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10 Things To Do While Visiting San Diego This Summer
San Diego, California is the perfect spot for families and couples. San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. The historical Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, open to the public.
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo is a world-famous zoo, and one of the biggest draws to San Diego. The San Diego Zoo is a zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, housing 4,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies on 100 acres of Balboa Park leased from the City of San Diego. Wikipedia
At the San Diego Zoo you will great exhibits, great food and drinks, and during the summertime, added shows and events. Including nighttime at the Zoo, which has beautiful neon light displays once the sun goes down, music and plenty of entertainment for everyone.
Jaguar at San Diego Zoo
Sea World
Sea World is great place for family fun. SeaWorld San Diego is located in Mission Bay Park, San Diego, California, United States. Owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the park is multifaceted, animal-focused marine mammal park, oceanarium, and aquarium—with both indoor and outdoor aquatic exhibits. Wikipedia
Not only does Sea World offer aquatic exhibits and interaction with Marine life, you can also enjoy roller coasters, entertainment, and great food and drinks.
Magellan Penguin at Sea World
USS Midway
The USS Midway Museum is a historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego, California at Navy Pier. The museum consists of the aircraft carrier Midway. The ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California.
Experience naval aviation on the massive and stunning USS Midway. Not only does the USS Midway provide historical information, it’s a cool experience for kids and adults alike. Stand on the flight deck of the Midway and take in the beautiful views of San Diego.
Coronado Island
Coronado is a California resort city on a peninsula in San Diego Bay. It’s known for the grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado, which opened in 1888. Across from the hotel, the wide, flat Coronado Beach draws surfers and sunbathers. Its western stretch includes the leash-free Coronado Dog Beach. The Coronado Ferry Landing has shops, restaurants and a small beach.
The home of one San Diego’s naval bases and aircraft carriers, Coronado is a stunning sight to see. With beautiful beaches, great shopping and restaurants, the walkable Coronado is a great destination for tourist and locals alike. Also on the island is Centennial Park, which offers San Diego skyline views.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park in San Diego, California, United States. In addition to open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, it contains museums, several theaters, and the San Diego Zoo. Wikipedia
One of favorite spots to visit on the weekends is Balboa Park. It makes for a great place to walk, run, and to just enjoy nature. Also, hidden within Balboa Park are the Japanese Friendship Garden. For a small fee, you can enjoy the gardens and museum which celebrate Japanese culture and the friendship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama.
San Diego Museums
Balboa Park boasts multiple museums that are educational, beautiful, fun, and quirky. Each museum has their own entrance fee or you can purchase a museums pass. Below you will find the museums to choose from.
San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego Natural History Museum
Museum of Us
The New Children’s Museum
San Diego Air and Space Museum
Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines State Beach is a public beach located in the San Diego, California community of Torrey Pines, south of Del Mar and north of La Jolla. Coastal erosion from the adjacent Torrey Pines State Reserve makes for a picturesque landscape.
You cannot visit San Diego without visiting one of the best beaches in the United States. Torrey Pines State Beach is stunning and provides unique coastal beauty, which is accessible for visitors.
Petco Park
Petco Park is a baseball stadium in Downtown San Diego, California. It is the ballpark of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres, and has also been used as a venue for concerts, soccer, golf, football, and rugby. The ballpark is located between Seventh and 10th Avenues south of J Street. Wikipedia
San Diego is the proud home of the Padres MLB team. Nothing says summer more than attending a baseball game and if you are going to go to a game, the gorgeous Petco Park is the place you want to be. Great location in downtown San Diego, great food, and a family friendly environment.
Liberty Station
Liberty Station is the former home San Diego’s naval bootcamp. It’s home to stylish bars, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as Liberty Public Market, filled with gourmet eateries and shops. There are also hotels, art galleries and several small museums at Liberty Station.
Liberty Station is a great spot to walk, bike, and dine along the waterfront. Live entertainment, outdoor yoga classes and event miniature golfing can often be found on the grounds.
Old Town
Old Town is a neighborhood of San Diego, California. It is the oldest settled area in San Diego and is the site of the first European settlement in present-day California.
