Potato Soup

Potato Soup

4-6 cups water or chicken broth
4-6 bouillon cubes (depending on how much water you use)
1 c shredded carrots (sometimes I use dehydrated)
3-4 medium size potatoes, peeled & shredded
1/4 c or more of diced ham (sometimes I use real bacon bits)
1/4 t salt
1/2 small onion, diced or a dash of onion salt
1/4 t Bon Appetit, to taste (this is the "secret" ingredient that pulls it all together)
1 t celery flakes (sometimes I use dehydrated celery)

Bring all to a boil, then reduce to simmer for about 20 minutes.
In another pan make the roux:

6 T butter or margarine
6 T flour
2 c milk
3/4 c (1 small can) evaporated milk

Melt butter, whisk in flour, cook for a few minutes to get rid of the "flour" taste. (It will start to smell a little nutty.)  Slowly add milk & stir until thickened.  Stir in evaporated milk.  Combine with first mixture.  Garnish each bowl with shredded or chunked cheddar cheese & serve with breadsticks.

Sometimes I cook the base in the crock-pot all day & then add the roux before serving.

Banana Bread

Banana Bread

1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. mashed bananas
1/3 c. chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp. vanilla
cinnamon to taste (optional)
chocolate chips (optional)

Cream butter & sugar.
Add eggs, banana, & dry ingredient, nuts, & vanilla.
Put in waxed paper lined or greased loaf pan.
Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until toothpick tests done.

Granola

Granola

10 Cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup wheat germ
½ pound shredded coconut (optional)
2 cups raw sunflower seeds
1 cup sesame seeds
3 cups chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts or combination (I love pumpkin seeds too.)
1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
1 ½ cups water
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
½ cup honey
½ cup molasses
1 ½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3 teaspoons vanilla
Raisins or other dried fruits, if desired

In a large bowl combine oats, wheat germ, coconut, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and nuts. Blend well.

In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, oil, honey, molasses, salt, cinnamon and vanilla. Heat until sugar is dissolved, but do not boil.

Pour syrup over dry ingredients and stir until well coated. Spread into five 13 by 9 inch baking pans, or cookie sheets with sides. (I cut the recipe in half & used one cookie sheet & one 9x13)

Bake 20 to 30 minutes in a 300 degree oven, stirring occasionally. Bake 15 minutes longer for crunchier texture. Cool.

Add raisins or other dried fruit if desired.

Put in airtight containers. Label. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months

Makes about 20 cups of Granola Mix.