10 Bean Soup With Ham

Ingredients

• 3 cups ham (cubed)
• 16 oz. package of ten bean soup mix
• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 3 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1/2 medium sized yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 medium sized potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 heaping tablespoons chicken soup base or bullion
• 3 strips of bacon (chopped and browned)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Soak beans in medium stock pot overnight according to bean package directions.

Add more water to beans until pot is about 1/2 to 3/4 full.  Add chicken soup base, bay leaves, onions, pepper, and garlic.  Allow to simmer on medium heat for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Add potatoes, carrots, celery, ham, and bacon.  Add more water if needed and continue to simmer for about another 1 - 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until veggies are tender.

~ This was tonight's dinner, and a hearty 2 day meal as well.  You can add more, or less of the vegetables I've listed, depending on how you like it.  If you prefer more garlic and onion, don't be afraid to add more.  I taste it as it simmers and make additions as well, such as more black pepper.  I'll be serving this with home made bread and/or crackers.  Great for chilly winter nights. ~

Chicken And Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 - 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup frozen peas (or 1 can)
• 1 cup frozen corn (or 1 can)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 can cream of celery soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Dice or chop chicken breasts into desired chunks, set aside.  In large covered casserole dish combine rice, water, cream soups, vegetables, bouillon, salt, and pepper.  Season the chicken breasts with poultry seasoning and add to the rice mixture.  Cover and bake for about an hour and a half.  About half way through the cooking time, uncover and stir .. add additional water if the rice mixture seems to be clumpy or solid.  Cover and continue to bake for the remaining time.

~ This is one of my favorite quick and easy dishes.  You can add what you want vegetable wise, but the variety of different colors is truly appealing.  A two day time saving, money saving meal! ~