Cheddar Cheese Soup w/ Bacon

 

There are very simple things that make me happy: cheese, bacon and soup.  The first recipe that I wanted to make in my new Le Crueset had to include all these ingredients, so cheddar cheese soup naturally came to mind.  Most of my soup recipes include an extra helping of cheese, but surprisingly this was my first attempt at cheese soup.

Shopping List

5 Strips of bacon

3 tablespoons butter

1 yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons flour

4 cups chicken stock

2-3 Cups of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

To- Do List

1. Dice bacon and then brown in the pan over medium heat.

2. Remove bacon and place on paper towel to blot grease.

3. Add diced onion to bacon fat and brown. 

4. Add butter and garlic. I prefer to grate the garlic with a micro plane directly into the pot. 

5. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle the flour and cook for 2 minutes.

6. Whisk in the chicken stock, one cup at a time. 

7. Add in cheese a handful at a time, whisking and letting each handful melt before adding more. 

Note: I used some of the left over cheese from my grilled cheese party, including Monterey jack, Swiss and brie. 

8. Stir in bacon and then season with salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. 

9. Serve with crusty sourdough bread, top with green onions and bacon.

Soups on!

Christmas Goodies

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, I certainly enjoyed all the family time and food.  My great friend and fellow food obsessed blogger, Kerry, posted her favorite foodie gifts from Christmas (check it out here at www.snarkandpepper.com).  I thought it was a great idea, so I thought I would share my foodie gifts that I was blessed to receive from my family.

Tuscan Parmesan Flatbread Mix

I love the high end, mixes from specialty kitchen stores, but can’t bring myself to spend the money on them.  My Mom is so kind to splurge and gift me something I would never get for myself!  She found this one at Crate and Barrel, it looks delicious!

Mushroom Risotto Mix

I have a new found obsession with risotto, so this mix was an obvious gift for my Mom to get me.  I can’t wait to whip up this up and let her know how it is!

Gator Grilling Brand Irons

When I posted about these, I didn’t think I would receive them as a gift, but my Sister made my Christmas morning when I opened the hamburger and hot dog branding irons! I can’t wait to show these off at BBQs and tailgates!

Cusinart 7 Cup Food Processor

I have been using a small 2 cup food processor to make hummus, pesto and salsa, but I was getting tired of making multiple batches and not having the power I would like.  I asked for a reasonably size food processor for Christmas that would be easy to store in my kitchen and I was pleased to find a picture of the Cusinart 7 cup Food Processor (actual product delivered to my house) wrapped on Christmas morning.  I can’t wait to make my favorite buffalo hummus and creamy pesto!

The Mac Daddy

Never did I imagine that my blog of gift ideas would become reality for me, but my wonderful family surprised me with the ultimate foodie gift, a 6 quart oval, Le Creuset! I can not describe my excitement for the years of fantastic meals that I will create in this dish. 

Next Blog Post: My first experience cooking with Le Creuset – Sharp Cheddar Soup with Bacon

Comfort Food Christmas Party

This Christmas my roommates and I wanted to throw a party, but our place isn’t set up to throw a formal holiday party and everyone has enough formal holiday parties to attend already.  We decided to throw a laid back, comfort food Christmas party with everyone’s favorite grilled cheese and tomato soup. 

Have Yourself A Merry Little Cocktail

As guests entered they were invited to pour themselves a glass of wine or champagne with cranberries.  Champagne is always a festive drink and the cranberries danced on the bubbles in the glass. 

I found the cocktail napkins with the printed message “Have yourself a merry little cocktail” on them at a local party store.  By just adding this little touch, it added a festive vibe to the party and saved me from purchasing expensive paper goods. 

Little Bites

I knew that guests would have a little bit of a wait as everyone created their grilled cheese masterpieces, so we planned on having a few little bites for everyone to munch on. 

Little Bites Menu:

• Boursin and Sea Salt Pita Puffs
• Sweet and Sour Cocktail Meatballs
  These are so easy to make and guys always seem to crowd around the crockpot at parties, so why not whip up a batch?

