Pioneer Woman's Broccoli Cheese Soup

photo source: pinterest

 

 

Pioneer Woman's Broccoli Cheese Soup

1 whole onion - diced
1 stick butter
1/3 cup flour
4 cups whole milk
2 cups half-and-half
4 heads broccoli (cut into florets)
1 pinch nutmeg
3 cups grated cheddar cheese
dash of salt - to taste
dash ground black pepper - to taste


Melt butter in a pot over medium heat, then add the onions. Cook the onions for 3 to 4 minutes, then sprinkle the flour over the top. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute or so, then pour in milk and half-and-half. Add nutmeg, then add broccoli, a small dash of salt, and plenty of black pepper.

Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Stir in cheese and allow to melt.



I must confess though, while Ree's recipe is delicious, I often use this packaged soup mix for a quick, easy, and yummy meal! I always add extra fresh (or frozen) steamed broccoli and top with lots of shredded cheddar cheese!

 

 

photo source

Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Today, I tried another recipe from Pioneer Woman. I'll warn you ahead of time: you MUST love spicy food (I mean SPICY) if you are going to try this. It was absolutely delicious, but it is HOT! It didn't bother Peter, it can never be too hot for him, but I was a wimp and had to drink a glass of milk afterwards to balance out the heat (it works, btw).

This recipe has very few ingredients, but it is packed with flavor!

Here's what you need:


- one pork shoulder or pork butt

It cooks up so tender and moist, and literally melts in your mouth.

- one large onion

- one 7 oz. can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

(if you are wimpy like me-just add half the can)

They have a smoky, spicy flavor. I had never tried these before, very tasty-but very spicy!

***two cans of chipotles in pic - but only use one!!

- two 12 oz. cans Dr. Pepper

I've seen lots of recipes that call for soda, but this was a first for me. It magically transforms the pork and onion and peppers into this delicious, wonderful flavorful, pulled pork concoction.

- 2 T. brown sugar

Directions:

Cut onion as shown above, place in bottom of pan. I started the pork in a slow cooker for the first 4 hours, then transferred to a pan covered tightly with foil in a 300 degree oven for 3 more hours. PW cooks hers in the oven only in a covered pot for 6 hours.

 

After putting onions in bottom of pan, place pork on top, then pour chipotles on top. Sprinkle with brown sugar, and pour in Dr. Pepper.

 

After cooking for 4 hours, it looked like this as I transferred to a pan for the oven.

 

 

Once the pork was done, I shredded it. Peter chose a bun for his, I had mine on a small flour tortilla w/ sour cream, lettuce, and shredded cheddar.

 

 

Delish....but SUPER SPICY!!!

 

I would make this again, but will probably add only half a can of peppers.

 

 

Grilled Chicken w/ Lemon Basil Pasta

I love Pioneer Woman! Not only is Ree a great cook, but she is very real....like I could be friends with her real. She doesn't try to be perfect or too fancy. I love her cooking style and have tried many of her recipes, all of which have been winners!

I tried her Grilled Chicken w/ Lemon Basil Pasta today and it was sooooo good! I improvised a little since I was cooking for two instead of a crowd, but I used all the ingredients on the list. I also tried getting some good pictures, but the finished dish doesn't look near as appealing as the pictures Ree takes.

A link to her version of the recipe HERE and my take on it here:

Marinate 2-3 boneless chicken breast in a mixture of a little olive oil, the juice from one lemon, honey, salt, and basil (from your spice cabinet - I used fresh in the pasta). I marinated in a gallon size ziploc bag for about 5 hours.

Ingredients:

 

8 oz. penne pasta, 1/2 stick butter, juice from one lemon, 1 cup half & half (or heavy cream), 1 cup grated parmesan/romano cheese, salt & pepper to taste, and fresh basil (chopped)

 

Side Note: Fresh basil will turn dark after a few days, so use as soon as possible.

 

 

Directions:

Grill chicken and keep warm until pasta and sauce are ready. Cook pasta; drain and set aside. In pan, melt butter over medium heat and add lemon juice. Whisk together. Pour in half-and-half. Whisk until hot. Add cheese and whisk until melted, then add salt and pepper.
Pour pasta and sauce into a large serving bowl. Stir in basil. When serving, top with sliced chicken breast and sprinkle with a little chopped basil. Serve immediately! DELISH!!!

 

Don't skimp on the basil - it is a great compliment to the lemony cream sauce.

 

Check out Ree's website: Pioneer Woman and tune in to her show every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. on Food Network.