CHICKEN SOUP
My Hubby John, makes this more often than I do. It was his mom's recipe. This is a no-fail recipe that is easy to make. The original recipe did not call for bullion BUT we think it flavours the broth better. I think the chickens, back then, had more taste to them. That's just my opinion. You can try it without the bullion but I think you will end up adding some in.
If you have a lot of soup it does freeze nicely. I put the cooked noodles in the broth before freezing. (see below for more on noodles)
Just a note about the cooking stage: If there is any scum around the top of the pot while you are cooking or when you are done boiling up the chicken just use a paper towel to remove it.
I know, I know, it looks and sounds gross but what can I say? Boiling chicken leaves scum.
We don't make our own noodles. We buy dried broad egg noodles and cook them up. They work fine and are easy smeasy! However, we have made it before with homemade noodles and it is good that way too! Whichever type of noodle we use, we always serve the noodles separate from the broth. That way, those who like lots of noodles can have them and those who prefer more broth can have it as well. You can add the cooked noodles to the soup just before serving, or, if you prefer you can add the dried/raw ones to the pot during the cooking process.
The nice thing about this soup is that you can always add more broth after it is cooked if the liquid starts getting too low. Just mix up some liquid bullion (water & powdered bouillon mixed to taste) or buy a carton of chicken stock and dump it in the pot. Either will work just fine.
We always serve this soup with a loaf of fresh, soft, french bread and butter. Mmmm....mmmmm....it's the best!
What you need to cook in: AKA - UTENSILS
1- Large Soup Pot with Lid
1- Long Spoon For Stirring - Wooden or Metal
What food items you need. AKA - INGREDIENTS:
1 Large soup pot of water
4 - 6 pieces of Chicken (NOT BONELESS) with skin left on.
NOTE: The number of chicken pieces used depends on how big your soup pot is. The bigger the pot the more pieces you can get in it. Also, the bigger the pot, the more water being used and the more chicken is needed to get a really good flavour.)
Chicken Bullion- Cubes or Powder
1st amount: 2-4 cubes or 1-2 teaspoons
2ND amount: As required to taste
4 Ribs of Celery, chopped- small or large pieces - whatever you prefer.
4 Carrots, chopped - small or large pieces - whatever you prefer.
2 - 3 Potatoes chopped - small or large pieces - whatever you prefer.
1 -2 Large Onions, chopped - small or large pieces - whatever you prefer.
2 buds of Fresh Garlic smashed or 1 large teaspoon of minced in oil,
or dried/powder to equal above
Salt - 1st amount: 1/8 (or less) teaspoon
2ND amount: as required to taste
Pepper - 1st amount:1/8 (or less) teaspoon
2ND amount: as required to taste
Soy Sauce - as required to taste
2-3 Bay Leaves
1-2 Packages of dried egg noodles. ..cooked or not cooked.
Note: If you are serving the noodles separately, cook them up and set them aside.
If you are adding to the soup as it is cooking then follow directions in the recipe. You could also use spaghetti that is broken into smaller pieces, if you prefer.
Can you use macaroni.....NO. It has way too much starch and will definitely change the taste of the soup. Been there, tried that, trust me it was not pleasant!
What you need to do. AKA-COOKING INSTRUCTIONS.
In large soup pot of fresh water add chicken pieces, bay leaves, bullion and the first amounts of salt & pepper and garlic.
With lid off, bring to a full boil, let it boil for 10 minutes then turn down to a hard simmer.
Put lid on pot and continue the hard simmer for 1 - 2 hours (or more if needed) or until all chicken pieces are cooked completely.
Stir every once in a while when you check the water levels.
Add more water during cooking as needed to keep the pot topped up.
Turn off heat.
Remove the boiled chicken from the pot.
Remove skin and bones from the chicken, chop the meat into pieces and put the meat back into the pot.
Turn heat back on and top up the water in the pot if it is required.
Add the Carrots, Potatoes, Onions and Celery.
Add the Chicken Bullion a bit at a time and taste to get it to where you like it.
Stir.
