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Wonderful Rich Tortilla Soup

Wonderful Rich Tortilla Soup

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Wonderful Savory Chicken Tortilla Soup

French Apple Custard Pie

I answered the door one day and there was a friend of ours solemnly holding a nice plump plucked chicken.  Jeff had helped him with a project at his home and the chicken was his thanks.  I solemnly accepted it, promising to do it justice.  That chicken became the BEST chicken and dumplings I’ve ever had.  Without exception.  It was unbelievably rich and buttery with intense chicken-y flavor.  In fact the more I’m thinking about it, the more I think chickens would be a WONDERFUL project.  For Jeff.

French Apple Custard Pie

Even when you’re making a quick tortilla soup to get on the table in 30 minutes after a long day, you can easily create all kinds of lovely tomato flavor.  But if you’re using already cooked chicken meat, added at the end, you’re going to have a one-note production without much savory depth of flavor.  I have the answer.

It’s the boullion baby.

Adding chicken boullion produces that wonderful rich chicken-y flavor in your soup that the free-range chicken brought to my chicken and dumplings.  Add in some cumin and oregano along with sweet bits of corn and avocado and you’ve got a WINNER!  My easy, make ahead very flavorful poached chicken can be shredded and used for this recipe.

There’s so much to love about this soup. …..

You’ll have a hard time picking your favorite part.  There’s so much rich chicken flavor from the boullion and the crunchy toppings send it over the top.  The  avocado, really makes it too. Very flavorful but not too spicy.  You could even top it with a nice handful of Monterey Jack cheese!  I made extra crispy tortilla strips just to snack on while I was waiting for the soup to cook.  I’m bad like that.   

French Apple Custard Pie

Pin for Later

French Apple Custard Pie

Or Make Now

 

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

One of the most flavorful chicken tortilla soups you'll eat.  A great recipe to use my large-batch, time saving poached chicken recipe or substitute leftover holiday turkey.  Very flavorful but not too spicy.

Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6 bowls
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
For the Soup:
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 jalapeño pepper stem and seeds removed - roughly chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili pepper
  • 1 (14-ounce) can) fire roasted tomatoes, un-drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, un-drained
  • 6 cups chicken stock (Can use 1 full 48 ounce box)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
  • 2 ½ cups frozen corn
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 chicken boullion cubes
  • 1 rotisserie chicken shredded (this is 3 ½ cups shredded chicken)
For the Toppings:
  • 1 cup oil
  • 8 small yellow corn tortilas
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • 2 Avocados (ripe)
Instructions
For the tortilla strips:
  1. Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and put them in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes to make them easier to work with.

  2. When tortillas done, remove from the oven and cut in half. Next cut the halves into 1/4-inch wide strips and set aside.

For the Soup
  1. While the tortilla strips are baking, in a medium size pot, add 1 teaspoon oil and the chopped onions. Cook 4-5 minutes or until softened but not browned, stirring frequently.
  2. To the onions add the chopped jalapeño pepper and cook for 2 minutes more.  Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

  3. Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, beans, corn, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 8 chicken bullion cubes.  Increase the heat to high and cook until the soup begins to boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.

  4. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. While the soup is cooking, heat 1 cup oil over medium-high heat. Working in several batches, fry the tortilla strips until very slightly browned and crisp. Remove the strips from the pan, salt and let drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.

  6. Meanwhile prep the garnishes by pitting the avocado, removing the peel and cutting the avocado into ¼ inch dices.

  7. After the soup has simmered 15 minutes, add the shredded chicken and cook several minutes until heated through.

  8. To serve, divide half the tortilla strips among 6 individual serving bowls and add soup. Top with avocado, cheese and remaining tortilla strips. Serve with lime wedges.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Jeff’s Vegetable Beef Soup

Jeff’s Vegetable Beef Soup

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Simple Pleasures Sunday

Comfort Food at its Best – Jeff’s Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable Soup

When was the last time you snuggled into a big soft cozy chair, with a hot cup of cocoa, a warm, ultra-soft blanket wrapped around you and a fantastic book you’d been dying to read; the rain pattering softly on the windows, thunder rumbling in the distance and the space around your chair lit with the soft glow of the table lamp or a pumpkin spice candle.

