happily random

By Popular Demand: Baked Potato Soup

Anytime I mention this soup, I have dozens of requests for the recipe. Without a doubt, it's one of my favorite soups, but it is by no means low fat, low carbs or low anything. It's a great cold-weather soup, the ultimate in comfort foods. Love to serve it with Steakhouse Wheat Bread. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 large baked potatoes
• 2/3 cups butter
• 2/3 cup flour
• 6 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 12 sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

 Directions:

1. Scoop out pulp from potatoes & put in a small bowl. Mash up potatoes till they are lumpy.
   *I like to microwave potatoes in the morning and then peel them in the evening when they're cool before making the soup. For some reason when you microwave potatoes, the skins peel right off.
2. Melt butter in large kettle. Stir in flour. Gradually stir in milk. Continue to stir until smooth, thickened & bubbly.
3. Stir in potato pulp, salt, pepper, onions, bacon, sour cream & cheese. Cook until heated.
   *I cook my bacon in the oven on Pampered Chef Stone Bakeware. About 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees usually does it. Less mess and easier than a skillet. Also, it cooks very evenly.

I know, I know, I don't look a day over 36....

Today I am 37 years old. Guess that officially puts me in my "upper 30s." How did this happen? Honestly, I don't feel that that old. In my head I'm still a 20-something, although I must admit the loud music & clubbing was never my thing. Guess that explains the nose piercing I got at 34 though...

I have never been one for cards. Frankly I think they are a waste of money. $4+ for a pretty piece of paper that says something that someone else wrote. Not a fan. If you ever wondered why you never get a card from me, that's why. I am not a hypocrite in that way either as I don't expect cards from my friends. Save your money. Or better yet, buy me a coffee & write "I love you" on it. A much better value for your money if you ask me. When it comes down to it, if we are together I would rather you just tell me yourself what you think of me instead of buying a card to do it for you.

Presents on the other hand I'm all for. It doesn't have to be pricey, although I must admit I am a big fan of the gift card. Some of my dearest friends who know me best have actually gotten me garage sale finds & or clearanced Twilight items -- you know who you are -- and I love them for it. I just love a well-thought-out gift. It totally says to me, "I see you. I know you. I love you." Or a gift card. Always a gift card. Just skip the Hallmark.

Frankly, one of the best things my friends can give me is quality time. There is nothing that makes me happier than hanging out and laughing with my friends. One of my best birthday memories ever was a birthday sleepover in a local hotel with my pack. I have always felt like stuff is just stuff but memories are something that I can take with me forever.

Despite my ramblings about me, me, me, and my, my, my birthday, I wanted you to know that I am not completely self-centered. My dear friend Stephanie sent me a text this morning that says, "Have a wonderful birthday! I hope for you a day overflowing with joy... and also a time to reflect on your "days" and your relationship with the Lord as He transforms you to be more like Him each year! I love you!"

I think a birthday is definitely a time to reflect on who I am and who I would like to be, kind of like a personal New Year's Day. At 37 years old, I can see certain patterns to my life, some of them good and some of them not so good. But each year as I look back I do see myself changing and growing to be more and more like the person that God wants me to be. That's certainly a good thing.

Happy Birthday Month to Me!

My husband thinks that it is so silly that at nearly 37, I still get excited about my birthday. I don't just celebrate my actually birthday or birthday week, but my birthday month. I know, I'm silly. But I don't care.

I think it's because I'm an 'otter' according to Gary Smalley's personality test. For me my birthday month is just an excuse to go out, hang out with my husband or friends and have some fun. 'Cause, you know, it's my birthday. Oh presents are great too (really wanting Apple gift cards this year as I'm saving up for a Mac Book.... hint-hint), but really I just like having the excuse to be more social than usual.

So for the next 31 days, be prepared to say 'yes' to all of my requests and put up with my extra silliness because, remember, it's almost my birthday! Oh, and for those of you who don't have your calendars marked yet, my actual birthday is October 18.