Cheesy Potatoe soup w/ Bacon

In large pot combine:


4 cubes or 2 Tbs. granules Chicken bouillon
3 Cups hot water
5 cups diced potatoes
1 cup diced celery
1 cup chopped carrots
½ cup chopped onion
Cook above ingredients until tender.

In second pan melt butter and whisk in flour. Add the half and half and mix until smooth. Add Velveeta and grated cheese and mix until smooth and then add to vegetables.

¾ cup butter
¾ cup flour
8 oz cubed Velveeta
4 cups half and half
½ cup grated cheddar cheese
8 slices of bacon

Directions:
You can add milk to it after it is all cooked to make it a little thinner and it helps make it not as rich tasting.
You can also add about 8 slices of bacon, cut up and cooked, as you mix everything together.

Herbed French Bread

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh basil leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 loaf (1 pound) French bread


1. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat.
2. Stir together all ingredients except bread.
3. Cut bread into 1-inch slices. Spread herb mixture on cut sides of bread. Reassemble loaf. Wrap in piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil; seal securely.
4. Grill uncovered about 4 inches from medium heat 15 to 20 minutes or until hot.

Baking Directions: Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare bread and wrap in foil as directed. Bake about 20 minutes or until hot.

Minestrone Tortellini

1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise in half, then cut into 1/4-inch slices (1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped yellow bell pepper
1 can (15 oz) Progresso® dark red kidney beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen® organic diced tomatoes with basil and garlic, undrained
2 tablespoons chili sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Cook and drain tortellini as directed on package.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and bell pepper; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender.
3. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili sauce and salt. Cook 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. Stir in tortellini. Sprinkle with parsley.

Skillet Lasagna

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove minced garlic
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/4 cups water
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups bow tie pasta, uncooked
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dash basil, pepper

In large skillet, brown beef with onions and garlic; drain. Add tomatoes, water, tomato sauce, parsley, basil, oregano, and salt. Mix well. Stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; cover, simmer for 20 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring once. Stir in cottage cheese. Cover with and Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle in basil and pepper to taste if desired. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

My Tips:
* I usually just use dried chopped onion and garlic. It is just easier for me.
* I strain the cottage cheese before adding it.
* I only add 1 tsp. dried parsley.