Pumpkin Soup Recipe

I had never heard of pumpkin soup until my pen pal in Germany sent it to me.

There are different ways to make pumpkin soup; one way is more of vegetable soup and the other more like a dessert.

For vegetarians or gluten intolerant, there is even a way for you. Here is my recipe for pumpkin soup. 

With fall in the air and pumpkins we grew in our garden, this soup is so good!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Soup Recipe:

• 6 cups chicken stock or  6 tsp Gluten-Free vegetable base for the vegetarian 6 cups water 
• 4 cups pumpkin puree 
• 4-6 potatoes cubed
• 4 carrots

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon  black pepper; or to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; or to taste
• 2 teaspoons vanilla (optional)
• 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)

Instructions to make Pumpkin Soup Recipe:

1. If you are using fresh pumpkin from your garden, you will need to cut it up and cook it down. If you are like many people, you will use canned pumpkin. Either way is OK, it will not affect the taste. Heat the chicken stock (or vegetable base), water,  potatoes, pumpkin, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.  
   Puree the soup in small batches (1 cup at a time) using a food processor or blender.
2. Be careful when doing this step, as it is very hot.
3. Return to pan, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered.
4. If you want it sweet and more like pumpkin pie this is when you would add in the brown sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice.
5. Stir in heavy cream. Pour into soup bowls and enjoy. 
   
   

Cornbread Recipe

Homemade Chili

Cornbread, soup, and the desire to stay warm go hand-in-hand with the cooler seasons, however, do you have a good cornbread recipe?

Like many good recipes; they have been handed down from generation to generation, and cornbread is no different.  Why serve your homemade soups with just plain old crackers?

Cornbread Chili topped with Cheese

 
Change it up from time to time with a good homemade cornbread.

Ingredients for Cornbread:

• Mixing bowl
• 1-cup cornmeal
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1-cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ½-cup sweet cream
• 2 eggs
• ¼ olive or canola oil
• Electric mixer
• 8 or 9-inch square pan

 

Instructions to make Cornbread:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and grease the pan.
2. Taking a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
3. Add the eggs, milk and cream. Using the electric mixer beat until smooth.
4. Pour into the greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center and when it comes out clean, it is ready to remove from the oven.

Tomato Basil Soup from Garden Fresh Vegetables

Tomatoes and Basil are both high in vitamin K however, for me that isn’t the best part of eating the two. When you combine garden fresh tomatoes and basil, they make a fantastic soup that you will enjoy in the summer months as well as in the winter. Plan on making a large batch of soup and either freezing or canning it.

According to Dr Andrew Weil, “Vitamin K is an essential nutrient necessary for blood clotting - it regulates normal blood clotting by helping the body transport calcium. Vitamin K may also be helpful for bone health: it may reduce bone loss, and decrease risk of bone fractures. It also may prevent calcification of arteries and other soft tissue.”

And The World’s Healthiest Foods add, “The eugenol component of basil's volatile oils has been the subject of extensive study, since this substance can block the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX). Many non-steriodal over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), including aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as the commonly used medicine acetaminophen, work by inhibiting this same enzyme. (In the case of acetaminophen, this effect is somewhat controversial, and probably occurs to a much lesser degree than is the case with aspirin and ibuprofen). This enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies basil as an "anti-inflammatory" food that can provide important healing benefits along with symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.”

Do not reach for the aspirin or ibuprofen bottle simply eat more tomatoes and basil.

Ingredients needed for Tomato Basil Soup:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 Cups diced onions
• 6 Tbsp fresh minced garlic
• 6 Cups red or yellow tomatoes roughly chopped
• 4-14 ounce cans vegetable broth
• 1- 8 oz can tomato paste
• 6 Tbsp chopped basil
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lemon, approx ¼ cup
• Saucepan
• Blender
  

Instructions to make Tomato Basil Soup:

1. Head out to the garden and gather the tomatoes, onions, garlic and basil. The fresher the vegetables the better the soup will taste. Wash and dry the vegetables. Chop the onions and garlic.
2. Take a saucepan, heat the oil for a minute or two.  Sauté the onions and garlic until soft, but not brown. While the onions are sautéing, chop the tomatoes and basil.
3. Add to the onions, the tomatoes, vegetable broth and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove from the saucepan from the heat; add the basil and lemon juice. Put it all in a blender; a little at time, mix until smooth.
5. Add salt and pepper, serve up and enjoy.

Tip:

If you don’t have a blender or like a chunkier tomato basil soup, skip the last step.