Hygge

If it wasn’t recently, you need to – sometime soon.  That wonderful, warm cozy sensation such an activity inspires is called hygge (pronounced “hooga”)

The word hygge comes from a Norwegian word meaning “well-being” and it encompasses many things, including the art of creating intimate gatherings, removing annoyance from your life, cultivating an attitude of gratitude for your current blessings, enjoying cozy togetherness and especially cocoa by candlelight.  This is hygge.

Hygge

Another key component of hygge is sharing fabulous comfort food with family and friends.  While I don’t remotely agree with Danish politics, at a Danish hyggelige dinner there are no divisive discussions about politics, family issues, or someone’s dysfunctional kids. No one makes snide comments, complains, or is overtly negative.  Everyone pitches in and lends a hand, so that not one person gets stuck doing the dishes.  There’s no bragging, or attacks, or competition.  It is filled with well-meaning communication with a focus on appreciating the here and now, the good food, and the folks.  We all need a little more hygge in our life.

Our regular dinners with our dear friends are hyggelige to the max.  These are the faces of hygge.

Vegetable Soup

So for our Simple Pleasures Sunday this week, and to send you some hygge of your own with love, here’s another one of my favorite comfort food recipes – Jeff’s Vegetable Beef Soup.  This soup is like wrapping yourself in a soft warm snuggly blanket.  It’s really, really, really good.  It’s also really, really easy.  Just chop some stew meat or chuck roast and add it to a stock pot to sear over medium heat.  While the meat is browning, chop some potatoes like so.

Vegetable Soup

Next chop some celery, carrots and onions.  Jeff loves using a bench scraper to transport food in the kitchen.

Vegetable Soup

Add 4 quarts of water to the stock pot and scrape the bottom of the pot to dislodge any browned bits.  Then add 15 cubes of beef bullion and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce and all the vegetables except the cabbage.

Vegetable Soup

Let everything cook for 30 minutes at a low simmer.  Jeff generally uses green cabbage, but he thought the red cabbage would add some festive Halloween color.  (Besides which, that was what we had in the vegetable crisper…)  Waste not, want not.  Doesn’t this look wonderful?

Vegetable Soup

You may be tempted to rush it, but the soup needs the full 45 minutes of cooking time to tenderize the meat and allow all the wonderful flavors to mingle and marry.  It’s worth it when you’re rewarded with this.

Vegetable Beef Soup

This Vegetable Beef Soup is so tasty and filled with love. Look at all that beautiful fall color and the meat is fork tender.  Not to mention, t’s just brimming with hygge.

Pin for Later

Vegetable Beef Soup

Or Make Now

Let’s get started!

 

4.75 from 4 votes
Vegetable Soup
Jeff’s Vegetable Beef Soup
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
55 mins
 

A warm, savory comforting bowl of love.  An AlohaDreams.com recipe brought to you with hygge.

Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 bowls
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds stew meat
  • 8 Yukon Gold potatoes , medium size - peeled and chopped into 1 inch chunks
  • 1 large white or yellow onion chopped
  • 12 - 16 ounces baby carrots , sliced ¼ inch thick
  • 6 stalks celery , chopped - 1/2 inch thick
  • 15 beef bullion cubes
  • 2 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce
  • 4 quarts water
  • ½ head green cabbage , or red - sliced ¾ thick
Instructions
  1. In a large stock pot over medium high heat, sear stew meat until browned on all sides.
  2. Add water to pot and scrape bottom to remove the browned bits.
  3. Add beef bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce and all vegetables except cabbage.

  4. Cook, uncovered for 30 minutes.
  5. Break cabbage slices apart and add to soup. Cook, uncovered and additional 15 minutes. Serve.

 

Here’s some other fantastic recipes to put you in a hygge frame of mind.

Wonderful Rich Tortilla Soup

This tortilla soup is quick and easy to make. It has everything to become your new favorite: chicken, corn, and avocados. Added bonus - it freezes well.

