Mulligawtany Soup

There are a couple of great soup recipes that I have been making lately and freezing for my lunches. This one is definitely a favourite!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped onion
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder - I use more, good to do it to taste.
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 apple, cored and chopped
1/2cup white rice
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast half - cut into cubes
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch dried thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream, heated

Directions:

1. Saute onions, celery, carrot, and butter in a large soup pot. Add flour and curry, and cook 5 more minutes. Add chicken stock, mix well, and bring to a boil. Simmer about 1/2 hour.

2. Add apple, rice, chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer 15-20 minutes.

3. Just before serving, add hot cream.

4. Also, before serving; place 1/2 cup of cooked rice in the bowls, then top it with the soup!

Enjoy!

Italian Herb Bread - Breadmaker Recipe

This recipe yields one 1.5 lb loaf.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup water (between 115-125 F)
• 1/4 cup skim milk powder
  
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups all purpose or bread flour (leveled even cups!)
• 2 tsp dried minced onion
• 2 tsp italian seasoning
  
• 3/4 tsp bread machine or instant yeast

Directions:
1) Measure ingredients into your baking pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Insert pan into it's chamber.
2) Select French Cycle.
3) Enjoy!!

Tip: If you like a softer crust, seal the bread into an airtight plastic bag while it's still hot!

Old-fashioned Popcorn Balls

These are a family tradition; I remember being at my grandfather's at Christmas time and enjoying these; as well my cousins and I made these as favors to hand out at my grampy's 90th birthday party. They are old fashioned; and if you don't like molasses you won't enjoy these - but for most, they are amazing!

Ingredients:

2 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. Two microwave bags work well for a batch. Make sure you remove the unpopped kernels.

In a heavy saucepan, combine molasses, sugar, water, vinegar and butter. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until the mixture hairs.

Add baking soda, stirring, remove from heat and immediately pour over popcorn. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until well coated.

When cool enough to handle, coat palms with butter and quickly shape into balls. Enjoy!

Freezes well.

LLW