Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 pound ground turkey or beef

3/4 cup chopped onion

3/4 cup shredded carrots

3/4 cup diced celery

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

4 tablespoons butter, divided

3 cups chicken broth

4 cups diced peeled potatoes (1-3/4 pounds)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups (8 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed

1-1/2 cups milk

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup sour cream

Directions:

In a 3-qt. saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside. In the same saucepan, saute the onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add
the broth, potatoes and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Add flour; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly. Add to soup; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the
cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from the heat; blend in sour cream.

Yield: 8 servings (2-1/4 quarts).

Autumn Chowder

Autumn Chowder

Ingredients:

2 bacon strips, diced

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 medium red potato, cubed

1 small carrot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

1/2 cup water

3/4 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules

1 cup milk

2/3 cup frozen corn

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cold water

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings. In the drippings, saute onion until tender. Add the potato, carrot, water and bouillon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are almost tender.

Stir in the milk, corn and pepper. Cook 5 minutes longer. Combine the flour and cold water until smooth; gradually whisk into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted. Sprinkle with bacon.

Yield: 2 servings.