!  Instead of using paper towels (which you end up tossing because they get ratty) between your non-stick pans for storage cut up these towels and put them between your pots and pans.  If they start to look bad, wash them and reuse.  If you're mighty handy with a sewing machine add a nifty border (ribbon) around the edge for less fraying.  Ta da!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Simple Cheesy Potato Soup

This is soy, peanut, and malt free (spmf) - it can be made dairy free very simply by substituting rice milk products for the milk products listed.

Fair Warning:  Everything I cook is (haha) with a grain of salt.  I never measure anything, so if you find that you like yours with less salt or little garlic, who am I to tell you otherwise.  I'm just giving guidance.

Ingredients: 8 potatoes, 3/4 garlic cloves, salt, 2 cubes of Edward&Sons bouillon (spmf), 1/2 cup chives, pepper, 2 tbs flour, 1 cup cheese (I like mozzarella or cheddar), 1-2 cups milk or half and half, 1/2 cup sour cream

Take 8 fair sized potatoes and wash, somewhat peel, and slice them.  Place them in a pot with just enough water to cover them.  Add 3-4 garlic cloves that have been sliced and salt to taste.  Bring to a boil for about 20 min until potatoes are tender. Decrease the heat to low.  Mash the potatoes with a whisk in the pot and add 1 Edward&Sons Not-Chick'n bouillon cube, 1 Edward&Sons Garden Veggie bouillon cube, 1/2 cup diced chives, 1 tsp pepper, and 2 tbs of flour.  In order to have the flour mix in better, add a small amount of cold water to the flour in a separate bowl then scrape the paste into the soup.  Whisk well.  Now add 1 cup cheese, 1-1 1/2 cups of milk or half and half, and 1/2 cup sour cream (optional) Stir well and ladle into bowls for enjoyment.

Variation:  I like to add 1/2 a lb of sausage (Whole Foods makes a Sage Breakfast sausage that meets the spmf criteria) or bacon, also I've been known to throw in corn, broccoli or cauliflower.  Have fun!

Introduction.

An introduction seems in order.  I've been contemplating a blog for a while to show off my children, the food I cook since my husband is allergic to soy, peanut, and malt, and the small things I get to create when I'm not along for the ride.  I hope to post frequently, especially with recipes.  Hang on tight, nothing is ever as it seems.