Visiting Old Town is like stepping back in time. You get to enjoy the historical aspects of Old Time while shopping, eating great Mexican food, and exploring the eclectic surroundings.
Craft Brewery
San Diego, California, is widely known as the "Craft Beer Capital of the World". It boasts over 150 independent breweries and is renowned for its innovative and diverse beer scene, particularly its West Coast IPAs. If you are a beer lover, I have a list of my favorite 10 craft breweries in San Diego that you need to give a try.
Ballast Point
Little Miss Brewing
Stone Brewing
Novo Brazil Brewing
North Park Beer Company
AleSmith Brewing
3 Punk Brewing
Pure Project
East Village Brewing
Chula Vista Brewery
The city and county of San Diego has so much to offer any visitor and in my opinion is one of the best places to visit any time of year but especially for a summer vacation.
Tell me, what are your summer plans?
10 Best Fruits And Veggies To Help You Stay Hydrated This Summer
Summer is finally here! We wait all year for the long, warm, and sunny days. This is the time of year when we spend the most time outside swimming, having picnics, going to the beach, hiking, and playing.
Those activities are great, but it is very important to remember to protect our bodies while out in the heat. Summer weather is getting hotter and hotter so finding ways to combat the effects of the high heat is a must for health and safety.
When dealing with hot weather, hydration is the key to feeling good and taking care of ourselves during the summer months. We can become dehydrated rather quickly in hot weather, especially when engaging in activities. Many people do not drink enough water, which is why it is important to recognize when we are dehydrated.
Also, it is extremely important to know and recognize the signs of dehydration in infants and children as well. Little ones and the elderly are the most vulnerable to heat-related conditions.
Dehydration Signs
Signs Of Dehydration In Adults
Extreme Thirst
Dizziness
Fatigue
Dark Urine/Low Urine Output
Confusion
Signs Of Dehydration In Infants And Young Children
No Wet Diapers For 3 Or More Hours
No Tears When Crying
Irritability
Dry Mouth/Tongue
Listlessness
Foods That Hydrate
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are over 95 percent water. They contain vitamins C and E, and is great for the skin.
Tomatoes
Incorporate tomatoes into your diet by adding tomatoes to your salad, sandwiches, and wraps. Tomatoes are 95 percent water, and contain vitamin C, which is good for skin health.
Watermelon
Watermelon is 92 percent water, and may actually hydrate faster than water. Watermelon contains magnesium, potassium, and sodium, all of which are needed to properly hydrate.
Strawberries
Strawberries are 92 percent water. Strawberries are plentiful during summers months, and easy to incorporate into your snacks, and meals.
Grapefruit
The grapefruit is 88 percent water. Start off your day right with a grapefruit for breakfast. Grapefruits contain vitamin A and C, potassium and biotin, all of which are good for the skin.
Carrots
Snack on carrots in the summer. Carrots are 87 percent water, and loaded with beta carotene, which helps protect the skin.
Cantaloupes
Cantaloupe is 90 percent water, and loaded with vitamin A.
Celery
Hydrate with celery. Celery is 96 percent water, and may hydrate you just as fast as drinking water.
Zucchini
Cook with zucchini this summer. Zucchini is 95 percent water, and a great source of folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
Iceberg Lettuce
Add iceberg lettuce to your meals this summer to stay hydrated. Iceberg lettuce contains 96 percent water, and has vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
One of the easiest things to do this summer to help with hydration is to just make a salad. Make a super hydration salad by adding iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, and carrots. Or you can make a nice fruit salad with watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, and grapefruit.
Most fruits and vegetables have high water content. Whatever your plans are this summer, remember your sunscreen, and don't forget to hydrate.
What do you do to stay hydrated in the summer heat? Do you primarily rely on water and sports drinks to provide your hydration needs? Or do you enjoy eating all of the fresh fruits and veggies? Please share!
Photo by Toni Cuenca from Pexels
7 Ways To Have A Stress Free Thanksgiving
I love Thanksgiving, and I am truly thankful for all of my good fortunes. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of food, family, friends, and football. I know that for many, holiday time can be stressful or depressing, but for me I feel like this is when I really shine.
