Soup 'n Salad

We usually have company for dinner at least once a week. It's typical. However, we've had the same people for the past few weeks, and it'll continue for months to come, I'm sure. While the company is great, it's becoming a little wearing coming up with a special menu that is exciting yet different so that you ensure you're not repeating anything for the company. Add to that the fact that all the food has to be easy to prepare, because it's always being prepared with at least one child underfoot.

Last week I took it easy...Soup and Salad.

Menu:

Romaine Salad

Chili

Broccoli Cheese soup

Homemade bread bowls and bread sticks

Cupcakes

It was great! So easy and the bread bowls actually worked out way better than I thought they were going to. Now, to come up for the menu for tomorrow...I'm thinking Mexican.

Here's the recipes:

Romaine Salad

Duh, romaine lettuce (with the nasty centers removed), topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, green peppers, croutons and a little shredded cheese.

Chili

Want the easiest way to make a great sweet chili?

2 cans of chili con carne

2 cans of black beans

2 cans of pork and beans

1 can of sweet corn (drained)

1 can crushed (or stewed) tomatoes

Broccoli Cheese Soup

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 tsp. salt

1 large package frozen broccoli

1 qt. half & half

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup flour

4 oz. velveeta (I always use about twice this much...)

Combine broth, onion, salt, and broccoli in large pan. Cook until broccoli and onion are tender. Add half & half to broccoli mixture. In a small saucepan, combine butter and flour and cook until mixed well and bubby. Add to broccoli mixture. Add velveeta to soup. Heat and stir until soup thickens.

Variation - instead of broccoli add chopped potato.

Bread bowls/bread sticks

I used this recipe...remember, the one that is so very versatile? Here's two more ways to use it!

Cupcakes

I totally cheated on this one...boxed Strawberry cake mix and pre-prepared strawberry frosting...I know, I know....I should have at least added fresh cut strawberries or something.