With single digit cold temperatures this week, the only proper food solution to get us through this cold snap is soup. Lots and lots of soup. Over the course of the year, every time I get a cut-up whole chicken from the butcher, he makes it a special point to separate the whole backbone of the chicken. I save these parts in a ziplock bag in the freezer all year long specifically to make an excellent chicken broth.
Most people toss the chicken’s backbone. My grandmother never did. She said it was the sweetest part of the bird. After all, she used to say, it’s the part of the chicken that goes over the fencelast. That should give you an illuminating thought for the day.
I would slow boil the backbone for an hour before I would add in any veggies. This makes a very strong, vibrant and super tasty chicken broth.
I keep the backbone in the soup till the very end. Hubby likes to rake whatever meat he can get off this bone. I just prefer the clear broth. And the veggies (carrots, onions, celery and parsley).
In a separate pot, I either make brown rice or some pasta (1 cup) and add it to the finished soup. Top with grated cheese and you have a complete, HOT meal.
Then I have those days when I want a hot soup, nothing is in the fridge or the freezer. So, I reach for a ramen noodle pack. I only use half of the seasoning package (keeps down the sodium count) Sometimes I will add leftover cooked veggies, such as peas or pea pods. Either way, this soup makes you feel good on a cold winter’s day.
NO FOOD WASTE IDEA OF THE WEEK: I used (toasted) hamburger rolls to make breakfast egg sandwiches (with cheese). They were delish.
MORE NO FOOD WASTE IDEAS: I save the ends of our daily bread in a freezer bag. Whenever I need breadcrumbs, I just whirl them in a mini food processor and voila’: fresh, free bread crumbs that toast up deliciously.
Valentine’s Day Special Meal: based on an old Italian recipe, shared with me by my first mother-in-law, over forty-seven years ago, I had the urge to make these bad boys once again. They’re made with beef, veal and pork with white bread soaked in milk. I used beef only (I now make meatballs with chopped turkey) whole wheat bread and skim milk (gotta watch the weight no matter what!) They were spectacular, brought back old memories of the many loves we all share throughout our lives. Look for the good, people. There really is good out there.
Good morning, Cindi
I roasted the 20 pound turkey yesterday- soup making today. I baked also in the oven- brown rice, roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, baked apples, and Brussels sprouts chips, and carrots seasoned with EVOO, basil, onions, garlic . A little prep makes meals easy for the rest of the week. I just heard your governor has opened up vaccination to people having health issues yesterday and you can make appointments starting today. This means Nick is probably eligible . Hallelujah! Sincerely, Lara
We got an appointment for Nick! Yay! Thank the Lord!
We’re cooking up alot today to prepare for the big storm coming our way, should the electricity go out. The generator can’t support the stove BUT it keeps our microwave (and coffee machine) running. So, we can warm up the food and continue to have hot meals.
WOW! You cooked up a 20 pound bird! Awesome!
Stay safe. And warm.
My favorite soup is variation of wedding soup with little ground Turkey meatballs and bits of turkey, spinach instead of escarole and I like to add mushrooms and chives, too.
I got an interesting credit card offer from my bank. No annual fee, $150 bonus after purchasing only $500 in 90 days and 5% back on two categories you pick including utilities, tv and streaming, cell phone service. It would be about $400 in rewards the first year. Like getting two months free utilities. What do you think? Lara
Hi Cindi, I use credit cards as a convenience and Pay them off in full every month. I bet everyone who listens to Dave Ramsey to reduce their debt would love having a zero interest credit card for emergencies while they wipeout high interest debt using his snow ball method. If $400 is what a lot of people have in their savings account they could double it in a year by setting it aside! No a lot of people haven’t gotten to be millionaires on rewards cards alone but a lot of FIRE millionaire travel hackers have used them for fantastic vacations. I have personally treated my whole family to our vacations in Cape Cod for the last three years before Covid19. Also Getting Over three Thousand dollar in free groceries and gas. Over $5000 in bank and brokerage rewards. They are great budget helpers without a lot of work, IMHO . Sincerely, Lara
So is it Fate, coincidence or God’s helping hand or my Angels looking after me, I got an email from my natural gas supplier that they were approved for a 5% increase starting on March first. Yep I am applying for the new credit card. Lara
Good morning, Cindi
I roasted the 20 pound turkey yesterday- soup making today. I baked also in the oven- brown rice, roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, baked apples, and Brussels sprouts chips, and carrots seasoned with EVOO, basil, onions, garlic . A little prep makes meals easy for the rest of the week. I just heard your governor has opened up vaccination to people having health issues yesterday and you can make appointments starting today. This means Nick is probably eligible . Hallelujah! Sincerely, Lara
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We got an appointment for Nick! Yay! Thank the Lord!
We’re cooking up alot today to prepare for the big storm coming our way, should the electricity go out. The generator can’t support the stove BUT it keeps our microwave (and coffee machine) running. So, we can warm up the food and continue to have hot meals.
WOW! You cooked up a 20 pound bird! Awesome!
Stay safe. And warm.
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My favorite soup is variation of wedding soup with little ground Turkey meatballs and bits of turkey, spinach instead of escarole and I like to add mushrooms and chives, too.
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Sounds delish, Lara. I love the wedding soup too!
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I got an interesting credit card offer from my bank. No annual fee, $150 bonus after purchasing only $500 in 90 days and 5% back on two categories you pick including utilities, tv and streaming, cell phone service. It would be about $400 in rewards the first year. Like getting two months free utilities. What do you think? Lara
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Dave Ramsey has a saying about rewards. He doesn’t know one millionaire who became a millionaire by using reward cards.
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Hi Cindi, I use credit cards as a convenience and Pay them off in full every month. I bet everyone who listens to Dave Ramsey to reduce their debt would love having a zero interest credit card for emergencies while they wipeout high interest debt using his snow ball method. If $400 is what a lot of people have in their savings account they could double it in a year by setting it aside! No a lot of people haven’t gotten to be millionaires on rewards cards alone but a lot of FIRE millionaire travel hackers have used them for fantastic vacations. I have personally treated my whole family to our vacations in Cape Cod for the last three years before Covid19. Also Getting Over three Thousand dollar in free groceries and gas. Over $5000 in bank and brokerage rewards. They are great budget helpers without a lot of work, IMHO . Sincerely, Lara
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So is it Fate, coincidence or God’s helping hand or my Angels looking after me, I got an email from my natural gas supplier that they were approved for a 5% increase starting on March first. Yep I am applying for the new credit card. Lara
LikeLiked by 1 person