5 Things

Those of you who know me, already know that I don't like change. I especially don't like the changing of the seasons. A big part of this may be the fact that I get sick every time the weather changes. I am sad every year to see summer end. So, on a positive note, I tried to think of 5 things that I like about this time of year.

1) Corn on the Cob and Giant Potatoes from Idaho. Kile's dad always hooks us up with corn on the cob each year. Yum! My parents go to Idaho each September and bring back 50 lb. bags of potatoes. These potatoes are the best and they are huge! Much better than the crappy ones that you get in bags at the grocery store. I look forward to this each year because I am such a fan of potatoes- I could live on some sort of a potato every day. (Home made french fries with fry sauce are a favorite of mine and the kids.

2) Boots- I love to wear boots. "Hooker Boots"- as my brothers call them... but that's ok. I like them!

3) Sweaters and Hoodies- Fall/Winter clothing is so much more fun than boring Summer T shirts.

4) Soup- I love soup! My family will grow tired of eating soup for dinner fairly soon- as they do each year. Following is my current favorite soup recipe.

Zuppa Toscana (like Olive Garden's)

1/2 pound of sausage
minced onion flakes
Hormel real crumbled bacon pieces
6 potatoes-peeled and sliced fairly thin
7 cups water
7 chicken bouillon cubes
3 cloves garlic- crushed
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 bunch kale
2 cups heavy cream

Bring water and bouillon cubes to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender- about 10to 15 minutes. Brown sausage and minced onion flakes in a separate pan. Simmer potatoes, chicken broth, sausage, onion, bacon, garlic, salt, and pepper for about 10 minutes. Add cream and cut up kale to soup and simmer about ten more minutes or until ready to serve. (this original recipe came from the 16th ward cookbook-the recipe above has a few of my changes.)

5) Cozy, Warm Blankets. Kile has the best blanket ever, that his Aunt Faye made for him when he was in high school. Everyone at our house loves "The Soccer Quilt". There is nothing better than this blanket on a cold day.