Hot Cocoa Mix

Hot Cocoa Mix 

4 cups non-fat dry milk powder

1 cup non-dairy creamer

1 ½ c granulated sugar

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ tsp. salt 

In a large mixing bowl place all ingredients.  Stir with a whisk until thoroughly combined.  Makes enough to fill 5 pint jars.  Store in a cool, dry place. 

Stir 3 Tbs. cocoa mix into one cup hot water. 

Italian Black Bean Soup

Italian Black Bean Soup 

2 cups dry black beans, rinsed and checked

½ medium onion, chopped

½ lb. Italian-style sausage

1 15oz can Italian-style diced tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tsp. dried crushed basil

2 cups baby spinach leaves

Salt and pepper to taste 

Soak beans overnight in cold water.  Drain and place in a medium slow cooker.  Cover with warm water and cook on high for 4 hours stirring occasionally.  Brown sausage with onion and drain away any fat.  Add to beans along with tomatoes, garlic and basil.  Cook one more hour. 

Stir in spinach leaves and serve. 

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

3 c. whole milk

1 c. cream

1/2 c. sugar

2 tps. vanilla extract

Dash of salt

Combine all ingredients. Stir with a whisk until sugar dissolves.  Pour into your ice cream freezer and freeze according to appliance instructions.  Once ice cream is done pour into a large glass bread pan and freeze additional two hours for a hard serve consistency.  This recipe makes 1.5 quarts of ice cream.

Pea Salad

Pea Salad

1/2 cup sour cream

3 Tbs. red wine vinegar

1 Tbs. milk

1 1/2 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 10oz. pkg. frozen peas, thawed, patted dry

1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained, chopped

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp, crumbled

Combine sour cream, vinegar, milk, sugar, salt and garlic powder in a small bowl.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Combine remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.  Add chilled dressing and toss lightly.

Orange Spice Tea Mix

Orange Spice Tea Mix 

2 cups instant orange breakfast drink (Tang)

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup instant unflavored tea

1 envelope unflavored lemonade mix (Kool-Aid)

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground cloves 

In a large mixing bowl thoroughly combine ingredients.  Store in an airtight container.  To serve stir 3 teaspoons mix into a cup of boiling water. 

Thai Coconut Curry Soup

http://thriftymominboise.blogspot.com/2015/10/thai-coconut-curry-soup.html

Similar to another Curry soup recipe posted earlier.

2 cups chicken broth

1 can unsweetened coconut milk

1 cup water

3 Tbs. soy sauce

2 tsp. fish sauce

2 Tbs. red curry paste

6 button mushrooms, thinly sliced

4 green onions, sliced

2 cups cole slaw mix or shredded cabbage

1 small can sliced water chestnuts

In a large pot combine broth, coconut milk, water, soy sauce, fish sauce, curry paste, onions and mushrooms.  Bring to a boil.  Add coleslaw mix and water chestnuts.  Stir well cooking until cabbage is just tender.

If you aren't so much into the spicy stuff you can leave out the curry and still enjoy a flavorful soup.  You can also add sliced chicken to make it extra hearty.

Coconut Curry Soup

Coconut Curry Soup

1 large chicken breast half, sliced into think bite-sized pieces

2 Tbs. oil

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 cups chicken broth

1 can coconut milk

1 heaping Tbs. Asian red curry

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 can bean sprouts

1 can sliced water chestnuts (optional)

1 package shredded coleslaw mix

4 bundles of mung bean noodles (optional)

In a large soup pot heat oil and cook sliced chicken.  Add garlic and onions.  Continue to cook until onions are tender.  Pour in broth, coconut milk and a coconut milk can full of water.  Stir in curry and soy sauce.  Add sprouts and chestnuts, stir to combine.  Stir in coleslaw mix.  Bring to a simmer and cook until cabbage softens.  Serve plain or with noodles.

To prepare noodles:  Soak noodles in cold water while you make the soup.  When the soup is finished add the noodles just before serving.  Stir them in to warm through and remove from heat.  Do not boil the noodles.

http://thriftymominboise.blogspot.com/2016/03/coconut-curry-soup.html