Add a few slugs of Soy Sauce, a bit at a time to get it to the taste you like.
Stir.
Let it simmer for 10 or so minutes and then taste it again to see if you need to add any salt or pepper. Add these if you think the soup needs it.
Stir.
Let the soup cook , with lid on and at a simmer, for another ***hour*** or so.
***NOTE: If you want the noodles cooked in the soup then add the dried noodles to the stock now after the first half hour and then let continue cooking for the other half hour or so.
BUT if you are adding home made flour noodles, then add them only for the length of time it takes to cook them, otherwise the flour will really thicken the soup to much.
If that should happen then add more bullion to thin out the soup...unless you like thick soup.
When potatoes & carrots are soft the soup is done.
Do a final taste test, add more salt, pepper, bullion or soy sauce if needed and remove the bay leaves.
Serve over cooked noodles if they have not already added to the soup or even if they have and you want more.
ENJOY!!!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Ham Bone Soup
This is a very easy soup to make. It is a long simmering soup about 9 hours total.
Start it first thing, early in the morning and plan on eating around 6PM or so.
It is a very yummy tasting soup.
This recipe makes a lot of soup but you can freeze it.
Don't forget crusty rolls or better yet a dark rye bread with butter.
Yummmm!
Enjoy!
What you need to cook in: AKA Utensils
1 really big soup pot with lid.
1 heavy, long handled spoon, wooden or metal, to stir with.
What you need to cook with: AKA Ingredients
• 3 Cups of dried bean soup mixture, soaked in cold water overnight
• 1 ham bone
• 2 1/2 cups cubed ham
• 2 large onions, coarsely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
• 5 large carrots, coarsely chopped
• 2 cans of mushrooms
• 1 large can diced spiced tomatoes (if possible)with liquid or stewed tomatoes.
• 1 450 ML bottle of veggie cocktail
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons of chopped or minced garlic in oil
• 3 Shakes of Barbados Pepper Sauce
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 7 cups low fat, low sodium chicken broth
(Or make your own with chicken bullion cubes or dry mix)
• 1 teaspoon salt if needed(add to taste near the end of cooking)
• 2 cups kernel corn, frozen or canned
• 2 cups frozen baby Lima beans
What you need to do: AKA Directions
Take the soaked beans out of the overnight water and place them into a large pot.
Fill with enough clean water to cover by about 1 inch.
Bring to a boil, then simmer over low for 30 minutes.
Drain the water out. Leave the beans in.
Add the ham bone, chopped ham, onion, celery, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, vegetable juice, and vegetable broth. Season with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, pepper sauce, bay leaves, pepper, and lemon juice.
Pour in enough of the chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
Simmer over low heat, lid on pot and stirring occasionally, for about 8 hours.
Add more chicken broth as needed throughout the day.
Remove the ham bone.
Season soup with more salt if needed.
Add more pepper or whatever you think it needs at this point.
The soup should suit your taste.
Continue to simmer for a couple more hours.
30 minutes before soup is ready to be served add the frozen/canned corn and the Lima beans.
Remove bay leaves before serving.
I didn't add potatoes but you could if you wanted to for the last hour of cooking. You would want them diced not left in large chunks.
I really liked the Lima beans and corn added to the soup but it would be just as good without them. You could also add frozen green beans if you wish. Also if you don't like mushrooms leave them out. It won't ruin the soup. You really can't do anything wrong with this soup. Spinach....well if not too much why not? Too much though and the flavour might be to overpowering. I would use frozen chopped spinach if I was going to add it.
Start it first thing, early in the morning and plan on eating around 6PM or so.
It is a very yummy tasting soup.
This recipe makes a lot of soup but you can freeze it.
Don't forget crusty rolls or better yet a dark rye bread with butter.
Yummmm!
Enjoy!
What you need to cook in: AKA Utensils
1 really big soup pot with lid.
1 heavy, long handled spoon, wooden or metal, to stir with.
