Ham Chowder

What you need:

2 packages cream cheese
6 cups water
8 chicken bouillon cubes
1 package of hash browns with green pepper and onions
1 package of ham sandwich meat or 1 slice of ham cut into bite size pieces
dash of onion flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

Boil water and bouillon cubes until dissolved. Add cream cheese (softened). Stir occasionally and break up cheese until it is evenly mixed.
Add hash browns and cook and stir for about 20 minutes.
Add ham, onion flakes, and garlic. Cook on low heat about 30 minutes.

Potatoe Soup

I stumbled upon this recipe the other day and just had to try it. The soup turned out to be really good and it is quick and easy alternative to making bake potatoes. And the best part is that everyone can add their own toppings.

What you need:

4 decent sized red potatoes
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
1 ¼ cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk, divided
¼ cup sour cream
dash of salt
dash of pepper

Toppings: bacon, cheese, sour cream, green onions

Directions:

Pierce potatoes with a fork. Microwave on for 13 minutes or until tender. Cut in half and let cool slightly. While the potatoes cook, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes.

Add broth.

Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk in measuring cup; add to pan then add the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk. Bring to a boil stirring often; do not let the milk boil over. Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and salt and pepper to taste.

Add potato to soup (with or without skins).

Mash the potatoes into soup using a potato masher.

Serve and top with your favorite toppings.