Monday, December 29, 2008

Broccoli Cheese Soup

4 or 5 medium potatoes cubed
1 cup chopped onion
2 carrots chopped
4 to 6 cubes chicken bullion
2 cups chopped celery
2 1/2 quarts water (10 cups)

Boil together till potatoes are almost tender.
Then add 1 lb broccoli ( frozen or fresh) and boil for another 12-15 min.

While the above mixture boils, melt and mix together:
2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbsp yellow mustard

Pour mixture over cooked vegetables. Stir and add 2 lbs. velveeta (or generic brand) cheese cut into cubes. Heat till cheese melts. This makes a lot of soup and it can be frozen to use for later.

French Bread

In a small bowl combine:
1/2 cup warm water
2 Tbs. yeast

In the mixer combine:
2 cups hot water
1/3 cup oil or melted shortening
3 Tbs sugar
3 tsp. salt

Stir 3 cups flour into water, oil, sugar and salt mixture. Add yeast. Beat until smooth. Add 3 cups more flour. Rest 10 min. Stir down. rest and stir every 10 minutes for a total of 5 times. ( by the end of the fifth rising the dough will be about doubled in size.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Divide into 2 loaves. Shape and place on a greased cookie sheet. Cut diagonal slashes with a sharp knife. Brush with beaten egg white. Let rise. ( I usually let it rise as long as it takes the oven to preheat and then put it in.) Bake for about 20-30 min at 400 degrees.

* you can also divide the dough in two and put it into two loaf pans.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Play Dough

Okay, I know this isn't food, but it sure is a life saver when you have a bored child at home.

1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp oil
1/4 cup salt
food coloring

Mix all ingredients, (add the food color last) in saucepan. Stir over medium heat until it becomes a ball. Remove from pan and knead until smooth.