Hello winter, hello soup

So, this season and pregnancy have brought about many changes in the McKeeby household. 1 being a switch to hearty soups and 2. being lots of meat. I will eventually change the title of my blog, but for my baby's sake, this is no longer a vegetarian blog. Not because it wasn't healthy enough, but because this baby GIRL wants meat, meat, and a side of dairy. VERY different from her mom's usual meals. I keep thinking since she gets to be in control now, maybe I can be in control when she's born.

Below are a few soup ideas. I never follow a recipe for soups, they are ideas that vary every time we eat. Feel free to adjust to your liking.

Ham and Bean Soup

* 1 16 oz bag northern beans

Toss beans in crock pot, cover with water, and cook for 2-3 hours on low.

* water/broth

* leftover ham and hock

* carrots, sliced

* onion, diced

* several cloves of garlic, diced

Drain water and add fresh water, broth, leftover thanksgiving ham, sliced carrots, onions, and garlic. Cook on low until beans are soft and ham is falling apart.

Chicken and Veggie soup (2 days, 2 meals, 1 pot)

This is perfect for my husband who doesn't like the same meal too many times and for me who doesn't like to clean more than 1 pot.

* 1 whole chicken

* tomato sauce

* chicken/veg broth

* potatoes, diced

* veggies, diced (carrots, squash, onions, garlic, peas, spinach, etc)

* seasonings

Toss chicken (don't forget to take out the insides) in crockpot on low, while you are at work with tomato paste and a small amount of water. I usually do this from 7am to 4 or 5pm-ish. Remove chicken skin and bones. Enjoy chicken for dinner with your choice of sides.

When done, toss chicken pieces back into crock pot with broth, veggies, potatoes, and your choice of seasonings (I like rosemary and garlic, or thyme). In the morning, pour into tupperware containers for lunch :)

You could also sub beef chunks for the chicken and toss all the ingredients in the crockpot at once for a delicious Beef and Veggie Soup.

*Freeze any leftovers for when you're feeling sick or lazy.