Wednesday, March 3, 2010

March Forth on March 4th (and Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup)

Tomorrow is the big day to March Forth! Tah-rump-pum-pum! I love the sound of March 4th. It's as stirring as a big brass band. What will you March forth and do?
I've got a whopping list the size of Alaska of things I ought to March Forth and accomplish. I'll limit myself to five or ten.
1. Wash off the car windows. People are starting to suspect I competed in the Olympics.
2. Call my sister. (Any of them-I'm overdue on everybody.)
3. Clean out the front closet. Boring-but it's got to be done.
4. Mail off those free DVD cereal tokens that are sitting around.
5. Write a little love note to Sailor, West, and the Quiet Man and hide it under the pillow-YIKES-which brings me to number six
6. REMIND that darned lazy, forgetful tooth fairy to finally leave some money for Sailor's tooth.
And more pleasantly
7. Post that Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup I've been writing about.
This one'll be easy. I wanted to share this recipe during the Olympics, but it's their fault for finishing before March 4th, the only day of the year that I don't procrastinate. It's still winter, and you can make it for yourself after a day of skiing, bobsledding, or ice dancing. I know that's how I spend most of my afternoons. But the soup-it's creamy and delicious, especially with a crusty hunk of bread to sop it up. But wait-there's more! I like it even better with a twist- an equal side of black bean soup. They're both a cinch to make, and they taste great on their own-but together they are soup magic. The black bean side is hearty and spicy, and the cheesy side whips it to tame. Ay, mamacita-it's good. So March Forth and make yourself a big bowl.
Did I forget anything on my to do list??? What's on your's?
Money Saving Tips:
Beans for dinner-what could be cheaper? Save a little extra dough by using dried beans instead of canned. You can swap evaporated milk for the cream and bouillion for the broth.
Notes:
The execution is easy-just pour the soups in simultaneously. Decorate the middle with some cilantro leaves and red pepper strips.
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup with a Black Bean Twist
Estimated Cost for Both: $7.00 for 4 generous servings
2 tablespoons butter
1 red or green bell pepper, chopped (save some strips for garnish)
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup flour
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup milk
1 cup half and half or cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar chees
Melt butter in medium pot over medium heat. Add peppers, garlic, and onions. Saute for six minutes. Add flour and stir for two minutes. Add broth, milk, and cream. Simmer until thickened, about three minutes. Gradually add cheese. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
Black Bean Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 (14 ounce) cans black beans drained
2 (14 ounce) cans broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
hot sauce, to taste
In a medium pot, warm oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute for five minutes. Add beans, broth, cumin and chili powder. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste. YOu can mash some of the beans for a semi-smooth texture.
Up Next:
Chocolate Waffles

11 comments:

Katie said...

This looks great! I have always wanted to make black bean soup...but, it sounds better with the cheese soup.

Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea said...

Wow - I like it with black beans....looks like quite a full meal! Thanks for sharing!

Adrienne said...

This looks like a serious winner! I love creamy stuff paired with healthy stuff. And I've been on the lookout for a good black bean recipe. This will definitely be our March Forth meal.

Catherine said...

I was just thinking about this soup and wondering if you were going to post it. I love love love this one. I think I know what I'm making for dinner tonight.

The JR said...

Yum, I like both of those.

triolus said...

Looks delicious! I'm going to be making that very soon. I love finding recipes that calls for ingredients I already have!

Anonymous said...

what kind of broth do you use in the black bean soup?

Valerie said...

Oh that looks so good! I'd have never thought of adding the beans, but it seems great together.

Prudy said...

Anonymous, I'll use just about anything I've got on hand. I've used vegetable, chicken, or beef with good results! I'll clarify in my recipe. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Thank you!!!! I knew it would be worth the wait. But now I'm going out of town for the weekend. I know what's cookin' Monday!

Thanks again!

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