- Package cocktail meatballs

- 1/2 jar of Frank’s Sweet and Spicy Sauce

- 8 oz. can of tomato sauce

1. Combine all ingredients in a crockpot and heat on medium until ready to serve

• Spinach and Artichoke Dip
   
• BLT Deviled Eggs

My roommate Lynsey saw Paula Deen make BLT Deviled Eggs and she was determined to make these for the party.  They were super simple and worth the calories.

- 6 Large Eggs hard boiled and peeled (I love to use the pre-peeled eggs you find at the grocery store, a huge time saver!)

- 1/4 cup Mayo

- 4-5 slices bacon cooked and finely diced

- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

- 1/8 cup finely diced tomato

- Parsley for garnish

1. Mash the egg yolk and then add mayo until creamy and smooth.

2. Add the Bacon, tomatoes, mustard and parsley.

3. Season with salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste.

As Sandra Lee would say, our “Table Scape”

Our table set up was simple, gold, cranberry and cream colors kept with the festive theme.  We quickly dressed a blank wall in our dining room with package ribbon and attached Christmas cards with clothespins.  I think every party should have fresh flowers and a small bouquet of cranberry colored flowers with golden accents completed our “table scape”.

The Grilled Cheese Bar

Step 1: Select your bread

 - Sourdough

- Wheat

- Italian

- Rye

- Asiago Peppercorn Sourdough

Step 2: Select your Fixin’s

- Fresh Spinach

- Red Onion

- Tomato

- Bacon

- Ham

- Prosciutto

- Green Apple

- Basil

- Mustard

- Pesto

Step 3: Select your Cheese

- Brie

- Muenster

- Goat

- Swiss

- American

- Fresh Mozzarella

- Pepper Jack

- Cheddar

- Velveeta

Step 4: Grill It!

There are tons of Panini makers out there, but I highly recommend the Cusin Art Griddler.  It has two types of grill plates, ribbed and flat.  It can be used as a press for grilling, an open flat indoor grill or a open flat griddle. 

The Tomato Soup Bar

Creamy Tomato Bisque

- 4 tablespoons butter

- 3-4 strips bacon

- 1 stalk celery

- 1 carrot

- 4 garlic cloves

- 1 small yellow onion

- 5 tablespoons flour

- Two 28 oz cans of whole, peeled tomatoes

- 2 cups chicken broth

- 3 fresh basil leaves

- 1 cup cream

- 4 oz. cream cheese

- Parmesan cheese

1. Melt the butter and brown the bacon, onion, celery and carrots.  Sauté until the onion is translucent and celery and carrots are soft.

2. Add garlic and cook.

3. Add flour and cook for 2-3 minutes.

4. Wisk in broth and bring to a boil, allow to thicken and then add tomatoes.

5. Lower hat to a simmer for about 30-45 minutes. 

6. Use an immersion blender or transfer to blender in batches to blend soup mixture until smooth.

7. Wisk in cream, then add cream cheese, salt and pepper to taste and then add basil.  I prefer to also add a 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.

8. Heat over medium low until serving. 

Soup toppings

- Crumbled bacon

- Garlic and Cheese Croutons

- Mini Saltines

- Goat Cheese

- Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Hot Chocolate Bar

I placed the hot chocolate maker (please see previous post) out with a pitcher of milk and then provided guests with the ability to whip up their customized hot chocolate.

Guests could mix chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps or Baileys Caramel Irish Cream and then top their drink with mini marshmallows, toasted coconut marshmallows, whipped cream and marshmallow fluff.  Soft peppermint sticks made great stirrers once the drink was complete!

We placed an undecorated gingerbread house on one of the tables for guests to help decorate.  It was a fun activity that even entertained grown ups!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Ladies of Clarkson Green!

Please note: Karly was sick with the stomach flu and could not attend the party :(

 

Tips for throwing your Grilled Cheese Party:

A grilled cheese party is a great idea year-round, here are a few tips from my experiences. 

- Put out idea cards for combinations of cheese and toppings.  The amount of toppings can be overwhelming, so it can help stir up creativity if you provide some starter ideas.