What you need to cook with: AKA Ingredients
• 3 Cups of dried bean soup mixture, soaked in cold water overnight
• 1 ham bone
• 2 1/2 cups cubed ham
• 2 large onions, coarsely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
• 5 large carrots, coarsely chopped
• 2 cans of mushrooms
• 1 large can diced spiced tomatoes (if possible)with liquid or stewed tomatoes.
• 1 450 ML bottle of veggie cocktail
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons of chopped or minced garlic in oil
• 3 Shakes of Barbados Pepper Sauce
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 7 cups low fat, low sodium chicken broth
(Or make your own with chicken bullion cubes or dry mix)
• 1 teaspoon salt if needed(add to taste near the end of cooking)
• 2 cups kernel corn, frozen or canned
• 2 cups frozen baby Lima beans
What you need to do: AKA Directions
Take the soaked beans out of the overnight water and place them into a large pot.
Fill with enough clean water to cover by about 1 inch.
Bring to a boil, then simmer over low for 30 minutes.
Drain the water out. Leave the beans in.
Add the ham bone, chopped ham, onion, celery, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, vegetable juice, and vegetable broth. Season with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, pepper sauce, bay leaves, pepper, and lemon juice.
Pour in enough of the chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
Simmer over low heat, lid on pot and stirring occasionally, for about 8 hours.
Add more chicken broth as needed throughout the day.
Remove the ham bone.
Season soup with more salt if needed.
Add more pepper or whatever you think it needs at this point.
The soup should suit your taste.
Continue to simmer for a couple more hours.
30 minutes before soup is ready to be served add the frozen/canned corn and the Lima beans.
Remove bay leaves before serving.
I didn't add potatoes but you could if you wanted to for the last hour of cooking. You would want them diced not left in large chunks.
I really liked the Lima beans and corn added to the soup but it would be just as good without them. You could also add frozen green beans if you wish. Also if you don't like mushrooms leave them out. It won't ruin the soup. You really can't do anything wrong with this soup. Spinach....well if not too much why not? Too much though and the flavour might be to overpowering. I would use frozen chopped spinach if I was going to add it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Why Not Soup
WHY NOT SOUP
The great thing about this soup is that you can add or subtract any ingredient. Just pick up whatever you think you would like to add, look it over, say “Why Not?” and throw it into the pot …or not. This is a really easy soup to make. Don't let the long list of directions scare you.
UTENSILS THAT YOU NEED:
1 large stock/soup pot with lid
1 frying pan
1 spatula
Measuring cup….or not
IMPORTANT NOTE! I DID NOT USE exact measurements as I was making this soup so please remember that the following measurements are only approximates.
INGREDIENTS THAT YOU NEED:
18 Cups of Water
¼ to ½ cup of powdered chicken soup base
½ of a 500 gram package of maple bacon roughly chopped into larger pieces*
Drippings from bacon**
1 Can drained sliced mushrooms
1 pk (284 ml) pkg frozen spinach
1+½ Cup frozen mixed veggies (I used a carrot/broccoli/cauliflower mix).
1 drained can of whole kernel corn (341 ml)
2 Cups coarsely chopped cabbage
1 Package of potato gnocchi (500 Gram pkg.)***
1 Cup of elbow macaroni ****
1-2 Cups of milk*****
4 – 5 Drops of Barbados Hot Pepper Sauce ******
3-4 really, really generous splashes of Soya Sauce.
Fresh Ground Pepper (or regular pepper) to taste.
WHAT TO DO:
Take a large stock/soup pot and fill with the water.
Add dried chicken soup base stock. Bring up to a boil.
Add spinach, gnocchi, corn, cabbage, soy sauce, pepper sauce.
Keep the stock at a boil until you get to the ◊“Cover & Simmer”◊ instructions.
Fry up bacon and throw into the pot.**
Add mushrooms to the bacon drippings, cover and sauté.
Once the mushrooms start to get really browned with the edges starting to get crispy but not burnt add to them and the bacon drippings to stock pot.
Use a spatula to make sure you get all the bacon drippings out of the frying pan and into the pot. ◊Cover pot and simmer.◊
Let it cook on medium at a hard simmer. Check it once in a while and stir. After about 45 minutes or so taste the soup. If it tastes bland or needs something add whatever spice you like.