Chili for a Crowd

Everyone will love this delicious, easy Chili for a Crowd! It comes together quickly and holds beautifully.

Kansas City Steak Soup

  Aloha Dreams    Fabulous Recipes, Cooking for a Crowd & Dream Home Design         Better than Plaza III Steak Soup Have you ever been to Kansas City and eaten at the Plaza III?  This iconic Kansas City restaurant has been a steak mecca for many years.  But perhaps...

Betsy’s Christmas Clam Chowder

Mom used to tell stories of her relatives from Maine having Oyster Stew for Christmas Eve. I like the idea of annual traditions, it helps tie generations together. I do not like the idea of oyster stew. This offers a nice compromise.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

AlohaDreams

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Chili for a Crowd

Chili for a Crowd

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Chili for a Crowd

For a potluck or big game night at home, my Chili for a Crowd has everything it takes to thrill your guests. This top-rated chili is a wonderful crowd-pleaser, perfect for tailgating, Halloween parties and other large group gatherings.   You’ll have enough to serve 30 hungry guests.

Chili for a Crowd

I often make this chili for my Super Bowl parties.  It’s always a hit with everyone at our house.  The recipe is simple and packs a whole lot of flavor.  When making it for a crowd, I cut the chili back by one-forth to 9 tablespoons (instead of 12) and it’s a real favorite with youth.  We’re cooking this in a couple weeks for a group of 150 – 175 youth who requested Chili and Cornbread for a Pre-Dance meal.

Chili for a Crowd

When choosing hamburger for chili, you’ll want 85/15 fat content.  That’s the right amount of fat to add flavor without being too greasy.  You’ll also want to break the hamburger up into smaller pieces as you’re cooking it.  See the spatula in the next picture?  It’s one of my favorite kitchen tools.  It’s perfect for breaking up hamburger in recipes like this one.

I whip up this recipe to feed a large group, and I rarely have any leftovers.  But if you do, it freezes beautifully and will keep up to 3 months in the freezer.

 

As with any good chili, it holds well – up to 3 days in the refrigerator – and just gets better with time.   Serve with Cornbread for a Crowd and a Mixed Salad for a great, easy meal.

Chili for a Crowd

Pin for Later

Chili for a Crowd

Or Make Now

Hungry Yet??

Me too.  Let’s get started!

 

Easy Chili for a Crowd

 

 

4.6 from 5 votes
Chili for a Crowd
Chili for a Crowd
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
 

This chili just gets better with time.  It freezes very well for up to 3 months.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 32 servings
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 8 pounds hamburger (I use 85/15)
  • 4 large onions chopped
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 large (29 ounce) tomato sauce
  • 3 quarts water
  • 4 large (29 ounce) cans crushed tomatos – without spices
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground oregano
  • 1 tablespoon (plus 1 teaspoon) ground cumin
  • 12 beef boullion cubes
  • 2 tablespoons (plus 2 teaspoons) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (plus 1 teaspoon) salt
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 4 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 4 (30 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans - drained and rinsed
Equipment
  • 1 very large stockpot
Instructions
  1. Add hamburger to a very large stockpot. Cook over medium heat, breaking hamburger into small pieces until brown. Remove hamburger to a plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan.

  2. Add onions to the pot and sauté until translucent.

  3. Once the onion is translucent, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute till fragrant.
  4. Add back in hamburger and any juice.
  5. Add remaining ingredients except beans.
  6. Simmer 30 minutes.

  7. Add the beans and simmer 10 more minutes.

 

Still hungry ?

Marvelous Meatball Sandwiches

Want a wonderful ooey-gooey, saucy, savory Freezer Meal Sandwich Recipe? These little meatballs are baked in the oven, heated with a great time-saving spaghetti sauce, and place on a crunchy hoagie roll slathered with garlic butter and melty Provolone cheese! And you have a Fan-‘freakin’-tastic sandwich (to quote Jeff).

Asian Lettuce Wrap for a Crowd

If you’re looking for a healthy recipe for your family but are tired of salad, these Pork & Ginger Lettuce Wraps are for you. They are really easy and really fast, on the table within 30 minutes from start to finish. But the best part of all is they are REALLY good! Whip up a batch for your family this week, they’ll LOVE them.

