I'm still here!!!

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful and magical Christmas!! My family did and we are still enjoying time home together. Hubs had to return to work Monday but all the kids are home from school 'til next Monday. We have enjoyed many hours playing games. Seth got Farkle, Shelby received Candyland and Cody has Cootie. Candyland seems to be the fav among the younger kids. :)

If you're anything like me you may still have some turkey lingering in your fridge. Before you consider throwing it out because you just cannot eat it for the 86th time, check out this recipe. I made this potato soup yesterday in my crock pot and added the turkey at the end. It was sooooooo good! Everyone loved it and to tell you the truth, there's only about one serving left.

Creamy Turkey Potato Soup

10+ Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2-3 celery stalks, cleaned and cut into bite size pieces
1/2 cup of carrots, chunked
2 cans (14.5 oz each) chicken broth
4 cups water
1 tbsp corn starch mixed with water (for thickening)
1 8 oz package softened cream cheese

First, I cut all the veggies and added them to my crock pot. I added the two cans of chicken broth and about 4 cups of water...enough that the veggies were completely covered and there was extra fluid for the broth of the soup. They simmered on high for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Next I took my potato masher and gently mashed the potatoes up. I crushed them all but didn't really blend them...if that makes sense. After that, I mixed 1 tbsp corn starch with cold water 'til smooth then slowly added to my soup. I mixed it well, returned the cover and allowed it to simmer 10 or so minutes to thicken. Then, I added in the softened cream cheese in chunks and whisked gently 'til it was smooth and creamy. Once I had a smooth, creamy texture I added in my turkey which I had cut into chunks and salt, pepper, garlic salt and seasoning salt to taste. I left the crock pot on high, returned the lid and let it heat through. YUMMY!!! This recipe is actually an adaptation of the one found HERE. I obviously used more potatoes...as I had to feed 6 hungry people! hahaha This would be a GREAT recipe to make in large batches and freeze for times when you need a quick and hearty meal!

I've decided for 2011 to expand the scope of my blog. In addition to papercrafting, I also LOVE to cook, coupon to save my family money AND I'm trying hard to pick up sewing. hahaha So, I will be incorporating all of these items into my personal blog next year. I will continue to provide papercraft projects regularly and you can still find my work on the Scrap-Mart and Boss Kut blogs. If there is something you'd like to see specifically or have questions about any of my projects, feel free to email me at any time!

I am thankful to all of my readers and followers and sincerely hope that you'll join me in 2011 for my crafty, cooking adventures.