I didn’t add salt, onion or garlic to my soup as I didn’t feel it needed it. However if you think it is necessary you can add some salt or dried minced onion or garlic or both. Or maybe add a bit more Soya sauce. Just keep tasting before adding more of any flavouring. You don’t want to overpower the taste of the veggies & bacon.
Add the pasta and stir.***
Turn down the heat to a slow simmer. Keep an eye on the pot and be sure to scrape the bottom often as the macaroni may stick. Once the macaroni is cooked to the a la dente stage (don’t overcook the pasta!) turn the pot to low. Immediately add freshly ground pepper (or shaker pepper) and stir.
Let this simmer to get blended in, for a few minutes. Slowly add the milk to the soup. I put in the first cup & then added more as I tasted until it was how I liked it. Turn off the heat.
Let the soup rest for a few minutes with the lid on. Give a final stir and serve.
***ON 2ND THOUGHT***
*Using regular smoked bacon will definitely change the taste of this soup. If you do use a smoked bacon try adding a bit of maple syrup to it as it is frying but watch that the syrup doesn’t burn! Do not use pancake syrup. It tastes nothing like real maple syrup!
**Fry up and add more bacon if you don’t think you have enough.
***If gnocchi is frozen, defrost before adding to the soup.
****Next time I make this soup I think I will use less macaroni or none at all and add some barley instead. I will also use only ¾ of a can of corn. I think I might also try sautéing some finely chopped onion in a small amount of butter in a separate pan from the bacon and adding it to the soup.
***** I used 1% milk because that’s what we drink
****** Hubby John read once, that a very minute amount of hot sauce added to anything you cook will bring out the flavor of whatever it is that you are cooking. I use it in almost all of the stews, soups, roasts & casseroles I cook. I only add a very tiny amount because I do not want to make the dish spicy flavored. Try it and see the difference it makes when you add it to your cooking.
The great thing about this soup is that you can add or subtract any ingredient. Just pick up whatever you think you would like to add, look it over, say “Why Not?” and throw it into the pot …or not. This is a really easy soup to make. Don't let the long list of directions scare you.
UTENSILS THAT YOU NEED:
1 large stock/soup pot with lid
1 frying pan
1 spatula
Measuring cup….or not
IMPORTANT NOTE! I DID NOT USE exact measurements as I was making this soup so please remember that the following measurements are only approximates.
INGREDIENTS THAT YOU NEED:
18 Cups of Water
¼ to ½ cup of powdered chicken soup base
½ of a 500 gram package of maple bacon roughly chopped into larger pieces*
Drippings from bacon**
1 Can drained sliced mushrooms
1 pk (284 ml) pkg frozen spinach
1+½ Cup frozen mixed veggies (I used a carrot/broccoli/cauliflower mix).
1 drained can of whole kernel corn (341 ml)
2 Cups coarsely chopped cabbage
1 Package of potato gnocchi (500 Gram pkg.)***
1 Cup of elbow macaroni ****
1-2 Cups of milk*****
4 – 5 Drops of Barbados Hot Pepper Sauce ******
3-4 really, really generous splashes of Soya Sauce.
Fresh Ground Pepper (or regular pepper) to taste.
WHAT TO DO:
Take a large stock/soup pot and fill with the water.
Add dried chicken soup base stock. Bring up to a boil.
Add spinach, gnocchi, corn, cabbage, soy sauce, pepper sauce.
Keep the stock at a boil until you get to the ◊“Cover & Simmer”◊ instructions.
Fry up bacon and throw into the pot.**
Add mushrooms to the bacon drippings, cover and sauté.
Once the mushrooms start to get really browned with the edges starting to get crispy but not burnt add to them and the bacon drippings to stock pot.
Use a spatula to make sure you get all the bacon drippings out of the frying pan and into the pot. ◊Cover pot and simmer.◊
Let it cook on medium at a hard simmer. Check it once in a while and stir. After about 45 minutes or so taste the soup. If it tastes bland or needs something add whatever spice you like.