It really is not about how big, or small your crowd is, but about appreciating how wonderful things are, and hopes of better things to come. My crowd size varies from year year, from as small as six people, to as large as twenty. Personally for me, ten people is the most comfortable size for me to cook for.
This year I am doing something a little different. I am hosting a pre-dinner the Wednesday before at one home to spend time with those who will not be with us on Thanksgiving.
Then on the actual day of, I will host another Thanksgiving with some different guests at a different house. The menus will be different, as will the locations and ambience, which makes it more interesting for me.
I used to get very stressed out cooking for the holidays, wanting everything to be perfect. But those years are long gone. I am pretty confident in my abilities, but can also shrug it off if something doesn’t turn outright. I also don’t try to go it alone.
My two daughters are awesome sous chefs, which helps a lot. I love teaching my girls to cook, and seeing that growth from year to year.
So while my holiday menus are mostly decided, I am now teetering between a roasted or fried turkey. For a while there, I was really on a fried turkey kick, and then I was over it.
In the last three years, I roasted the turkeys, brined for 48 hours before cooking, and they were delicious. But it may be time for a change-up again. Either way, I plan on a stress-free Thanksgiving.
Here Are My Tips For A Stress Thanksgiving...
Plan Ahead - Once you know how many people you will be hosting, start planning seating, your menu, and beverages.
Make Ahead - Many dishes, especially desserts and appetizers can be made ahead of time.
Enlist Help - Have your kids, partner, or friends assist as needed with food prep, serving, and clean up.
Bring A Dish - When entertaining large groups, have guests bring side dishes, desserts, or beverages.
Perfection Not Required - Remember the gathering is about being together and giving thanks.
Size Doesn't Matter - Whether your celebration consists of 2 or 20 people, you have something to be thankful for.
Buy Preprepared Meals or Get Take Out - It’s still Thanksgiving even if you are not doing all of the work yourself.
What are your holiday plans? Hosting a dinner? Attending someone else's dinner as a guest? Or going out for a nice steak dinner at a restaurant? Please share your plans and tips for having a wonderful, stress free Thanksgiving!
When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect towards others. - Dalai Lama
Quick and Easy Baked Potato Soup
Soup is the best kind of comfort food. Nothing will warm you up on a chilly day like a nice bowl of soup. One of my favorite soups to whip up is baked potato soup. This recipe is super easy, it is quick and definitely delicious. My family loves this soup and often helps prepare it.
This recipe is one of my favorites because not only is it quick and simple, and it is also yummy and very filling. For baked potato soup, you can just choose your favorite potato. For this recipe, I am using the russet potato but Yukon gold potatoes are also great for this dish, or you can even use sweet potatoes to change it up. Next, crumble crispy bacon on top, add some cheddar cheese, and sprinkle a little bit of green onion and you have the perfect bowl of soup.
Homemade Baked Potato Soup Recipe
The ingredients for my baked potato soup recipe are very basic but also versatile. My soup recipe is gluten-free due to my allergy, so I use gluten-free flour, but of course, you can use wheat flour if gluten is not an issue for you. For a slightly creamier taste, I recommend replacing the russet potatoes with Yukon gold. You can also use fat-free, whole milk, or a combination of the milk with heavy cream. You decide, it’s your calories. LOL
Ingredients:
3 Large Russet Potatoes, Peeled and Cubed
2 Cups of Milk
1 ½ Cup Chicken Broth
½ Yellow Onion, Diced
1/3 cup of Flour, Gluten Free
3 tbsp. Butter
6 Strips of Bacon, Cripsy
2 Green Onions, Chopped
1 tbsp. Minced Garlic
¾ Cups Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
Sea Salt, you will salt to taste
Pepper
Olive Oil
Directions:
On medium heat in a large pot or French oven, add butter and drizzle about 1 tbsp. of olive oil. Add yellow onions and garlic to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes. Stir flour into the pot and stir until the mixture is blended. Next add broth, milk, potatoes, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and allow soup to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook bacon until crisp and crumble it on a paper towel. Add 4 strips of crumbled bacon and ½ cup of cheese to the soup and cook an additional 5 minutes. Serve and garnish with green onions, and the rest of the cheese and bacon.