Homemade Chili Recipe: Just Like Moms

Chili or chili con carne, which ever you prefer to call your soup, is a soup that eaten any time of the year and enjoyed. Chili is good in the winter season to bring you warmth and the more chili powder you put it in the warmer you will feel.

Although have you ever eaten chili made over a campfire? It gives a smoky good flavor you do not get making it in your kitchen Chili is also a soup that is lean in calories and high in vitamins. When made with fresh vegetables from the garden and lean ground turkey burger you are giving your soup that healthy feel.

Ingredients to make Homemade Chili Recipe:

• 1 lb of lean ground turkey burger
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• Skillet
• Stockpot and large spoon
• 2 or 3 quarts tomato juice, fresh, canned or frozen
• 3-15 oz cans chili beans
• Garlic and onion powder
• Chili and cumin powder
• 1 tsp stevia
• 2 small handfuls of macaroni, optional
• Salt and pepper, to taste

When it comes to the spices, salt and pepper it is hard to tell you how much to use, what one person prefers another will not. Start with a tsp cumin, tbsp each garlic, onion and chili powder. Taste and if needed, add more.

Instructions to make Homemade Chili Recipe:

1. Brown the ground turkey, onion and green pepper on a low heat until all the meat is cooked.
2. Using a large stockpot add the tomato juice, chili beans, spices and stevia. Reminder, if you are using spicy chili beans you will need less chili powder.
3. Combine to the juice, the meat mixture, and turn the heat on the lowest setting, cook slowly and on low will allow all your tastes to simmer together. You cannot over cook chili just remember to stir occasionally to avoid scorching it.
4. Add two handfuls of macaroni. I know what you are thinking, macaroni is chili? Yes macaroni, that is how mom did it, and that is how we do it. Stir the macaroni in and cook until the macaroni is soft, approximately 10-15 minutes. Stir often as the macaroni will clump together and try to stick to the bottom of the pot.

Tips:

• Shell pasta in the place of plain macaroni makes the chili recipe fun for the children.
• Make a large pot of chili and freeze some for a quick meal.
• Thicker chili makes good cornbread and chili topped with cheese

                               

Homemade Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe

After baking the big turkey for the holiday meal, chances are you will have leftovers to use. Turkey and cheese sandwiches are good, and using some with burritos would be OK, however, turkey and vegetable soup is a favorite, especially in the cooler months. Our turkey and vegetable soup tends to look more like stew, as we like it chunky. 

According to Harvard Health Publication, “If you are looking for a lean cut of meat, turkey is hard to beat. A 3-ounce serving of skinless white meat contains 25 grams of fat, and less than 1 gram of saturated fat. Compared to prime rib, turkey has a lot less fat and fewer calories, too. However, dark meat has more saturated fat than white meat, and eating the skin adds a hefty serving of bad fats. Turkey is also a good source of arginine—an amino acid the body uses to make new protein and nitric oxide, the substance that relaxes and opens arteries.”

Using turkey breast and add in the health benefits of fresh vegetables and you have got a power packed Turkey Vegetable soup.

Ingredients for Turkey Vegetable Soup: 
 
• 5 medium sized potatoes, cubed
• 2 onions, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, pressed
• ¼ small head of purple cabbage
• 1 zucchini, chunked or diced
• Peas; canned, fresh or frozen
• Carrots; canned, fresh or frozen
• 1 stalk of celery, diced
• 2 cans of corn or 1 bag of frozen corn
• Turkey; the amount you use is up to you
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Basil, oregano and thyme, optional
• Stockpot

Instructions on making Turkey Vegetable Soup:
 
1. Using a big stockpot fill approximately, ½ full with water. Turn the burner on high to get the water hot quickly.
2. Using turkey breast, chop or shred, add it to the water so the flavor of your turkey starts coming out. If you are using herbs, add them now.
3. Chop the potatoes, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, zucchini, carrots and celery. Garden fresh vegetables are great; however, they are not always in season. If you have garden vegetables you have processed; frozen or canned, use them. Other wise purchase fresh vegetables from your supermarket. If I have suggested vegetables you cannot purchase, or do not like, that is  OK use vegetables you prefer.
4. Start adding the harder vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes and onions first as they will require a longer cooking time. Reduce the heat and add the canned or other vegetables to the broth, let it simmer until carrots and potatoes are soft.
5. Do not be in a hurry while making turkey vegetable soup, the longer it simmers and cooks the better it will taste.

Tip: Making a large quantity of soup and freezing in small batches is a great way to have a quick but healthy meal. 

Trash Can Turkey Recipe 

                              

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split Pea Soup is really easy to make you just need to plan ahead. Some people put ham in theirs but I don’t do red meat. I occasionally put Turkey Ham in it but it doesn’t need it so why add the extra calories. Vegetarian Split Pea Soup is healthier and good.