I didn’t add salt, onion or garlic to my soup as I didn’t feel it needed it. However if you think it is necessary you can add some salt or dried minced onion or garlic or both. Or maybe add a bit more Soya sauce. Just keep tasting before adding more of any flavouring. You don’t want to overpower the taste of the veggies & bacon.
Add the pasta and stir.***
Turn down the heat to a slow simmer. Keep an eye on the pot and be sure to scrape the bottom often as the macaroni may stick. Once the macaroni is cooked to the a la dente stage (don’t overcook the pasta!) turn the pot to low. Immediately add freshly ground pepper (or shaker pepper) and stir.
Let this simmer to get blended in, for a few minutes. Slowly add the milk to the soup. I put in the first cup & then added more as I tasted until it was how I liked it. Turn off the heat.
Let the soup rest for a few minutes with the lid on. Give a final stir and serve.
***ON 2ND THOUGHT***
*Using regular smoked bacon will definitely change the taste of this soup. If you do use a smoked bacon try adding a bit of maple syrup to it as it is frying but watch that the syrup doesn’t burn! Do not use pancake syrup. It tastes nothing like real maple syrup!
**Fry up and add more bacon if you don’t think you have enough.
***If gnocchi is frozen, defrost before adding to the soup.
****Next time I make this soup I think I will use less macaroni or none at all and add some barley instead. I will also use only ¾ of a can of corn. I think I might also try sautéing some finely chopped onion in a small amount of butter in a separate pan from the bacon and adding it to the soup.
***** I used 1% milk because that’s what we drink
****** Hubby John read once, that a very minute amount of hot sauce added to anything you cook will bring out the flavor of whatever it is that you are cooking. I use it in almost all of the stews, soups, roasts & casseroles I cook. I only add a very tiny amount because I do not want to make the dish spicy flavored. Try it and see the difference it makes when you add it to your cooking.
Monday, February 15, 2010
BBQ Pulled Pork In A Crock Pot
BBQ PULLED PORK IN A CROCK POT
This recipe was courtesy of daughter Jaime who is a mighty fine cook.
As I do with all my recipes I tweaked it to my taste.
This recipe is beyond easy to make.
Sorry BUT I tend to ramble sometimes so
PLEASE READ THE WHOLE RECIPE BEFORE starting.
INGREDIENTS...OR WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GET STARTED.
1 Pork Roast - Size depends on the size of your crock pot. (1*see note below)
1 or 2 Bottles of BBQ sauce. (2** see note below)
1 Tablespoon of regular yellow mustard
Salt & Pepper
Maple Syrup or 3 large squirts of pancake syrup. (3*** see note below)
Soft crusty rolls or hamburger buns
OPTIONAL:
Shredded lettuce, thin sliced onions, pickles or whatever choice of condiments you prefer.
ASSEMBLY..... OR WHAT YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE YOU COOK IT.
Dump the entire bottle(s) of BBQ sauce, salt and pepper,
yellow mustard and the syrup (if using) into crock pot.
Add pork roast and turn it over and over and over to ensure the meat is completely
coated with and immersed down in the sauce.
NOTES BELOW:
1*Next time I make this I will cut the pork in half through the he middle of the roast so the pieces are smaller and fit down deeper into the crock pot. Then I will add extra sauce
This recipe was courtesy of daughter Jaime who is a mighty fine cook.
As I do with all my recipes I tweaked it to my taste.
This recipe is beyond easy to make.
Sorry BUT I tend to ramble sometimes so
PLEASE READ THE WHOLE RECIPE BEFORE starting.
INGREDIENTS...OR WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GET STARTED.
1 Pork Roast - Size depends on the size of your crock pot. (1*see note below)
1 or 2 Bottles of BBQ sauce. (2** see note below)
1 Tablespoon of regular yellow mustard
Salt & Pepper
Maple Syrup or 3 large squirts of pancake syrup. (3*** see note below)
Soft crusty rolls or hamburger buns
OPTIONAL:
Shredded lettuce, thin sliced onions, pickles or whatever choice of condiments you prefer.
ASSEMBLY..... OR WHAT YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE YOU COOK IT.