One of the great things about this soup is that it seems to taste even better the next day. Double the recipe for lots of leftovers and enjoy all week long. I recommend serving it in a bread bowl or with a slice of crusty bread.
Baked potato soup is one of my winter favorites, but you can enjoy it all year long. Please share how it turned out for you. I hope you enjoy it!
6 Steps To A Stress Free Thanksgiving
I love Thanksgiving, and I am truly thankful for all of my good fortunes. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of food, family, friends, and football. I know that for many, holiday time can be stressful or depressing, but for me I feel like this is when I really shine.
It really is not about how big, or small your crowd is, but about appreciating how wonderful things are, and hopes for better things to come in the future. My crowd size varies from year to year, from as small as six people, to as large as twenty. Personally for me, ten people are the most comfortable size for me to cook for.
This year I am doing something a little different. I am hosting a pre-dinner the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at one home to spend time with those who will not be with us on Thanksgiving.
Then on the actual day of the holiday, I will host another Thanksgiving with some different guests at a different house. The menus will be different, as will the locations and ambiance, which makes it more interesting for me to plan and prep.
I used to get very stressed out cooking for the holidays, wanting everything to be perfect, but those years are long gone. Now, I am pretty confident in my cooking and hosting abilities, but can also shrug it off if something doesn’t turn out just right. And the biggest thing I do is that I don’t try to go it alone.
My two daughters are awesome sous chefs, which helps a lot with holiday meal preparations and cooking. I love teaching my girls to cook, and seeing that growth from year to year.
So while my holiday menus are mostly decided, I am now teetering between a roasted turkey or a fried turkey. For a while there, I was really on a fried turkey kick, and then I got over it and went back to the traditional roasted turkey.
In the last three years, I have roasted the turkeys, after brining them for 48 hours before cooking, and they were absolutely moist and delicious. But it may be time for a change-up again. Either way, I plan on a stress-free Thanksgiving.
Here Are My 6 Tips For A Stress Free Thanksgiving...
Plan Ahead - Once you know how many people you will be hosting, start planning seating, your menu, and beverages.
Make Ahead - Many dishes, especially desserts and appetizers can be made ahead of time.
Enlist Help - Have your kids, partner, or friends assist as needed with food prep, serving, and especially the clean-up.
Bring A Dish - When entertaining large groups, have guests bring side dishes, desserts, or beverages.
Perfection Not Required - Cut yourself some slack. Remember the gathering is about being together and giving thanks.
Size Does Not Matter - Whether your celebration consists of 2 or 20 people, remind yourself that you have something to be thankful for.
What are your holiday plans? Hosting a dinner? Attending someone else's dinner as a guest? Or going out for a nice steak dinner at a restaurant? Please share your plans and tips for having a wonderful, stress-free Thanksgiving! And have a Happy Thanksgiving!
When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect towards others. - Dalai Lama
How To Have A Stress Free Thanksgiving
I love Thanksgiving, and I am truly thankful for all of my good fortunes. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of food, family, friends, and football. I know that for many, holiday time can be stressful or depressing, but for me I feel like this is when I really shine.
It really is not about how big, or small your crowd is, but about appreciating how wonderful things are, and hopes of better things to come. My crowd size varies from year year, from as small as six people, to as large as twenty. Personally for me, ten people is the most comfortable size for me to cook for.
This year I am doing something a little different. I am hosting a pre-dinner the Wednesday before at one home to spend time with those who will not be with us on Thanksgiving.
Then on the actual day of, I will host another Thanksgiving with some different guests at a different house. The menus will be different, as will the locations and ambience, which makes it more interesting for me.
I used to get very stressed out cooking for the holidays, wanting everything to be perfect. But those years are long gone. I am pretty confident in my abilities, but can also shrug it off if something doesn’t turn outright. I also don’t try to go it alone.
My two daughters are awesome sous chefs, which helps a lot. I love teaching my girls to cook, and seeing that growth from year to year.
So while my holiday menus are mostly decided, I am now teetering between a roasted or fried turkey. For a while there, I was really on a fried turkey kick, and then I was over it.
