Slow Cooker Easy Potato Soup

 When a friend shared this recipe with me, I couldn't believe that something so easy rivaled many homemade and restaurant potato soups I've had.  It is so good!

Slow Cooker Easy Potato Soup

3 (10.5 oz.) cans condensed cream of potato soup, undiluted
3 soup cans of milk
2 (15 oz.) cans diced potatoes, drained
1(14.5 oz.) can sliced carrots, drained
1 1/2 cups diced ham*
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup instant mashed potato flakes 
Optional toppings:  sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits

In a 6 qt. slow cooker, combine the first 5 ingredients.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours.  Right before serving, add the instant mashed potato flakes and stir.  Serve with toppings if desired. 

 Click here for printable format

*If I don't have leftover ham in the freezer, I use Farmland Smoked Spiral Ham Slices and Pieces.  I cut off any fat or rind and then dice enough to make 1 1/2 cups.   The remaining ham can be frozen for the next batch of soup.  :)

Cornbread is a good side with this soup, and I have an easy, delicious recipe for it!

Cornbread:  http://easyaspiecanbe.blogspot.com/2014/02/cornbread.html

I adapted this recipe from the original recipe shared with me by my friend Constance.

Cornbread

This cornbread is tender, moist, delicious, and easy!  No need to buy a mix ever again.

Cornbread

1 cup flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil

Stir together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Add eggs, milk, and oil.  Stir just till smooth (do not overbeat).   Pour into a 9x9 baker sprayed with non-stick spray.  (See baking tip below.)  Bake in a 425 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

Click here for printable format 

Baking Tip:   Anytime you need to spray a baker or cookie sheet with non-stick spray, set the baker on your dishwasher door and then spray.  Any overspray will land on the dishwasher door and will be washed away during the next load. :)

Everyday Italian Meatballs - Party Style

This is my favorite Italian meatball recipe...and so easy to make!  They are so flavorful and perfect for spaghetti, sandwiches, soups, and appetizers.

Everyday Italian Meatballs -  Party Style

Marlene Koch is known for her healthy, tasty recipes.  This meatball recipe is no exception and can be found here:  http://marlenekoch.com/everyday-italian-meatballs-party-style/

Notes:

*I use one pound 93/7 ground beef and canned Parmesan cheese.

* I spray my baking sheet with nonstick spray.

uncooked meatballs

Cherry Bliss Brownies

Cherry Bliss Brownies are marbled with sweetened cream cheese and baked with a topping of cherry pie filling...perfect for a Valentine's Day treat!

Cherry Bliss Brownies

1 (19.5 oz.) package brownie mix

1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 cup water

1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

5 tbsp. butter, softened

1/3 cup sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 tbsp. flour

3/4 tsp. vanilla

1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, prepare brownie mix according to package directions using the oil, 3 lightly beaten eggs, and water.  Spread batter in a 9x13 baker sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.  Set aside.  Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until fluffy.  Add sugar.  Beat in additional 2 eggs, flour, and vanilla.  Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over brownie batter in pan.  Use a knife to gently cut through batters to create a marble pattern.  Spoon cherry pie filling over top. (See photos below.)  Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool completely before serving.  When completely cooled, the brownies come out of the pan cleanly making it easy to cut them into shapes if desired.

 Click here for printable format

*Recipe from luckyleaf.com:  http://www.luckyleaf.com/Recipes/13/Cherry+Bliss+Brownies

 Cherry Bliss Brownies 101:

Knowing where to place the cream cheese mixture, how to swirl the layers together, and where to place the cherry pie filling can be puzzling.  Here are some photos to help you:

 Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over brownie batter in pan:

Use a knife to gently cut through batters to create a marble pattern.  I put the knife in vertically, slightly angle it, and then swirl it through the batters in a ribbon pattern:

Spoon cherry pie filling over top:

Enjoy!  :)