Making Dinner: Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Since it has been pretty chilly lately, I thought I should make one of my favorite soups! I love this recipe because I usually have most of the ingredients already, and I can adjust the recipe depending on the season (fresh veggies versus frozen).  Also, it is delicious and healthy! Hope you enjoy!

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

1 pkg chicken tenders, cut into cubes

1/2 box of macaroni noodles, cooked according to directions

2 tbsp Olive oil

4 cups tomato juice

4 cups chicken stock

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 potatoes, chopped

2 stalks of celery, chopped

1/2 bell pepper, chopped

1 large can of diced tomatoes

1 cup frozen diced okra

2 cups frozen diced mixed vegetables (includes corn, Lima beans, green beans, carrots, English peas, etc) OR 1 can each of peas, Lima beans, and corn

1 tsp garlic salt

3 tsp of salt

1/2. tsp of pepper

2 tbsp Herbs de Provence 

1 tbsp Parsley

1. Heat two tbsp of Olive oil on medium heat in a large pot.

2. Sauté the onions and bell pepper with the garlic salt.

3. Chop celery, potatoes, and carrots. Add to the pot.

4. Continue to sauté for five minutes while cubing chicken.

5. Move the veggies to the sides of the pot and add the chicken in the middle. Cook the chicken until ALMOST done, stirring every few minutes (it will finishing cooking when the soup is simmering).

6. Pour in the liquids.

7. Add the other frozen or canned vegetables and spices. Bring back to a boil on medium high heat. Turn down and simmer on low-medium for one hour until all of the vegetables are tender. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and add to the soup ten minutes before serving (so the noodles don't over cook).

Ta-da! Enjoy your yummy bowl of hot soup! I served this time with grilled cheese and crackers.

My favorite ways to adjust the recipe:

Substitute 1-2 pounds of browned ground beef for the chicken

Substitute 1-2 pounds of BBQ with sauce to make Brunswick Stew

Home FROM the Holidays

Whew, now that we are back in Auburn, I finally have time to reflect on the holidays. We were so blessed to have two weeks to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with our family. This Christmas was extra special because we introduced Leah Kate to her extended family. My favorite part was introducing her to both sets of my grandparents. I have so many wonderful memories that my grandparents are a part of, so I was super excited for Leah Kate to meet them. She is the first great grandchild! They absolutely loved holding and playing with her.

It has been fun to watch Leah Kate change so much in the past two weeks. She is cooing so much more and smiling intentionally. On another note, I will probably be posting some recipes soon since the weather is SO SO cold! I should have plenty of time since I will be cooped up inside! Hope you have a blessed week!
Marianne

My Grandmother and Granddaddy Quinn

My Grandmama and Granddaddy Moore

Jeremy's Grandma Patsy

This was too funny not to post! Leah Kate didn't like the idea 

of taking a picture next to her stocking every year!