Where I've Been & Cheeseburger Soup

I know I haven't posted for months and it makes me sad.

I look at my own blog often to refer to my blog reading lists (see left side) and everytime I see that broccoli noodle casserole, I just can't believe I haven't posted since March.

You may think since I haven't been posting, that means I haven't been cooking.

Well, you are partially correct.

I haven't made many new recipes over the past few months.

But I have been cooking...

two little Pankakes...

in my belly!

That's right! Adam and I are expecting twins on November 4.

Everything is going well and the twins are growing fast - already 16 weeks along.

The first few months of pregnancy, I wasn't feeling too hot and didn't have much energy so I really wasn't making any meals that required much effort.

But now I am feeling better - and hungry! - so I'm back at it!

Thanks to Bec, we have this great photo taken at 15 weeks, 6 days.

Cheeseburger Soup

This is a delicious soup I made for the first time last night. It's a recipe from my Aunt Donna and she put it in the Hope in the Kitchen Wedding Edition. You can use your favorite kind of cheddar - white or yellow.

1/2 small onion, chopped

3/4 cup shredded carrots

3/4 chopped celery

1/2 lb ground beef

4 Tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley

3 cups chicken broth

4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cups milk

2 cups cheddar cheese, cubed

1/4 cup sour cream

In a dutch oven, melt 1 Tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery and ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally until meat is cooked through and vegetables are soft.

Add the basil and parsley. Stir.

Add the chicken broth and potatoes. You may need to add more broth so potatoes are covered.

Bring to a boil and cook for 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

In a seperate bowl, melt the remaining 3 Tablespoons of butter and stir in the flour. Then whisk in the milk.

Slowly add the milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and stir in the cheese. Once cheese melts, stir in the sour cream. Do not boil.