Best-Ever Chunky Chicken Salad

Your whole family will love this Best-Ever Chunky Chicken Salad recipe. It's hands down the perfect go-to chicken salad for sandwiches for a quick delicious lunch or a light supper. It takes hardly any time to pull together. The sweetness from the grapes always makes it a favorite with kids! Crowd version included, too!

Hawaiian Slow Cooker Kalua Pork

Another great, super-easy make ahead recipe. 10 minutes work, overnight unattended low and slow cooking, and you’ve got mouthwateringly tender luau-style Kalua pork. Really easy. REALLY good!

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Kansas City Steak Soup

Kansas City Steak Soup

  Aloha Dreams

   Fabulous Recipes, Cooking for a Crowd & Dream Home Design      

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Better than Plaza III Steak Soup

Have you ever been to Kansas City and eaten at the Plaza III?  This iconic Kansas City restaurant has been a steak mecca for many years.  But perhaps it’s most famous for its Steak Soup.  Rich, hearty, it’s the soul of Kansas City in a bowl.  Well, guess what?  This steak soup is even better!  A rich beefy-tomatoey base chock full of vegetableness (one of the privileges of your own blog is you can make up words!), it’s the perfect comfort soup.  Try it tonight!

This is another one of my mom’s recipes.  I used to love watching Julia Child with her as I was growing up.  She would sit, very focused on the TV, quickly copying down every word out of Julia’s mouth.  She had beautiful cursive and was very accurate and efficient in catching everything Julia said.  That’s pretty much how she ran her business as well.   She used to love it when Julia would refer to the “impeccably” clean towel that she had just dropped on the floor.  This soup reminds me of mom and of home and of winter in Kansas City.

Better than Plaza III Steak Soup
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients
  • 1 stick butter
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 5 cups hot water
  • 1 pound ground chuck
  • 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1/2 cup carrots diced
  • 1/2 cup celery diced
  • 1 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • ounces ?16 canned tomatoes crushed
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • ? Worcestershire
Instructions
  1. Sauté beef in a large skillet and drain off fat. Set aside.
  2. In a large stock pot, melt butter.
  3. Blend in flour until smooth.
  4. Gradually add hot water, whisking to break up any lumps as you go.
  5. Simmer until smooth.
  6. Add meat, bouillon, all vegetables and seasonings to saucepan.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are cooked, approximately 20 – 30 minutes.
Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Betsy’s Christmas Clam Chowder

Betsy’s Christmas Clam Chowder

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Betsy’s Christmas Clam Chowder

Clam Chowder

What are some of your favorite Christmas memories?  Beautiful trees?  Family and friends?? How about food?  My mom’s family was from New England and every year on Christmas Eve they had Oyster Stew for dinner.  I am not a fan.  But Chowder??  I LOVE Clam Chowder.

We have a restaurant in Kansas City, Bristol Seafood.  Years ago the Bristol used to be located on the Country Club Plaza.  In case you’ve never seen the Kansas City Plaza, this is it.

Clam Chowder

I used to love sitting in the Bristol overlooking the snow falling around the Plaza lights at Christmas.  The Bristol had the most wonderful Clam Chowder; rich and creamy, but not too thick, with wonderful clam flavor.  I’ve been working on perfecting my version of the Bristol’s Clam Chowder.   The Bristol has sadly moved from the Plaza, but this Clam Chowder is very close to what I used to love there.  Merry Christmas and enjoy!