In the last three years, I roasted the turkeys, brined for 48 hours before cooking, and they were delicious. But it may be time for a change-up again. Either way, I plan on a stress-free Thanksgiving.
Here Are My Tips For A Stress Thanksgiving...
Plan Ahead - Once you know how many people you will be hosting, start planning seating, your menu, and beverages.
Make Ahead - Many dishes, especially desserts and appetizers can be made ahead of time.
Enlist Help - Have you kids, partner, or friends assist as needed with food prep, serving, and clean up.
Bring A Dish - When entertaining large groups, have guests bring side dishes, desserts, or beverages.
Perfection Not Required - Remember the gathering is about being together and giving thanks.
Size Doesn't Matter - Whether your celebration consists of 2 or 20 people, you have something to be thankful for.
What are your holiday plans? Hosting a dinner? Attending someone else's dinner as a guest? Or going out for a nice steak dinner at a restaurant? Please share your plans and tips for having a wonderful, stress free Thanksgiving!
When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect towards others. - Dalai Lama
Easy Combination Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of my favorite dishes to cook and to eat. It’s fast, it’s filling, and very versatile. The great thing about fried rice is that the rice provides a great base, and you can add any additional ingredients you want.
For this particular recipe I added lots of protein. My fried rice usually consists of brown rice, lots of chicken breast and eggs, plus plenty of carrots and green onions for great flavor and beautiful color. This recipe also has yummy shrimp, and crispy bacon crumbles added.
This meal really comes together in about 30 minutes and if you have sous chef you can be sitting down to the table that much faster.
Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients
6 cups Cooked Brown Rice or White Rice
2 Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breasts
4 Pieces of Cooked Bacon, Crumbled
8 Jumbo Shrimp, Cut Into Half
1 tbsp. Minced Garlic
3 tbsp. Soy Sauce
3 Eggs
1 cup Shredded Carrots
4 Green Onions, Chopped
Olive Oil
Directions
Prepare your white or brown rice either in stove top or using a rice cooker. Cut up chicken breast into small chunks and cook in wok on medium high heat with 2 tbsp. of olive oil and garlic. While chicken is cooking add bacon to microwave safe plate, cover with paper towel, and cook until crispy. In a skillet drizzle olive oil and cook shrimp on medium high heat until pink and sit aside.
Once chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes with frequent stir, remove chicken from wok and put to the side. Add carrots and 1 tbsp. of oil to wok and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add green onions to carrots and cook for 2 more minutes. Add cooked rice and soy sauce and stir until blended. In a small skillet, spray with pan spray and hard scramble eggs. Add eggs and chicken to rice. Blend and serve.
Tip – I highly recommend a rice cooker. The rice can cook while you are preparing your meat and veggies. Or try the frozen rice steam bags that are ready after 3-5 minutes in the microwave.
This recipe also works great with cauliflower rice. Enjoy!
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
As the weather starts to cool, we tend to retreat more indoors and fire up the ovens more frequently. One of my favorite things about fall is the cool, crisp weather. I love curling up with one of my favorite throws, when my home is nice and warm, with slight touch of coolness reminding me of the outdoor weather.
After a full summer of avoiding turing on my oven as much possible, I am finally back to making soups, stews, and some of my favorite baked recipes. Flaky, buttery pie crust filled with delicious chicken and veggies in a creamy sauce. Chicken pot pie is comfort food at its best. My recipe is simple, quick, and very flavorful.
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients:
2 cups Cooked Diced Chicken
1 Bag Mixed Veggies
½ Medium Onion, Diced
1 tsp. Minced Garlic
1 ½ cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1/2 cup Flour
1 1/3 cup Milk
1 tsp. Thyme
1 tsp. Rosemary, Finely Choppped
1 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
½ tsp. Black Pepper
2 Pie Crusts, allow to come room temperature to soften while preparing filling
¼ cup Butter
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large pot add butter, olive oil, garlic, diced onions, and sauté until onions are clear. Add flour, black pepper, salt, thyme, 1/2 tsp. of rosemary, milk, and broth, and stir until mixture slightly thickens.
