recipe: MUSHROOM POTATO SOUP WITH A HINT OF SAGE

Want a creamy mushroom soup without the cream? Well look no further! By adding potatoes to the soup you can make it thick, creamy, and filling without having to add heavy cream. It's a healthier alternative to a traditional creamy mushroom soup.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb mushrooms (whatever kind you prefer, white button mushrooms seen above)
• 3 medium white potatoes
• 1 large sweet onion
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 4 cups of water
• salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Chop mushrooms, potatoes, onion, garlic, sage and place everything in a large oven safe dish.  Add olive oil, salt and pepper (I usually use about 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper).  Mix everything together, cover with foil, and cook for 1 hour.

Remove from the oven, let cool for about 10 minutes.  Blend, use the water to help make the mixture smoother and thinner (it will still be plenty thick and creamy!).

Place in a pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.  Taste, add more salt and/or pepper if it needs.

Makes 4 - 6 servings.

Enjoy!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

recipe: CARROT RAISIN DIP WITH HOMEMADE PITA CHIPS

I love snacks! Especially crunchy snacks which are a little bit savory and a little bit sweet. The other day I noticed I had some carrots and raisins I hadn't eaten yet so I tried a little experiment. The result was a very flavorful dip that is actually good for you! Check it out...

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bag baby carrots
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix all ingredients in a medium size oven safe pan. Cover tightly with foil.  Place in the oven for 1 hour.

Remove from the oven.  Let cool for a few minutes and the blend.

Simple, delicious, and healthy!

This dip tastes great with some homemade Pita Chips.  They are so simple to make and if you use a whole wheat pita they are low in calories and high in fiber.  Here is how you do it:

• Preheat oven to 350
• Separate the pita
• Brush each side with olive oil
• Cut into triangles
• Cover a baking sheet in foil and lay the triangles in a single layer
• Lightly salt 
• Place in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until brown and crispy 

This is an easy snack to keep at home that will fill you up in a nutritious way!

GTBB,
Bad Joan