 

 

4.5 from 2 votes
clam chowder
Betsy's Christmas Clam Chowder
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
 
Mom tells stories of the Maine relatives having Oyster Stew for Christmas Eve. I like the idea of annual traditions, it helps tie generations together. I do not like the idea of oyster stew. This offers a nice compromise.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 bowls
Ingredients
  • 6 small Sour Dough Bread bowls
  • 6 strips bacon or meaty salt pork chopped
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 (6.5 ounce cans) chopped or minced clams - Reserve the liquid
  • 2 (10 ounce cans) Chicken of the Sea Whole Baby Clams - Reserve the liquid
  • 2 (8 ounce bottles) clam juice
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 inch large russet potatoes peeled and cut into ~½ cubes
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cup water
  • 3 ¼ cup Half and Half
  • 2 tablespoon butter or margarine
  • Oyster Crackers for serving
Instructions
  1. In a Dutch oven (or large heavy bottom poover medium heat, cook bacon strips until medium browned. Pour off all but 1 teaspoon bacon grease. The bacon can stay in the pot.
  2. Add a little water and scape bottom of pot to deglaze the bacon brownings on the bottom of the pot so they do not burn. Add onions and cook over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. In a cup, whisk ½ cup of the bottled clam juice with 1/2 cup flour to dissolve the flour.

  4. Pour the clam juice mixture into pot through a strainer (to strain out any remaining lumps of the flour).
  5. To the pot add 2 cups water, potatoes, and the remaining juice from the 2 bottles of clam juice plus the juice from the 2 small cans of minced clams. (reserve the juice from the 2 larger cans of whole clams to thin the soup later should you desire.)
  6. Add salt, pepper, and celery salt.
  7. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently (making sure it does not burn on the bottofor 10 – 15 minutes or until potatoes are done.
  8. When potatoes are tender, add Half and Half, and butter. Cook on medium low about 5 minutes, stirring until heated through out.
  9. Just before serving add clams and serve. (If the clams cook for any length of time they will turn rubbery. All you’re wanting to do here is get them warm.)

Recipe Notes

Serve with French Bread, Saltine Crackers and Apple Cider

Mom used to tell stories of her relatives from Maine having Oyster Stew for Christmas Eve. I like the idea of annual traditions, it helps tie generations together. I do not like the idea of oyster stew. This offers a nice compromise.

remove

More Soup for You?

Wonderful Rich Tortilla Soup

This tortilla soup is quick and easy to make. It has everything to become your new favorite: chicken, corn, and avocados. Added bonus - it freezes well.

Chili for a Crowd

Everyone will love this delicious, easy Chili for a Crowd! It comes together quickly and holds beautifully.

Kansas City Steak Soup

  Aloha Dreams    Fabulous Recipes, Cooking for a Crowd & Dream Home Design         Better than Plaza III Steak Soup Have you ever been to Kansas City and eaten at the Plaza III?  This iconic Kansas City restaurant has been a steak mecca for many years.  But perhaps...

Betsy’s Christmas Clam Chowder

Mom used to tell stories of her relatives from Maine having Oyster Stew for Christmas Eve. I like the idea of annual traditions, it helps tie generations together. I do not like the idea of oyster stew. This offers a nice compromise.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Boarding House Chili

Boarding House Chili

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Best Ever Chili

I made this Chili for Jeff in our tiny rental house kitchen (where we were staying while we were building our current home below).  Almost every kitchen tool I owned was packed away except one.   Jeff said it was the best chili he had ever eaten.  Despite the small size of our rental house we had many guests.  Everyone who stayed with us during that period agreed.  It’s won rave reviews ever since.

Best Ever Chili

It’s the perfect meal for a cold, snowy fall or winter night.  Kinda’ like this.

Pin for Later

 

Or Make Now

Enjoy! 

 

Best Ever Chili
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
 
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds hamburger I use 85/15
  • 1 large onion , chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 large (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 large (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes – without spices
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 beef boullion cubes
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup Ketsup
  • 1 tablespoon Worchestershire Sauce
  • 1 large can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
Instructions
  1. Add hamburger to a large pot. Cook over medium heat, breaking hamburger into small pieces until brown. Remove hamburger to a plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan.
  2. Add onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
  3. Once the onion is translucent, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute till fragrant.
  4. Add back in hamburger and any juice.
  5. Add remaining ingrediants except beans.
  6. Simmer 30 minutes.

  7. Add the beans and simmer 10 more minutes.
  8. Serve.
Recipe Notes

MAKE AHEAD NOTES: Chili can be kept up to 3 days in the refrigerator, covered. Chili can be kept up to 4 months in the freezer in a heavy duty freezer bag.

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