Disney Diva @ Home

One of my favorite things when I'm cooking is my immersion blender. I used it again today to make my broccoli cheddar soup.  It is so nice to be able to puree your soup without having to dirty the blender or another container. My blender has different attachments that it came with including a little food processor. I used that to make my own bread crumbs from my homemade bread. If you make a lot of soup or do a lot of blending you should check out immersion blenders. They are awesome and one of my favorite things.

This is not the exact one I have but it is similar. Check it out.

This is a little different than your typical pot roast since it has a tangy red sauce. This is a family recipe that has been passed down through several generations. Enjoy!

3-4 pound piece of meat (I prefer chuck roast but you can also use rump or bottom round)
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
2 tsp sugar
4 Tbs ketchup
2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 (29 -oz) can crushed tomatoes
1-2 Tbs cornstarch

First brown the meat on all sides in olive oil. After meat is browned on all sides cover meat 1/4 way with water. Add the remaining ingredients (except for cornstarch). Cook for 3 hours , turning every half hour. When its finished remove the meat and thicken the sauce with water and 1-2 Tbs cornstarch.

Tip:
You can also make this in the crock-pot. Brown the meat and then add it to the crock-pot with remaining ingredients and cook on high for 6 hours or until tender.

This is a delicious recipe my kids love. A great way to enjoy veggies too!

2 tsp olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 Yukon gold potatoes, pealed and diced in 1/2 inch pieces
2 small broccoli crowns, chopped (about 3 or 4 cups)
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Saute onions in olive oil until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add potatoes, broccoli, and stock. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Puree the mixture in a blender or use an immersion blender and do it right in the pot.  Stir in the cheese.

Tips:
If the soup is thick you can thin it out a little with chicken stock, vegetable stock, or milk/cream
Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.

I don't know about you but I am tired of hot weather. It was such a wonderful surprise to wake up to cooler temperatures this morning. I couldn't help myself. I had to start cooking. We made trail mix cookies, broccoli cheddar soup, and pot roast.

The trail mix cookies came out awesome and I'm definitely going to make them again. You can check out the recipe at All Things For Mom. The kids liked them too so that is always a plus.

The broccoli cheddar soup came out good too. Here is the recipe. My youngest was eating it up. What a great way to get veggies in.

The pot roast isn't done yet but it smells delicious. It is a little different than your typical pot roast since it has a red sauce. It is so good though and a family recipe.

Hurray for cooler weather. I can't wait to make more warm comfort food. Try out these recipes and let me know what you think.

So today was our first day of kindergarten....almost. My daughter is sick and can't go. She is so disappointed. I feel sad too. I did go out and meet the bus driver and let her know we were not coming so she did not wait for us. I almost cried watching the bus drive away without my daughter. I feel like she is missing out on something big. I know she will have her first day soon but it is just so anti-climactic.

I'm sure I will cry when she gets on the bus for real too but today was good practice for me.

How did your first day of school go?

Today my oldest child starts kindergarten. She is riding the bus all by herself and off for a new adventure with out me. I am happy for her but I can't believe how fast these first 5 years have flown past. She has half day afternoon kindergarten and for this I am grateful. It works out great for our schedule and will be a good transition for us. She is excited, confident, and ready. I am so proud!

Do you have a child starting kindergarten this year? Half or full day? Bus or driving? What do you think, are you ready for this? Are they?