But, I promise, it is NOT too late for my Soup-er Bowl Party!!
Really, you have plenty of time!! Trust me!!
I promise!!
The seed for today's entry was planted on this past Christmas Eve, but I didn't realize it until today. I have always, ALWAYS made my famous Loaded Potato soup from scratch - totally!! Until this past Christmas Eve!!
Okay, I'm getting there - I never learned to tell a short story - I love talking too much to shorten ANY story, lol!!
So, Christmas Eve morning I'm standing in line at a local restaurant waiting on a smoked turkey for our family Christmas get-to-gether, which was slated for 12 noon at my house(big, extended family - nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, etc.) when I receive a phone call that a good number of relatives (13 or so) were coming that but had forgotten to tell me. No problem, I had this smoked turkey, had the fixings at home for build your own sandwich and the ingredients for my famous Loaded Potato Soup.
My plan was to run by our local one-stop-we-have-it-all supercenter to pick up some more bread, an extra soft drink or two and maybe some chips and salsa. I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to pick up some "fillers" i.e. a veggie tray, fruit tray....my niece called asked what she could do....delegated the chips, salsa and drinks to her. I then thought about some bbq I had in my freezer that I had smoked a few weeks earlier and a plan started hatching....just a couple of hours before time for my guests to arrive.....so, I go to the frozen foods section and pick up three different bags of potatoes (because they didn't have three of the same variety) a few other things and head home.
So many things about this Christmas get-to-gether was well, a little unfinished!! But it ALL came together and was perfect!! The biggest hit was the Loaded Potato soup, which was basically heat and serve. A star was born that day!!
Okay, okay!! My Soup-er Bowl Party to celebrate the Super Bowl!!
I mean, frozen foods have REALLY evolved since the days of the tv dinner served in those little aluminum trays, lol!!
My Soup-er Bowl party features my Not-quite Homemade Loaded Potato Soup, Sub Sandwich fingers and fresh baked Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Don't be afraid to buy your subs if you're crunched for time. Everybody knows Jared's favorite sub shop sells $5.00 footlongs every day. Pick up a couple and cut them into smaller "finger" and you're done. Take some help from the refrigerated cookie dough department. One of the national brands features a "chocolate lovers" chocolate chunk which we love. I really like the pull-apart better than the rolls because you can bake as few or as many as you want.
And finally, as promised way back there, here is my now famous Not-quite Homemade Loaded Potato Soup recipe.
The stars of this show
one stick of butter
2 (24 oz.) bags frozen Garlic Seasoned Potatoes
1 (22 oz.) bag Mashed Red Potatoes w/Garlic & Parmesan
1 quart fat free half & half
2 cups whole milk
assorted toppings to load your soup
bacon
cheese
french fried onions
(can use chives, green onions, etc)
1. Melt butter in large stock pot on LOWEST heat setting
2. While butter is melting, heat half and half in microwave; add to butter
3. Microwave 1st bag of potatoes per directions on bag (about 10 minutes)
* carefully open bag and empty into stockpot (I mash the steamers because I am not a fan of
huge chunks of potatoes
4. Repeat with remaining bags; keeping on low heat and stirring as needed
5. Heat 2 cups of milk and add to soup - can use more or less to your preference
6. Stir and heat for 5 - 10 minutes to blend flavors
7. Check to see if seasonings are needed (I don't add anything except a little black pepper)
8. Serve with toppers
Note to self: Hubby says if it's gonna be a super bowl party you gotta have a man-sized bowl of soup
Happy Eating !!
