Cream Soup Recipes

In my previous post The Frugal Kitchen I posted a recipe for fake cream soup that is healthful, yummy and economical. I absolutely replace it everywhere and in any recipe that calls for any flavor of cream soup.

Here are a couple of my family's favorite recipes that are easy, economical, and yummy.

Ham and Potato Casserole

This recipe is one that I call a 'scrap casserole' recipe. I use the basic cream soup mixture, potatoes, sour cream and cheese and then fill in with whatever I have on hand. I have used chicken instead of ham and have substituted corn flakes for dry bread crumbs, crackers, whatever. Personally, I think finding and using these type of recipes is the key to learning to use what we have rather than running out and buying more (something I sooo want to get better at). The simple life for me!

2# frozen, cubed hash browns

2 recipes of cream soup mixture (see previous post)

3 cups water

16 oz sour cream

2 cups cooked ham

1/3 cup green onion (or dry chives work well too)

1 cup cheddar cheese

1/2 t pepper

2 cups corn flakes (or crushed crackers work well too)

1/4 cup melted butter

Combine all ingredients minus corn flakes and melted butter. Mix well. Place in well oiled/buttered/sprayed pans. If baking for dinner, combine cornflakes and melted better and mix well. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake 1 hours. If freezing reserve this part for when you place it in the oven and bake 1 and 1/2 hours from frozen. This recipe makes one huge 9x13 or two 8x8 pans. I usually make one for dinner and freeze one for another time. It freezes well. I usually serve it with a salad.

White Chicken Enchilada Slow-Cooker Casserole

1 whole chicken boiled and picked (or you can use canned)

(I only use 1/2 of the chicken and use the rest for another meal...cheap, nobody knows, shhh)

2 recipes dry cream soup mix

3 cups water

2 cloves garlic

16 oz sour cream

7 oz. can of diced chilies

10 flour tortillas

4 cups cheese (Monterrey Jack is what the recipe calls for, but I just use what I have on hand)

10 oz can black olives - sliced, optional

Cover chicken with water and simmer for several hours. Cool. Pick meat. Cut in small pieces. In medium saucepan combine dry cream soup mix and water. Heat stirring over medium heat until a little thick. Add chicken, garlic, sour cream and chilies. Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray and begin layering tortillas (cut in half or torn in pieces), chicken mixture, cheese and olives if desired. I unusually make 4 layers but you can do as many as you want and have ingredients for. If you wanted to stretch this recipe, you could add another recipe of cream soup mix and have more for less...if you know what I mean. And best of all this is a slow cooker recipe. I set it on LOW for 4-5 hours. Instant dinner that your family will love! I usually serve with a salad and fresh bread or rolls.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Proverbs 31. I have a piece of needlework hanging in my kitchen that references a portion of those verses. Let me share with you the best part.

Proverbs 31:27-31

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, and thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful,and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Blessings to you as you minister to your families in these difficult economic times,

Suzie