Nomday: What About Parties?

Happy Nomday after another very busy weekend! With all of the holiday parties and shenanigans complete meals are likely the last thing on anyone’s mind. I know we have been eating and creating finger foods for days! But, they are just as great to toss in your lunch box or pile on as adorable entrees. So, what are some of your favorite things to make and take to potlucks and year end shindigs? Please, no more cookies, fluff salads or cheese and cracker trays! 

How about mini lamb and veggie kabobs?

Mini-crescent dogs?

Home-made pizza rolls?

These are a few to get you started! Happy holidays!

Nomday: Potato Soup

It is finally getting cool enough for soup in Arizona! I am so giddy! Soup is one of my favorite foods; it goes with breads, in a cup, great for movie watching or chatting with friends. Soup is amazing! This one will really stick to your ribs too. A hint if you intend to eat this in portions through the week and reheat, add a bit more milk or cream to each serving before heating unless you are fond of mooshy mashed potatoes.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 – 8 hours

6 - 8 large potatoes cubed

1 large onion, diced

1 quart chicken broth

3 - 6 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup butter

Salt to taste Pepper to taste

1 cup cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Garnish: chives, sour cream, bacon, and cheese

Combine top 7 ingredients in slow. Mash potatoes until coarsely chopped and soup is thickened. Stir in cream and cheese. Add toppings.

Nomday: White Chili

White Chili with Beans

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 -5 hours

Approximate Cost: $24.00

1 lb chicken, cut up into small chunks (I like to use boneless breasts for their "ease" and lower fat content)

1 cup chopped onion

1 can (or the equivalent) chicken broth

2 cloves of garlic, chopped finely

2 tsp Cumin seed (ground will not withstand long cooking as well)

1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves

3 -15oz dried white, black, red beans, soaked and drained

1 each chopped red, green and yellow peppers

jalapeno chili peppers, fresh, jarred or canned, optional or 'to taste' (depending on how much heat you like!)

Combine the chicken, onions, chicken broth, garlic, cumin and oregano. Let cook awhile on low. Add drained beans. Add the bell peppers and jalapeno peppers (if using) no earlier than the last hour or hour and a half before serving.

Nomday Double Whammy!

This week the crew revisited the much loved munchings, Golabkis! But last week, when I was out of town on Nomday and could not post, we tried this one!

Chicken and Dumplings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Approximate Cost: $22.00

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons of butter

1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of chicken soup

1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of celery soup

3 1/2 cups of chicken broth

1 onion, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup carrots, diced

Chicken bouillon seasoning or cube

salt & pepper

1 (10 oz) package of refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces

EXCLUDING BISCUITS put all ingredients in the crock pot. Place biscuit dough in one hour before, cook until dough is no longer raw in the center. *Note: Make very small dough balls or else they get really gooey and sort of gross by the end of the week and no one will eat them.

Nomday Crock Pot Pot Pie

Crockpot Pot Pie

This is in no way a traditional pot pie, save for the filling and the awesome taste, but it is easy and will make everyone super happy.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 – 8 hours

Servings: 14 +/-

Approximate Cost: $15.00

2 lbs Chicken tenderloins

1 lbs baby carrots

8 small red potatoes

2 medium green peppers

8 oz baby bella mushrooms

14 oz chicken broth

¼ cup flour

2 tblsp butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients except flour and butter in crock pot. Allow chicken and veggies to cook for at least six hours. Add butter and allow to melt. Add flour a little at a time, stirring until sauce thickens. Let cook another hour. Enjoy over biscuits!

Nomday: Tomato Soup and Egg Salad

It is way too hot in Arizona for soup! But, some of us work in frigid office buildings. Soups are cheap to make and easy for the body to burn. They are also a great way to get some veggies when grabbing a bag of chips or a hot dog seems so much easier. And, if you are really not into soup, well there is always a simple sandwich.

Easy Tomato Soup

2 14 ounce cans crushed tomatoes

1 packet onion soup mix

½ cup beef broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and simmer, stirring frequently. This is just as great served cold after cooked.

Egg Salad

6 hard boil eggs

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons deli mustard

¼ red onion chopped

1 teaspoon crushed garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

Peel and chop eggs. Blend all ingredients in a large bowl.