"Unprocessing Foods" -- Entry 6 Cream of Chicken Soup

I was so excited when I stumbled on a recipe for Cream of Chicken soup, just like Campbell's.  Not only does it eliminate one more processed food, but also it allows me to make it gluten-free (& dairy-free if needed).  This recipe comes from www.iowagirleats.com.

This finishes my New's Year Resolutions of eliminating six processed foods.  However, I have found more & will keep going!

Cream of Chicken Soup

Yields: 1 can

1-1/4 cup chicken broth

3/4 cup milk

6 T flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp dried parsley (or 3/4 tsp fresh)

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp dried oregano (or 3/4 tsp fresh)

1/8 tsp dried basil (or abt 1/4 tsp fresh)

Bring broth to a boil in a small saucepan.  Meanwhile, whisk together the milk, flour & seasonings in a separate bowl.  Once broth is boiling, turn heat to medium & slowly pour in the milk mixture.  Whisk constantly until thickened about 2-3 minutes.  Let cool.

"Eating on the Wild Side"

Here's a book I have on my "To Read" list.  I wish I had read it already & had a review for you.  Freddie was listening to NPR the other day & the author, Jo Robinson, was on Fresh Air.  He was sharing a little with me.  One of the interesting facts was about vegetable/fruit peelings.  She claims that most of the nutrients are in the peelings (specifically mentioning carrots).  I am assuming that she promotes buying organic/pesticide-free produce.  I believe this is one of the reasons people peel vegetables.

Therefore, this week we enjoyed Scalloped Potatoes & Ham with the peels intact.  It was just as delicious.  Also, we had Carrot & Raisin Salad -- carrots scrubbed but peels intact. (Note: I always buy organic carrots & celery as much for the flavor as anything.)

I will let you know when I finish the book!

"Unprocessing Foods" -- Entry 5 (Breakfast Cereals)

Who would ever think you could give up breakfast cereals -- a product that takes up an entire line in the grocery store & a good portion of the budget!  Well, we've done it.  Fortunately, we enjoy eggs & oatmeal.  However, I have stumbled on a breakfast that I have more than anything else.  I actually look forward to it.  My "Bowl" almost looks like a dessert.  Yummmm, it's about as delicious.

Here's my Combo:

a heaping 1/4 cup of old fashioned oatmeal

about 2 Tbsp of ground flax seed

a good handful of walnuts (or almonds sometimes)

a dollop of homemade strawberry jam

a good portion of plain Greek yogurt

Stir it all together & enjoy!

I use the jam for sweetener.  If you do not use plain yogurt, you may not need the jam.

(PS/ My sister is sending me her homemade yogurt recipe so hopefully by the end of the year I'll also have that!)