French Onion Soup

Michele says: I’m not a fan of summer; it’s hot, sticky, and—for someone as pale as I—sunburny.  I spend most of the summer indoors, hoping for a cloudy day.  For reasons probably related to my aversion to summer, I long ago decided that August is, in fact, autumn.  And what does autumn mean?  Soup, of … Read more

Albondigas Soup, Simplified for Weeknight Ease

Heather says: I absolutely love albondigas soup, it’s a family favorite, but sometimes I just don’t have the energy to mess with rolling the meatballs. Sometimes I just can’t bring myself to care that much. So on a whim one evening, when I had planned on making the original albondigas, I looked at it and … Read more

Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

*plus an unrelated note from Heather at the end* Bobbie says: “So, is it cold enough for ya?” I don’t think I’ve made it through a winter in my entire life without hearing this lamest of questions at least once. I just smile and nod at the crazy person as I move along.  “Cold enough” implies that … Read more

Chicken and Dumplings

Heather says: This recipe for chicken and rolled dumplings is my riff on the Lee Bros version which can be found in The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook. I love their recipes and while I think their idea for sweet potato dumplings sounds intriguing, I chose to go with classic rolled dumplings. Many people include shortening … Read more

Shrimp Gumbo Recipe, Cajun Comfort Food

Heather says: If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you probably have noticed that I have a strong affinity for Cajun and Creole food. What can I say? I live in the South and I love garlic and shrimp and when they simmer with trinity, then life, at least at supper time, … Read more

Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe – Like Mom Used to Make

Bobbie says: Have you ever caught a whiff of an unexpected scent that suddenly sent you back in time? Figuratively speaking, of course. The sense of smell is a huge memory trigger, and if there’s a smell that says “home” to me, it’s the comforting aroma of simmering Vegetable Beef Soup the way our mom used to make … Read more

White Chicken Chili for the Slow Cooker or Crockpot®

Heather says: Last month Deneice, a member of the Home Ec 101 Community*, shared several of her recipes with me, including a recipe for white chicken chili. This simple recipe is easily adaptable to use what is in your refrigerator and pantry. Deneice’s recipe  called for lima and cannellini beans, but as I had neither I … Read more

Silky Smooth Green Pea Soup Recipe

Bobbie says: Now is the perfect time of year for hearty soups to warm the body and spirit. Served with bread (homemade or from the store) and perhaps a salad, this thick, creamy soup makes a great lunch or light supper, and pea soup is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Once upon a time, … Read more