Read more:  Notebook
This post linked to: Frugal Food Thursday
and Foodie Friday 

 

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Homemade Spit Pea Soup with Turkey Ham

Homemade split peas soup is a meal that you can make with turkey ham, ham or even vegetarian style. It is great on cooler fall or winter days however split pea soup is good on any given day.

World’s Healthiest Foods explains that in one cup of split peas there is 196% Molybdenum, 65 % dietary fiber along with tryptophan, manganese, protein, B1, potassium and folate. Split peas are also relative low in calories. They go on to share good news for diabetics, “In addition to its beneficial effects on the digestive system and the heart, soluble fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels. If you have insulin resistance, hypoglycemia or diabetes, legumes like dried peas can really help you balance blood sugar levels while providing steady, slow-burning energy.”

To Read More:Seekyt 

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Winter Busting White Chili using Ground Turkey

Winter busting white chili will come in handy in Indiana as the cold winter months approach. On the day I learned to make this recipe, the temperature was only 9 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind chill factor was an additional problem and I don't even want to think about how cold it was. Let’s just say my doors to my truck were frozen shut.  White chili with ground turkey is a must try recipe on that next cold day, it really is good.

Ingredients for Winter Busting White Chili:

• 1 Pound of navy or great northern beans
• 1 or 2 Pound ground turkey Italian sausage
• 1 Large onion, diced
• 1 Green pepper, diced
• 1 Cup chopped celery
• 1 Teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 Teaspoon hot sauce
• 2 Clove of garlic
• 2 Teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• 3 Cups cooked chopped chicken or turkey
• 1- 4 ounce can chopped green chili's
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions to make Winter Busting White Chili:

1.     Soak your beans overnight if possible. If time does not permit, soak them as many hours as you can. Bring 8 cups of water to a full boil, pour in the beans and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour. Drain the water.

2.     Brown the ground turkey sausage; add to it the onion, celery, pepper, oregano, garlic and hot pepper sauce. Cook 5-10 minutes stirring constantly.

3.     Reduce the heat to low and add 5 cups water and bouillon to the saucepan. Add the beans, meat mixture, chicken/turkey and green chilies, cover and cook 1 1/2 -2 hours. Check the water level every 30 minutes and add more water if necessary, cooking the beans until tender.

      4.     Season the soup with salt and pepper. Ladle the white chili into soup bowls. Sprinkle 2             tablespoons of cheese on the top of each serving. Enjoy!

Tomato Basil Soup

Tomatoes and Basil are both high in vitamin K however, for me that isn’t the best part of eating the two. When you combine garden fresh tomatoes and basil, they make a fantastic soup that you will enjoy in the summer months as well as in the winter. Plan on making a large batch of soup and either freezing or canning it.

According to Dr Andrew Weil, “Vitamin K​ is an essential nutrient necessary for blood clotting - it regulates normal blood clotting by helping the body transport calcium. Vitamin K may also be helpful for bone health: it may reduce bone loss, and decrease risk of bone fractures. It also may prevent calcification of arteries and other soft tissue.”

Recipe for tomato basil soup

Cheesy Potato Asparagus Soup

Cheesy asparagus potato soup is an inexpensive, nutritional meal. It contains healthy green vegetables, protein from the Colby cheese and vitamin D from the milk. With so many families where both parents work, the need for meals that are nutritional and yet easy to make is on the rise. According to Dr. Mercola of Mercola.com, “Asparagus is a good source of vitamins A, C and E, B-complex vitamins, potassium and zinc. It is also high in glutathione, an important anticarcinogen a chemical that reduces the chance and severity of cancer.”

Ingredients to make cheesy potato asparagus soup:

• 6 red potatoes, diced
• 2 stalks of celery, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 8 cups asparagus, sliced into ½ to 1 inch pieces
• 2 tbsp tapioca flour
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups of shredded Colby or cheddar cheese
• Salt, pepper and garlic to taste
• Stockpot

  Instructions to make cheesy potato asparagus soup:

1. Dice and slice; potatoes, celery and onion.

2. Put the vegetables in the stockpot and cover with water. Add the butter, bring to a boil and cook until slightly soft.

3. Turn the heat down to medium low; stir in the asparagus into the vegetables. Put the lid on the stockpot, cook until asparagus is tender.

4. Mix together tapioca flour and milk.

5. Stir into cooked vegetables and simmer until thickened.

6. Shred Colby cheese and add to the soup. Let cheese melt; salt, pepper and garlic to taste.