Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Another delicious soup recipe.  This one just happens to come from my book club.  It is from Davyne Molifua.  Her food is always scrumptious!

1 medium onion, chopped

4 carrots, sliced

4 celery stalks, chopped

1 cube butter

1 c flour

8 c chicken broth

stir together til thick and bubbly

2 boxes uncle bens long grain wild rice, not instant, original recipe

4 c half & half

4 c boiled chicken breasts-cubed

2 t parsley flakes

1 t salt

1/2 t pepper

Chop onion, carrots and celery and saute in butter until vegetables are tender.  Add flour and stir until smooth.  Add chicken broth and stir until mixture comes to a boil and thickens.  Prepare rice according to package directions.  Add rice, half & half, chicken, parsley, salt and pepper.  Simmer until desired temperature.  

Butternut Squash Soup

1 chopped onion
1 T. butter
1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 apple (I like fugi or gala)
3 c. chicken broth
1 t. salt
½  t. pepper
1 t. nutmeg
½ c. milk or cream
1/2  c. brown sugar

Brown onion in butter in a large pot.  Add squash, sweet potato, apple, salt and pepper.  Cover with water and cook until tender.   Remove from heat and drain.  Add chicken broth, nutmeg, cream and brown sugar. Puree in blender or with potato masher.

Pressure Cooker Method:
Place onion and butter in pressure cooker and brown. Add squash, sweet potato, apple, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to pressure, reduce heat and cook for eight minutes.   Remove from heat and add nutmeg, cream and brown sugar. Puree in blender or with potato masher.

*Top with toasted pine nuts if desired.

Black Bean Salsa

I love this recipe from my good friend, Khyra.  It's super healthy and I love all the different flavors and textures in it. 

2 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 17 oz. bag frozen corn
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 large avocado, peeled and diced
1 small red onion, diced
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro
2 T. lime juice, add more if desired
1 T. red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste, I like to use at least 1 t. of salt

Mix all ingredients.  Cover and chill overnight if possible.  Taste and add more salt and pepper and/or lime juice if needed.  Serve with tortilla chips or in a tortilla with grilled chicken.