Friday, October 10, 2014

Our Italian Holiday! The Beginning #1


I'm feeling very European and decided this trip will be called a holiday instead of our American word vacation. There will be three possibly 4 blog posts!  I took so many photos and had a very hard time narrowing down the number to share with you.  I wanted to share as many as I could so here goes!!!!

I can't think of one word that would or could even explain our holiday.  The weather, sights to see, fabulous meals, courteous and friendly people, making new friends and being with family are a few of the reasons this holiday will remain close to my heart forever.

I want you to come with me and enjoy some of the sights, spectacular views, happy faces and follow me on the journey I was so blessed to have been able to do.

We started in Milano.The Start of our adventure.






A wedding at St. Mark's

Sunset in Lecco




Our Ferry ride.  Bus and all...Wow




  I had the dish 12.  Photo below   


One of my favorite meals.  It's listed on top as #12


I hope that if you want to share you would be so kind to say where the photos were seen. Thanks, M.j.

copyright like to bake and cook blog 2014


Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Creamy Cheeseburger Soup

I have been busy and almost dizzy with to do lists so today I got up very early (most days I do) but today it was REALLY early and since I was babysitting I knew the kids would like this soup. It has cheese in it and they love cheese! Who doesn't? Yummy ground beef, yummy potatoes and lots of cheese make this a great soup choice for your family.  Enjoy!



I have made several changes cause the stinkers are way too fussy but considering all I really liked it.  Of course I had a very small taste at 7 a.m. to make sure. Delicious!!!

***Note:  you can make this soup in the crockpot adding all ingredients except sour cream and the cornstarch.  After the soup had cooked on high for approximately 4 hours add the sour cream stir and turn heat to low and mix a little soup with
Cornstarch  and whisk into soup to thicken.

Serve with croutons.


I will cool it and then transport to my daughters house later.  Sometimes I have to cook early in the day because time doesn't allow me to make it close to dinner.  Cooling and refrigerating items the night before will work too but I had not been able to do that this time.



Here the recipe for Creamy Cheeseburger soup my way!

3/4 lb. lean beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped or shredding carrots
1 tsp. dried parsley
4 T butter
2 cups beef broth*
1 cup chicken broth*
1-8 oz. can tomato sauce*
4 cups diced and peeled potatoes
1/4 cup flour or cornstarch 
1-8 oz. jar extra sharp cheese spread(I used B&L)* or 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese cut in cubes
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. salt* if necessary
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup sour cream
*1/4 cup cornstarch if needed to thicken*







In a medium size saucepan brown beef and drain and set aside.

In a large sauce pan or Dutch oven( 3 qt. or larger) (I like to have room to stir well)saute onion, carrots and celery in 2 T butter until tender.  Add  2 cups beef broth, potatoes and ground beef.  Reduce heat cover and simmer until potatoes are tender.

Meanwhile in a small skillet melt remaining butter.  Add flour, cook and stir until bubbly.  Add  1 cup chicken broth, bring to boil and cook for about 2 minutes.  Reduce heat to low.  Stir in cheese, 1 cup milk salt and pepper.  Whisk until cheese melts.  My whisk is silicone but you can use a large spoon to stir well.

Remove cheese mixture from heat stir into Dutch oven and using whisk add the sour cream until blended.

Note:  I have trouble with thickening soups, gravy etc. so I did add 1/4 cup cornstarch also to thicken the soup and it was the right consistency.  I do feel cornstarch does work better for thickening.  Toasted croutons are a wonderful topping for this soup..............Yummy!

Adapted from Taste of Home to my families liking.

* This recipe called for diced tomatoes, all chicken soup and velvetta cheese and I substituted my grandchildren's particular likes in place of what their recipe called for.  *I noted my changes! Enjoy!  Great recipe

   

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Caramel Fruit Dip

 This is a very good "Game Day" Appetizer!

I always keep caramel topping and cream cheese in  my refrigerator. The grandchildren love their sundaes and it seems a lot of the recipes I make include cream cheese so when I saw this recipe in a cookbook from several years ago I thought it might be a good choice for the upcoming holiday season.. Happy Entertaining!!

 2 pkg. (8 oz each.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup finely chopped peanuts(optional to sprinkle over top)
extra caramel topping (drizzle over top)

Either peel or serve with skins on for this easy dip~


Using a mixer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth..Beat in caramel topping, vanilla and cinnamon..Store in refrigerator..Serve with fruit

Note: Apples are a nice choice for this dip leaving skin on.  plus +(to keep apples from turning brown, slice and add 1 to 2 tsp. lemon juice to apples) Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honey Crisp are good choices. .Sometimes I use a variety of apples which adds some nice color to the platter..

4/23/12