Amish Cook, Week of Dec 31: Soups and Stews

THE AMISH COOK

BY LOVINA EICHER

I hope everyone had a blessed and healthy Christmas Day.  I've been struck with the same flu that has been going around this household.  Hopefully I'll be on the mend soon.  With Joe off this week and the kids home from school, the house has been full.  We've had snow and cold the past few days, perfect weather for some soups or stews.  Thought I'd share recipes for a couple of our favorites this week!

 WINTER'S DAY SOUP

1 T. vegetable oil

2 medium yellow onions (chopped)

3 cloves garlic

5 c. homemade chicken broth

2 t. Worcestershire sauce

4 T. flour

1 medium head cauliflower (chopped)

1 medium bunch broccoli (chopped)

3 medium potatoes (diced)

2 c. heavy cream

2 c. grated extra sharp cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, heat the oil and add the onions and cook for five minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Add the chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce and vegetables and simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir flour with a little soup broth and add mixture along with the cream to the broth, stirring through. Add cheese a little at a time, stirring until completely melted. Enjoy with thick sliced bread.

AMISH BEEF STEW

3 cups cubed beef

1 onion

8 large cut potatoes

2 cups cut carrots

2 cups cut celery

½ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup margarine

Salt to taste

Brown beef and onion in flour. Put into pot. Heat on low for two hours. Add vegetables and 1 cup tomato juice. Continue cooking for one or two more hours