Ham and Bean Soup-Slow Cooker Style

Planning ahead so dinner isn't stressful is key for me! I try to cram as much in as I can before 8 am because if I don't it's just not going to happen! I've been freezer cleaning and found a ham bone from the holidays. Bean soup it is!

Ingredients/Directions:

Soak a regular sized bag of pinto beans in warm water while your getting ready in the morning

Drain and throw into crock pot along with a ham bone (or 1 lb smoked ham from the store, chopped)

Add in:

1 chopped onion

4 garlic cloves

2 bay leaves

Cover beans with water almost to the top of the slow cooker

Turn it on high and let it cook for 6-7 hrs!

Half Homemade Veggie Soup

Thinking about making soup can be overwhelming! Stick to half homemade soup which takes advantage of canned organic tomato soup as the base! 

Sauté 3 cups of whatever veggies you have on hand in olive oil. Example: carrots, onions, celery, and a little bit of chopped leeks

Add in 1 can of Amy's Organics low sodium tomato soup

Add in 1/2 can water

Add in 1 can of stewed tomatoes

Let simmer until veggies are tender

Lastly to make it hearty add in 1/2 a package of quinoa pasta

Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

What to make tonight.... this.... holy moly make this nutritious, thick, and velvety broccoli cheddar soup! Gluten free, vegetarian, and can be made vegan!

5 red skin potatoes

1 large onion

4 garlic cloves

2 celery ribs

1 bunch fresh broccoli

Few heads of fresh cauliflower

Dash dried rosemary

Salt and pepper

Water to cover all vegetables

Boil ingredients until potatoes are soft. Chop 6-7 oz sharp cheddar and throw right into the pot. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. Thin with water if needed. Add any extra seasonings you like such as more salt and pepper or garlic powder!