- The prep and grilling process can be time consuming, prepare for people to be standing around waiting for their sandwich.  Consider having a mini bar next to the grill station so people can replenish drinks or place the soup bar nearby so they can fill up while they wait. 

- Cut the bread into smaller pieces so guests can create several small sandwiches instead of one large sandwich.  With the variety of sandwiches available, guest will have a hard time deciding on just one sandwich, so make it easier by encouraging multiple creations!

- Serve tomato soup shooters and mini grilled cheese sandwiches. I love this idea for a cocktail party

- Prepare extra bacon.

Quickfire: Spiked Hot Chocolate

I am a big fan of hot chocolate and when winter rolls around, I am always excited to whip my favorite blend in my hot chocolate maker.  What is a hot chocolate maker? Please read my previous post on this amazing invention Winter Survival. 

I really didn’t think that hot chocolate could get any better…until I added Peppermint Schnapps.  This is a match made in heaven, peppermint hot chocolate with a little something extra to keep you warm on a winter night. 

Special Thanks

I must give a shout out to Meredith Long for creating my new blog header, isn’t it fabulous?  Meredith and I have been friends our entire lives because our Mom’s went to high school together, in Panama.  Meredith has a great talent for graphic design, but she will be moving on to a new challenge and study nursing. 

Thanks for giving my blog an upgrade, Meredith!

Gift Idea: Bay Leaf Wreath

Check out the Bay Leaf Wreath from Williams-Sonoma.com, I wish that I could smell this through my web browser! I love the clean look of the wreath and think that it would look great in a home for the holidays, but wouldn’t need to come down when you throw away the Christmas tree.  Not only does this wreath look great, it is practical! The bay leaves will dry and you can use them year round in soups and stews.  Now that is what I call a gift that keeps on giving.

It comes in two sizes, 15” or 22”, and prices range from $29.95 to $59.95

Buy on for the cook in your life, here!

Sweet Corn Risotto

One of the best meals that I had while traveling this past year was a sweet corn risotto on a cruise ship.  When I tasted this amazing dish, it was not long before I was sending my best to the chef and asking for seconds.   After seconds and then asking for this dish as dessert, I was determined to recreate it once I got home. 

Risotto is an intimidating dish and I will admit, I was intimidated, but I have learned that as long as you have some patience and a little bit of time, you can enjoy this amazing dish as well. 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups Arborio Rice

3 tablespoons Butter

1 Shallot finely diced

2 cloves garlic finely diced

1/2 cup White Wine

1 quart Chicken Broth

1/2 cup Cream

3/4 cup of Sweet White Corn

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

1. Sauté the Arborio rice in the butter with the shallot. 

2. Heat the chicken stock in a separate pot to medium heat.

3. Once rice becomes translucent, add the garlic and cook thru

4. Add white wine to rice and stir until wine is absorbed by the rice

5. Add a ladle of the hot stock to the rice and stir constantly until the rice has fully absorbed the stock.  The rice will be damp and almost dry.

6. Continue to add a ladle of stock at a time until all stock is absorbed.  The rice will be plump.

7. Add cream, sweet corn and parmesan cheese.

8. Salt to taste and serve immediately. 

It will take about 30 minutes to cook the risotto, so grab a glass of wine and start stirring, I can guarantee the results will be worth the effort!

Foodie Gift Guide–Grilling Gadgets

Jalapeno Popper Tray

I had so much fun shopping for Foodie Gifts that I decided to continue the series.

Check out this Jalapeno Popper tray for roasting or grilling.  In the summer you could use this on an outdoor grill or you could use it in the oven for roasting the jalapenos all year long. 

Imagine stuffing these jalapenos with cream cheese and bacon or going savory and using Boursin, sun dried tomatoes and basil.  I will try and make anything Buffalo flavored, I bet stuffing these with Buffalo Chicken dip mixture would be out of this world! 

Guy love to show off their grilling expertise in the Summer, this would be an awesome crowd pleaser at barbeques!

Sur La Table -  $20

Meatball Grill Rack

Grilled meatballs you say? Only a dream….until now! The Meatball Grill Rack allows you to grill any meat or vegetable mixture, while the drain holes drip out the fat! I am just dreaming of stuffed meatballs using this gadget. 

