2011

Well, I completed my 2010 goal of making a new recipe each week! I've realized that it's become a great habit, so I'm going to keep it up, maybe not every week, but often :) I think I'll just blog the meals and links I used, and maybe the directions from time to time, at least for now. So to start it off:

1. Chicken Curry Stew
adapted from a goodLife{eats} creation

• 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
• 1 1/2 lb chicken – boneless skinless breasts or thighs, cut into bite sized chunks
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons curry powder, adjust for heat preferences
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 8 ounces no-chicken broth
• 2 cups carrots, sliced 1/3 inch thick
• 2 1/2 cups red skinned potatoes, cut into 1 inch chunks
• 1 – 14 ounce can light coconut milk
• 20 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained but not rinsed
• salt and pepper, to taste

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. Add the onion to the pan and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender. Add the ginger, garlic, curry powder, and cumin and sauté for another 2 minutes.

Pour the broth into the pan and stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan because they have a lot of flavor. Stir in the coconut milk and potatoes. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Then add the tomatoes and carrots. Simmer until vegetables reach desired tenderness. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

2. Broccoli Cheese Soup

http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2009/09/my-version-of-panera-bread-broccoli-cheddar-soup.html

My version of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

5 cups broccoli florets (if you have a little more or a little less that is fine)
6 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups milk or 1/2 & 1/2 (1/2 & 1/2 does taste better but I usually use milk)
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
2 – 3 cups grated cheddar cheese
bacon, cooked and chopped (optional)

(ps, morningstar meatless bacon is wonderful! especially since bacon is one of the hardest things for me to give up)

Steam broccoli until tender, about six minutes. Chop finely. I do mine in the food processor because we like it really chopped up and it is quicker. Set aside. In a large saucepan combine broth and milk. Slowly whisk in flour. Cook over med to med high heat stirring. Cook until it starts to thicken but not too thick. I usually do it until it just starts to boil. Add chopped broccoli. Reduce heat to med low. Continue to cook about 5 minutes. Add cheese stir until cheese melts. Serve. If using bacon sprinkle each bowl with a little.