by Holly on September 1, 2010
Proving that all good things come to an end, this is the last Back-to-School Meal Maker Challenge sponsored by H-E-B and ConAgra…I am kinda sad!
Today, I am making a family favorite with a little twist…Super Easy Potato Soup.
I make this recipe all winter…it is super easy (hence the name) and so yummy.
It uses a lot of milk which can cause problems for several family members so I am modifying it…
…with Lactaid which is currently on special at H-E-B:
Coincidence?
Save $1.00 when you purchase any Lactaid Milk product.
Print coupon available here.
Easy Steps to Make Super Easy Potato Soup:
1. Gather the ingredients:
Potatoes
Onions
Salt
Pepper
Milk (Lactaid with your coupon, regular milk, or if you are really splurging – cream)
Baked potato toppings
I figure for every two people I am serving I use one very large potato. I use an onion for every 3 large potatoes.
2. Peel the potatoes and cut into pieces.
3. Prepare the onions and chop. The pieces do not have to be small since you will be blending later.
4. Put the potatoes and onions into large pot and cover with water.
5. Cook on stove until all are tender–you can’t really “over cook” at this point. It is very forgiving!
6. Blend the onion-potato mixture in a food processor or blender. Add milk or cream as needed to get the desired consistency.
7. Return the blended soup to the pot on low heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Obviously you can add other spices at this point if you desire.
8. Add additional milk or cream as needed for creaminess and consistency. I find if your potatoes are really, really soft it reduces the necessity for cream and ends up quite creamy.
9. Serve! I like to add a topping bar with bacon, shredded cheese, chives, sour cream and anything else that tastes yummy on baked potatoes.
10. Eat.
11. Left-overs are yummy too…
This is Week 6 of the H-E-B/ConAgra sponsored Back-to-School Meal Maker Challenge. For my participation I have received products and compensation.
Winners from the giveaways provided by H-E-B & ConAgra have been notified – thanks so much H-E-B & ConAgra…I have really had fun with this challenge.
If you're new around here, might I suggest you find out why I am known as a Fierce Beaver Trapper? Thanks! Carry on...
by Holly on August 31, 2010
This is one of my favorite posts from last year about this time. The orange backpack continues to return home each morning pulled now by a four year old who still isn’t in school.
Once upon a time there were three backpacks.
A brand new yellow one.
A brand new green one.
A hand-me-down orange one.
The brand new yellow backpack was packed with enthusiasm and was to accompany a first grader to his first day of school. This backpack was carefully chosen by the first grader for it’s bright and sunny color.
The brand new green backpack was packed in tolerance and was to accompany a third grader to his first day of school. This backpack was chosen by the third grader because his best friend had the same one.
The hand-me-down orange backpack was stuffed in frustration because it’s 3 year old recipient was too little to go to school. This backpack was handed-down because the 3 year old was upset and a bit tantrum-ish he couldn’t choose a new one.
The first day of school arrived and the boys’ mother pulled out the camera to take pictures of the event. The first and third grader posed with the brand new yellow and green backpacks as successfully as a first and third grader can pose on the first day of school.
The first day of school arrived and the 3 year old pulled out HIS hand-me-down orange backpack. He demanded to be included in the pictures.
The brand new yellow and green backpacks and the hand-me-down orange backpack were all placed in the back of the minivan and hauled off to the first day of school.
The boys’ mother again coerced photography on the group at the school’s entrance.
The brand new yellow, the brand new green and the hand-me-down orange backpacks were all pulled into the school.
The brand new yellow backpack went to first grade.
The brand new green backpack went to third grade.
The hand-me-down orange backpack went back home.
Back at home the 3 year old required a bit of extra hugging – backpack and all.
by Holly on August 29, 2010
Yesterday we went to a 6 year old’s birthday party at the local fire station.
During the festivities a group picture was taken in front of the fire engine with the three firefighters and 12 kids. I took 6 photos during this photo shoot and have cropped out everyone EXCEPT my 7 year old, Reid…
Yep, MY kid is THAT kid.
But it wasn’t just Reid that made an impression on the party goers, I had my moment too.
During the fire station tour, one of the fire fighters pointed to a very large map on the wall that showed all the territory covered by the station. He asked for someone to tell them their address so he could point it out on the map for the kids.
I volunteered our address followed by “you guys have been there”.
He looked up and studied me for a moment and said, “Oh, yes. I remember. Didn’t one of your boys split his head open?”
I nodded. I was impressed that he remembered the incident a year and 1/2 later.
Someone from the group asked if that was the ONLY time that the fire department had been called to my house.
*gulp*
Uh, no. They have been there three times.
That statement was followed by an audible gasp from the attending parents.
DON’T JUDGE ME PEOPLE!
I HAVE THREE BOYS!
Right before we left, the fire fighters were called out on an emergency. They headed out of the station with the lights flashing and the sirens blaring and turned left.
I doubt I was the only one with the fleeting thought that they might be headed to my house for the fourth time…
