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Happy October 2018!

Happy October 2018!

Fall is here! Our temperatures have not been reflecting the cooler weather quite yet, but we know what’s on the way, so we’ll take it.

As the days turn cooler and get shorter, we’ll be spending more time indoors.

Everyone loves warm soups on those chilly evenings. If you are a football fan, you will want to look over this recipe to see it will fit into your next gathering. This recipe makes a lot!

My brother-in-law, who is a retired Captain from his fire department, made this for his crew and it was a big hit!

All the credit goes to my sister-in-law Karen, for making this soup at an event years ago. As we talked about this recipe last week, we decided to call it, “It’s Not A Diet Soup!” Once you see the ingredients, you’ll know why.  Also, this isn’t one of those regular type of recipes you normally find. It’s little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Potato Soup Pexels CCO License

Potato Soup Pexels CCO License

Potato Soup

10 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

Cover the potatoes with water and add 1-2 Chicken Bouillon cubes for flavoring or season as desired.

Cook until tender.

Drain the water off of the potatoes.

Add a stick of butter. (Salted or unsalted.)

Once the butter is melted, add enough milk to almost cover the potatoes.

Add 1 Tablespoon of regular mustard and stir.

As the soup heats up, add up to 2 squares of Cream Cheese, if desired. Stir until melted.  

Add more milk if desired. It depends on what consistency you like. If it becomes thinner than you expected, add a couple teaspoons of cornstarch to a small warm glass of water. Stir to dissolve and add to soup.

Here’s what we have added to this soup to make it even more delicious Slivered Deli Ham. Sometimes we’ve added cooked crumbled bacon. Many times we’ve topped it off with shredded cheese.

Want to really send this soup over the top? My sister-in-law has even added a few tablespoons of Sour Cream, oh and yes her favorite, Ranch Dressing. She also suggested shredded carrots for a little color. You can add those when boiling your potatoes.

Once you make this soup, you may have some other ideas. Let us know and we’d love to hear from you.

P.S. This soup goes great with any sandwiches, especially BLT’s.

 

Last week, I made a post on Facebook about a big fad going on right now, and that’s rock painting. If you go online or on Pinterest, type in “Rock Painting” you will find a ton of ideas on how to do this. Basically, you need acrylic paints, acrylic markers, and something to seal your rocks with. (Waterbase products will not work for outdoors.) Why worry about the outdoors? The painting groups I have found and joined online, paint their rocks and hide them for others to find. It’s a nice way to give someone out there in the world, a smile for their day, as they find your treasure. They can keep the rock or pay it forward by hiding it for others to find.

Here are a few I’ve made so far.

Find a group near you to join if you and your family are interested in this activity. Many of these groups have hashtags and the name of their groups. Each group will have their own rules, but almost always, they have these rules.

1.  Safety first and always. Online safety, but also, make sure you don’t hide your rock that could put   someone in danger by retrieving it.

2. Never hide your rock outside or in a business. Parks are a perfect place.

3. Never hide your rock where someone could possibility mow over it. Hide it in plain site or somewhat easy to find.

4. Finally, use rocks from natural resources or purchase your own rocks. Never take rocks from businesses or homes where people have used for landscaping. Remember, they bought those rocks.

 If you have little ones and it’s too cold or wet to go outside, have a hide and seek game for the rocks in your home. Talk about the kids having fun! They love this game!

 

One last thing, here’s an indoor activity to make. Cards!

If you have followed my page for a while now, you know I love making cards or anything out of paper.

Here is one Pop-Up card I made awhile back. I actually found many sites online on how to put these together. Let me know and I’ll send you the links.

Here’s another one I did using Stickers. A lot less cutting for this one.

This next card is one I’m REALLY excited to tell you about! I won’t be able to reveal what’s inside quite yet though. I have a fair coming up in November. I’ll have this card at my booth to show those visiting, how I made this. I’ll give you a hint. It has something to do with two of my books, “Maggie, Merrie, and Millie’s Magical Adventure” and “Maggie, Millie, and Merrie’s Magical Coins.”

I hope you have enjoyed these ideas.

Happy October everyone!

Rosie

PS. Don’t forget to take a look at my “Shop Here” page.  For full descriptions on all my books, visit my author page on Amazon

As always, Happy Reading! 

 

 

16 Comments

  1. Sandra Bennett

    Hi Rosie, as we are just leaving winter, we have been making warming soups for months. I love a potato soup, yours sounds incredible! Definitely not a diet soup with all that milk, cream and cheese, my sons would love it. I add sweat potato and leek to mine, sometimes a hint of green curry too, it adds an extra bit of flavour and warmth.
    I don’t think the painted rock craze has caught on over here, but it is a lovely idea. Maybe as our weather warms up and people start to venture outside they might start to appear.
    Look forward to seeing what is inside your pop up card.