Dump the entire bottle(s) of BBQ sauce, salt and pepper,
yellow mustard and the syrup (if using) into crock pot.
Add pork roast and turn it over and over and over to ensure the meat is completely
coated with and immersed down in the sauce.
NOTES BELOW:
1*Next time I make this I will cut the pork in half through the he middle of the roast so the pieces are smaller and fit down deeper into the crock pot. Then I will add extra sauce
so the pork in completely immersed in the liquid.
(I don't mean that you cut the amount of meat in half I mean that you slice the
pork roast in half......you knew that didn't you?....I am going to stop now...)
2**Make sure there is enough BBQ sauce to cover the pork completely.
(I don't mean that you cut the amount of meat in half I mean that you slice the
pork roast in half......you knew that didn't you?....I am going to stop now...)
2**Make sure there is enough BBQ sauce to cover the pork completely.
I have a really big crock pot. I used one bottle of sauce only and thought that the sauce was really skimpy.
Also make sure the BBQ sauce you use is one of your very favourites! I couldn't get my favourite sauce so I bought and used one that I have tried before and though was OK in a pinch. The dish turned out good BUT I figure if the final product tasted that GOOD with my second choice of sauce, how GREAT will it taste with our number one choice of BBQ sauce? I can hardly wait to make this again with my fave BBQ sauce.
#3*** The syrup was not called for in the original recipe and was added by me. I would have used real maple syrup but I didn't have enough on hand so I had to use the pancake syrup. It worked out OK.
Also make sure the BBQ sauce you use is one of your very favourites! I couldn't get my favourite sauce so I bought and used one that I have tried before and though was OK in a pinch. The dish turned out good BUT I figure if the final product tasted that GOOD with my second choice of sauce, how GREAT will it taste with our number one choice of BBQ sauce? I can hardly wait to make this again with my fave BBQ sauce.
#3*** The syrup was not called for in the original recipe and was added by me. I would have used real maple syrup but I didn't have enough on hand so I had to use the pancake syrup. It worked out OK.
I like a more sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, that is why I added the sweet stuff.
MAKING.....OR HOW YOU COOK IT :
Put the ingredients in the pot and set the temperature setting to LOW.
MAKING.....OR HOW YOU COOK IT :
Put the ingredients in the pot and set the temperature setting to LOW.
THIS IS IMPORTANT!
Make sure you use the low setting. Don't be tempted to use the High setting or I guarantee you that you will be a unhappy camper with very dried out, tough pork.
So put it on LOW and let it cook for 7 to 8 hours.
PUT ON THE LID AND LEAVE IT ALONE!!! NO PEEKING!!!
Supper will be done when you get home from work or shopping or gardening or whatever.
SERVING.....OR HOW YOU EAT IT.
Just before you sit down to eat, take the pork out of the crock pot and shred it with two forks, put the shredded meat back into the sauce and stir until everything is coated again.
Put the crock liner in the middle of the table (on a hot pot pad of course) and let everyone serve themselves.
Take a large spoon of the meat with sauce and put on your buns
(the hamburger buns or crusty rolls...not your buns...unless your into that type of thing and I don't want to know about it if you are)
then add...or do not add... chopped lettuce and/or condiments.
Yum!!! Yum!!! Yum!!!!
So put it on LOW and let it cook for 7 to 8 hours.
PUT ON THE LID AND LEAVE IT ALONE!!! NO PEEKING!!!
Supper will be done when you get home from work or shopping or gardening or whatever.
SERVING.....OR HOW YOU EAT IT.
Just before you sit down to eat, take the pork out of the crock pot and shred it with two forks, put the shredded meat back into the sauce and stir until everything is coated again.
Put the crock liner in the middle of the table (on a hot pot pad of course) and let everyone serve themselves.
Take a large spoon of the meat with sauce and put on your buns
(the hamburger buns or crusty rolls...not your buns...unless your into that type of thing and I don't want to know about it if you are)
then add...or do not add... chopped lettuce and/or condiments.
Yum!!! Yum!!! Yum!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
