Creamy Broccoli Ham & Potato Soup

Occasionally, and I mean the very rare occasion, I create something myself that turns out pretty good. If you like broccoli and comfort food, this soup's for you! Of course, since I kind of made it up I don't have exact measurements for some things so you'll just have to do it to your own tastes.

Creamy Broccoli Ham & Potato Soup (creative name, I know:))

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter
chopped onions
minced garlic
chopped celery
sliced carrots
5 cups boiling water
4 chicken bouillon cubes
4 cups cubed red potatoes
3 cups chopped broccoli
diced precooked ham
1-2 cups grated cheddar cheese

~Saute onions, garlic, celery and carrots in the butter in a large pot on the stove until soft.

~Add the boiling water, bouillon cubes and potatoes.

~Bring to a boil. Then add the broccoli. Cook till tender.

~If you have a hand blender stick it in and blend it up some. Or if you don't (like me!) pour about half of it in the blender and blend it up and pour it back into pot.

~Add the diced ham and the cheese. Heat until cheese is melted and ham is heated through.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This blog wouldn't be complete without this recipe. I got it from Pampered Chef and have added a few things to it. It has become our all time FAVORITE soup to make.

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped onion
3 chicken breasts
1/4 tsp chili powder*
1/4 tsp ground cumin*
1 clove of garlic (pressed)
2 cans chicken broth
1 can diced tomato undrained
1 can (4oz) green chilies undrained
1 can black beans (drained)
1 can corn (drained)

Directions

1) Cook onion and cut up chicken in pot w/ olive oil spray. Add garlic & spices, cook until chicken is done.

2) Add rest of ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer 10 mins or more. (I like to do step 1 and then throw everything in the crockpot for several hours.

3) Serve w/ grated cheese, sour cream, and Fritos (my favorite part!). (optional)

*I always end up adding more seasonings. I really don't measure anymore. Just add to taste.

~I almost always double this recipe! It freezes great too!

Black Bean Soup

This comes from my friend Jessica. Simple but YUMMY and with a bit of kick!

2 cans black beans - drained
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup salsa
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 cup cilantro (didn't have fresh once when I made it so I used dried (not a 1/2 cup though!) & it was still good!)

Blend all ingredients in a blender.
Heat on stove and serve!