    • rosieadmin

      Hi Sandra, thanks so much for stopping by with your note.
      Your added ideas for the potato soup sounds wonderful. No, mine is not a diet soup, but can be cut back as desired.
      With our winter months approaching, I have a feeling hiding the rocks outside will come to an end. I’ve made a few to give as small gifts with a message on the back. It’s something different to do and lots of fun.
      I cannot wait for you to see what’s inside the mystery card. Since you have read both of my Maggie, Millie, and Merrie books, you will see why I had so much fun making this. Another perfect project for families to make. Okay, I’d better stop or I’ll give it away. Ha!
      Thank you again Sandra. Enjoy your spring and upcoming summer months.
      Rosie

  2. Cat Michaels

    I love fall, Rosie, and feel energized to try new things before winter sets in. I do a squash/pumpkin autumn soup but will give your potato soup a try.

    Rhonda is a great one for motivating rock painters. I am interested in creating some but holding back as I cannot draw a jot…my rocks would look like cans of paint spilled on them LOL! btw….your card art is awesome, too. You must have tons of patience to craft such intricate pretties.

    Happy autumn!

    • rosieadmin

      Thanks for stopping by with all your kind comments Cat!
      Your squash/pumpkin soup sounds amazing!
      The good things about the rocks, they do not have to be fancy. It’s a fun family activity and a way to spread a little joy to others.
      My cards are turning into a ton of fun as well. I’ve found crafting to be a great stress reliever. 🙂
      Happy autumn Cat,
      Rosie

  3. corrina holyoake

    Ahh love this blog post, lovely read. That soup recipe sounds delish and I am loving your arty craft flair with the rock painting and card crafting. Rock painting has been a big thing here to this year although it seems to be dying down now. All the best with the fair, hope the new card design is a massive hit, I hope you will share it in the next blog post.

    • rosieadmin

      So wonderful to hear form you Corrina!
      Thank you for your kinds words on the soup and craft items.
      I’ve often wonder when the rock fad with die down. I’m thinking with winter coming, less rocks will be hidden. I do love the fact friends and families are getting together for projects. That’s always a win, win, situation.
      Yes, I will reveal what’s inside it in November. I can’t wait to show you all!
      Thanks again and I hope you have a wonderful weekend Corrina.
      Rosie

  4. K. Lamb

    Your blog article made me smile, Rosie. Just yesterday my mom and I were comparing our homemade potato soup recipes! I told her now that it was getting colder, I was craving a bowl of rich, creamy potato soup. Our minds must be in sync!

    I love the idea of painting rocks and hiding them in the great outdoors for someone to find. What a treat. I have a large painted rock that sits at my desk at work. I use it as a paperweight. It was painted years ago by an artist and it was a Christmas gift from my grandmother. It is an outdoor scene with a field of “Lambs.” I love it, and it makes me think of my grandmother everytime I look at it.

    Thanks for sharing some Fall activities.

    • rosieadmin

      Hi Kristen! This recipe for potato soup is very good and rich. Feel free to cut back on what might be too much for you and your family. It makes a lot!
      Loved hearing about your painted rock from your grandmother. I’ve had so much fun researching how these are made. Wow, are there some beautiful ones out there!
      You’re welcome and I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
      Have a wonderful weekend,
      Rosie

  5. Rhonda Paglia

    Hi Rosie – Loved your October blog! Potato soup is a fall & winter comfort food. Love your rocks and that you are having fun painting and hiding! The cards are a cute idea too. Have a wonderful October! (((Hugs))) Grammy Pags

    • rosieadmin

      Rhonda, thank you so much for your note today. I have enjoyed following your rock page in PA. They are such nice people. Did I tell you I found one close to my home?
      I’m glad you liked the cards. Don’t forget to come back in November to see my reveal of what’s in the bottom card. You will love it!
      Happy October and hugs back to you Rhonda!
      Rosie

  6. James Milson

    Great piece, Rosie! So happy to see you have it going so wonderfully now. Nice work! I will definitely be adding that soup recipe to my list to try, as Little Red Bear and I both love Potato Soup! Thanks for sharing! 😀

    • rosieadmin

      Hi James, I know you and Little Red Bear will love this soup. Tweak it as you wish, it’s rich.
      Thank you for your kind words on how things are working out. I’m so happy to make a blog again and have everything all settled. Whew, as you said in your poem, “when things feel upside down, things will get better.” Your positive help was the best and I thank you again for that.
      Have a wonderful weekend,
      Rosie

  7. Jessica Adams

    Happy October Rosie! Your rocks are really neat and the cards are so cute!

    • rosieadmin

      Hi Jessica, happy October!
      I’m glad you enjoyed this post. These crafts would be fun to do with your girls.
      Have a great weekend!
      Rosie

  8. Julie Gorges

    That soup made my mouth water! Gotta try it. Rock painting is one of my grandkids’ absolute favorite thing to do when stuck indoors. Great ideas for he fall!

    • rosieadmin

      Hi Julie, tweak the soup as you wish. It’s so good!
      Love that your grandkid’s have fun rock painting. Painting anything is so much fun!
      Thank you for stopping by with your note.
      Rosie

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