Add chicken and frozen veggies and continue to stir until blended. Once blended allow to simmer until filling is very thick, which should be about another 7-10 minutes.
Place one pie crust in the pie pan and spoon in filling to the top. Cover with a second pie crust and cut and roll the pie dough edges as needed. Place pie in the center rack of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
For Rustic Chicken Pot Pies
Place pie crusts on a baking sheet or pie dish. Spoon filling to the center of the pie crust and then fold in crust edges around filling, creating a pie shape, and sprinkle remaining rosemary over pie.
Place pie in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allows cooling for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken
I love a roasted chicken and make one almost every Sunday. For me, roasted chicken is the epitome of comfort food. I truly love everything about the process of cooking a roasted chicken. I love getting the fresh lemons and rosemary from my garden, and best of all I love watching this ugly pale piece of meat turn into a golden, beautiful, delicious meal.
Although a whole chicken, is just a whole chicken, you can really do so much with one. For this recipe I am making a lemon rosemary chicken, but I also occasionally like to do a nice cajun rub and roast the chicken, or cook the chicken spatchcock style on the grill.
Cooking a roasted chicken is super easy, but also a crowd pleaser, and not nearly as difficult as people think. Give it a try. Bon Appetit!
Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Ingredients:
1 5lb. Whole Chicken, Giblets Removed
¼ Cup Butter
3 tsp. Olive Oil
3 Sprigs plus 1 tbsp. of Rosemary, Finely Chopped
1 Lemon, 1/2 Lemon Quarterd, 1/2 Lemon Squeezed
3 Whole Garlic Cloves
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine butter, olive oil, lemon juice, and rosemary in a bowl. Pat the chicken completely dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle chicken liberally with salt, paprika, and pepper. Using hand, coat chicken inside and out with butter mixture and place in roaster, breast side up and wings tucked under.
Insert rosemary sprigs, garlic, and quartered lemons in chicken cavity. Bake for about 1 hour on lower rack, and reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees. Continue to bake for another 30-45 minutes, until juices run clear.
Remove chicken from oven and let sit for about 30 minutes before carving. I recommend that you ladle pan juices over your chicken before serving.
That’s it! Pretty simple right. Not much prep time to a roasted chicken. You basically season it and pop in the oven for a couple of hours. Easy peasy! Enjoy!
Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Soup is the best kind of comfort food. On a chilly day nothing will warm you up like a nice bowl of soup. One of my favorite soups to whip up is baked potato soup. This recipe is super easy, and delicious. My family loves this soup, and often help prepare it.
This recipe is one of my favorites because it is quick, simple, and so yummy. Crumble crispy bacon on top, add some cheddar cheese, and sprinkle a little bit of green onion and you have the perfect bowl of soup.
Baked Potato Soup Recipe
The ingredients for my baked potato soup recipe are so simple but also versatile. My soup recipe is gluten free due to my allergy, so I use gluten free flour. For a slightly creamier taste I recommend replacing the russet potatoes with yukon gold. You can also use fat free, whole milk, or a combination of the milks with heavy cream. You decide, it’s your calories. LOL
Ingredients:
3 Large Russet Potatoes, Peeled and Cubed
2 Cups of Milk
1 ½ Cup Chicken Broth
½ Yellow Onion, Diced
1/3 cup of Flour, Gluten Free
3 tbsp. Butter
6 Strips of Bacon
2 Green Onions, Chopped
1 tbsp. Minced Garlic
¾ Cups Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
Sea Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil
Directions:
On medium heat in a large pot or French oven add butter and drizzle about 1 tbsp. of olive oil. Add yellow onions and garlic to pot and sauté for about 2 minutes. Stir flour into pot and stir until mixture is blended. Next add broth, milk, potatoes, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and allow soup to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook bacon until crisp and crumble on paper towel. Add 4 strips of crumbled bacon and ½ cup of cheese to soup and cook an additional 5 minutes. Serve and garnish with green onions, and the rest of the cheese and bacon.
One of the great things about this soup is that is seems to taste even better the next day. Double the recipe for lots of leftover and enjoy all week long. Baked potato soup is one of my winter favorites, but you can enjoy it all year long. I hope you enjoy!