A Bit of Randomness

This week I am focusing on editing and putting the finishing touches on some chapters for the LDS Storymakers First Chapter contest. While I'm busy working away at my computer, I may not get to post anything really in-depth and thought provoking for a while. I know, I know. You'll be dreading the rest of the week without me . . . LOL! :)

Just a couple of quick updates . . .

This week begins the third week that I've been exercising 5-6 times per week. Some of my girlfriends and I have been meeting 3-4 times a week to use our various Walk Away the Pounds and other exercise videos. The other two days, I either walk outside if it's nice enough (which hasn't been very often yet) or I pop in one of my own Walk Away the Pounds DVD's. My favorites so far are the beginners 1 & 2 mile Walk at Home & the 5 Day Slim Down. I've also been reading Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds book. It has excellent health and walking info. I just love Leslie's positive, upbeat attitude - and her curvy body. She's not some stick-like chick. She's fit and curvy. I love it! I've been feeling really good - and not so sore that I never want to see another exercising video in my life. I just feel good!!!

Isaac is back at school and doing fabulous! He's caught up with his other friends very quickly and from what I understand, his behaviors have been great! He's been able to recognize when he's getting frustrated and calm himself down before getting upset. Very cool. I'm glad the surgery made such a huge difference for him.

Yesterday, John asked me to make Baked Potato Soup for him. He and the girls love it. So I thought I'd share the recipe with you. It was given to me by my girlfriend, Amy Fields.

Baked Potato Soup

4-6 Large baking potatoes (I use 6, because I like it to be thicker and full of potatoes…helps it go further. I also use the skins of half of them, and peel the other half)

2/3 Cups butter

2/3 Cups flour

6 Cups milk

¾ tsp. salt (I don’t follow this measurement…I add tons to taste, since potatoes don’t have much flavor on their own, and need a little added flavor)

½ tsp. pepper (I add to taste as well)

4 green onions, chopped and divided

12 slices bacon cooked, crumbled and divided ( I take the easy route, and buy it off the salad bar, already prepared. I also use more than the recipe calls for, again to my liking)

1 ¼ Cups shredded cheddar, divided ( I use more than the recipe calls for)

1- 8oz. carton sour cream


Wash potatoes and bake in the oven at 400 degrees for about 1 hour until done. Don’t overcook and make them too mushy. Let cool before cutting. Scoop out insides of potatoes and set aside.

Melt butter in a heavy kettle over low heat. Add flour-stirring until smooth. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Gradually add milk, stirring constantly over medium heat until mixture is thick and bubbly.

Add potatoes, salt, pepper, ½ of green onions, ½ of bacon, and 1 cup of cheese. Cook until thoroughly heated. Stir in sour cream.

Add extra if necessary for desired thickness.

Serve with remaining onions, bacon and cheese.



I hope everyone is doing well! I'll post again . . . soon!

Would you like to comment?

Amy said...

Mmmm that Potato soup sounds so good. Great job keeping up with the exercise routine.

Josi said...

This sounds sooo good--definitely one to put on the menu.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Amy & Josi - If you like baked potatoes then you'll really like this soup. It tastes just like creamy delicious baked potatoes with all the trimmings. Yum!!!

Amy - Thanks! I'm really enjoying the exercise and find I focus better on my writing in the afternoons.

Unknown said...

MMMMmmm...potatoes....one of my food groups.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Chocolate's my favorite food group. :)

Erin said...

I'm trying this today. Yum!!

Nichole Giles said...

Sounds delicious. I'm so glad Isaac is adjusting and catching up in school. It sounds like things are going well for you.

Nichole

PS Good luck on the contest.

Cathy said...

The soup sounds delicious, Danyelle. Thanks for sharing. I love new recipes. Great job on the excercise plan.

kado! said...

YUMMY!...I can't wait to try this recipe!

thanks for stopping by to visit my blog and enter my Spring give-away!

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Thank you, Candace. I hope you enjoy the soup!