Gables Pressler

Soup Party? Yes Please! - Pressler

Now that the holidays are over, and January rolls in with its dismal cold weather, there is a strong need for something to look forward to! What are your thoughts about this idea!?

A soup party!

Before you roll your eyes or laugh, think about this…Warm hearty comfort soup, fresh baked corn bread, fun decorative ceramic bowls or mugs, perhaps a festive winter beverage, and good friends gathering around a cozy fire or flat screened TV!

Quite frankly, I find that to be the illustration of a good night, and I rarely eat soup! I do however like the idea of it!

Some ideas:

1. Have a soup tasting party. Everyone brings their own crock pot of their famous home-made soup.
2. Have a chili cook-off among friends lining the counter with all the fixin’s!
3. Host prepares the meal having each guest bring their own fun mug or bowl.

Regardless, this is easy, and something to look forward to on a random, cold, dark before 5pm, holiday-less January weeknight! Everyone has to eat right?

Want to be the host? Start here and invite some peeps over!

White Bean Chicken Chili

• 1 T - vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped (1 cup)
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 3 C chicken broth
• 2 T chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 T lime juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp oregeno
• 1/4 tsp red pepper sauce (tabasco)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 can (11 oz.) white shoepeg corn, drained
• 1 can (15-16 oz.) great northern beans, drained
• 1 can (15-16 oz.) butter beans, drained
• 2 C chopped cooked chicken breast
• toppings (suggestions: cheese, crushed tortilla chips, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado)
• heat oil in dutch oven over medium heat.
• cook onions and garlic in oil. Stirring occasionally, until onions are tender.
• stir in remaining ingredients except chicken
• heat to boiling; reduce heat.
• simmer uncovered 20 minutes
• stir in chicken; simmer until hot

“Moist and Zippy” Cornbread

Combine:

• 1 C yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Mix Well then Stir In:

• 1/3 C melted butter
• 2 eggs, beaten

Add:

• 1 C cream style corn
• 8 oz sour cream
• 1 small can of green chilies (chopped & drained)

Mix well then spoon in 1/2 of mixture into 12” greased skillet then sprinkle 1 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cover with remaining batter. Bake on 325 for 30-40 minutes.