Tried and True

Potato Soup with pepperoni and nutmeg

Ingredients needed:

2 T coconut oil

2 large cloves garlic, minced

3 Large potatoes diced

2 celery stalks chopped

1 small orange bell pepper chopped small

1/2 small onion chopped

15 slices pizza pepperoni chopped small

1 Qt Chicken stock

2 cups water

1/4 t nutmeg

1/2 t basil

1 cup shredded blend of Mozzarella, provolone and mild cheddar cheeses

salt and pepper to taste

Combine oil, 1/2 water, garlic, potato, onion and celery in a hot med/large soup pot. Cook, stirring on med/high for a couple of minutes then add the rest of the water, chopped bell pepper and pepperoni. Cook, stirring a couple more minutes. Add stock, basil and nutmeg, Bring to a boil then turn heat down to med/low. Cook covered for 15 min. or until potatoes are soft. Salt and pepper if desired then serve in bowls and sprinkle cheese on top.

Delicious!

And for dessert, why not try this SCRUMPTIOUS bar cookie!

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Ingredients needed:

*graham cracker crust

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter or butterscotch chips

3/4 cup shredded coconut (or more if you LOVE coconut :)

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Take a 9x13 baking pan and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Layer the bottom and sides with *graham cracker crust. Pour a can of sweetened condensed milk on top of the crust, then take the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips and sprinkle an even layer on top of the milk. Top with shredded coconut and bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Let them cool completely before you cut into squares and then ENJOY!

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*Graham cracker crust recipe

4 cups graham cracker crumbs
12 T butter, melted

2/3 cup sugar

Mix all ingredients well in bowl.

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So there you have it... a couple of tried and true recipes that are simply delicious!

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Mysterious wonderment

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Everyday, as constant as the sun, despite badgering weather, marches an army boot clad man with a white grocery bag in hand. Through my window panes, I catch glimpse of his slightly bent weathered frame slowly making his way to an unknown destination-then back again-steadily lifting one foot and placing it down in front of the other with a slight limp... trudging on the snow(as it may be on this day), down our rarely quiescent street.

His eyes fixed downward, as though completely alone; somewhere bound, dutifully called and thoughtfully purposed, he steadily treks on-unaware of my rapt curiosity. I find his enduring dedication inspiring; quiet mystery surrounds this grey-haired man's faithful daily ventures. Surely my curious wonderment would disappear into reality if we ever did meet.

-Amy Smith

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