Only at Williams-Sonoma – $40

 

 

Grilling Rubs and Spices

A great idea for any griller is a new rub…maybe this is your polite way of saying that those ribs that he thinks are AMAZING really could use a upgrade.  If so, try the Ad Hoc Sweet and Spicy rub, you can’t go wrong with their blend of brown sugar, cayenne and smoked paprika. 

If you don’t understand my love for everything Ranch, then please review my previous post (Sweet Gift From Above).  Any meat, vegetable, tofu or piece of cardboard would taste amazing with this Buttermilk Ranch Rub. 

Both these rubs can be found at Williams-Sonoma – $10-15

The Ultimate Man Stamp

I think that a branding iron is the ultimate in masculinity.  Giving the gift of personalizing the perfect cut of steak, after it has been prepared and grilled to perfect…What more can a guy ask for?

You can get a branding iron that is monogrammed or my personal favorite is a logo of your favorite NCAA or NFL team.

I think anyone would be impressed with these branding irons at your next tailgate.

And now the ultimate branding tool…. would be this Florida Gators hot dog iron.  Please make a Gator fan speechless on Christmas morning and wrap this little beauty up for them. 

Dream Gift

I have been dreaming of a Le Creuset. My dream foodie gift is the colorful enamel coated French oven in the oval shape. I think the 6 quart is the perfect size and the oval shape allows you the flexibility to make anything from roasts to soups. I can just picture de-glazing the bottom of this pot, as each of the bits of bacon (of course) are picked up from the enamel coating with ease.
The colors are just too yummy to pick one. I love the rich blue, which reminds me of the Gators. Or this bright yellow, which would be sure to brighten up any day! Who could be unhappy around that pot?

But I also love this trendy light blue, it seems serene and warm. I don't know if I could ever choose a color, because a piece like this is an investment and one that will last you forever. Well, it better, because at a cost of around $270, I better be passing this one down to my great-grand children.

A Foodie's Gift Guide

It is that time of the year...you know the time of year when you spend most of your time stressing about what is going to be the perfect gift. How are you going to top last year's creativity and do it all within some kind of reasonable budget.

I have been trying to think practically this year. I love gifts that I use all the time and think of that person each time I use it. The one thing that ties all humans together is our need to eat and no matter what the person's cooking ability, everyone appreciates a foodie gift.

Here are a few ideas that I have spotted:

Chop2Pot Folding Cutting Boards

I love these colorful and convenient cutting boards, they make chopping veggies and garlic much more enjoyable and transferring to your stove an ease! They are $15 at Sur La Table, which is an affordable and practical gift for anyone.

A Great Peppercorn Grinder

Who doesn't use salt and pepper when cooking? Everyone loves a great pepper grinder and today there are some great electric grinders to make life just a little easier in the kitchen. I found this one on Amazon, I liked the one touch feature, because it makes it easy to stir while you are adding the pepper.

The Food Lover's Tiptionary

Cookbooks are always a good standby gift, but I love this book because it is a great resource. How do you pick out the best broccoli? What is the origin of bagels? What is a new way you can use bacon?

This book is in alphabetical order, which makes it easy to flip to when you are looking for a quick answer, but is interesting enough to read cover to cover.

Vinturi Wine Aerator

I can not say enough wonderful things about this gift. I discovered the Vinturi in 2008 and I have been buying them as gifts ever since. If you love red wine, you will love the Vinturi. It aerates a bottle of wine as you pour it by making a terrible gargling sound, but the sound is worth the result. Each glass you pour has a smoother taste, allowing the wine to breathe.

Brews and Bottles

Everyone's favorite part of a party is always the bar and the Pumpkin Party is no exception!


I created a party punch with Vodka, Sprite and Kool-Aid. Next year I think dry ice would be a great addition to this punch.


To add a fun feature to everyone's drinks, I created gummy worm ice cubes. These were easy to make and everyone loved these creepy crawlies in their drinks.


Wine bottles were decorated with these spooky labels from Martha Stewart.