ribbon and pearl cupcakes

created by lishdish from the pantry in RAK

loaded baked potato soup

the sun is shining bright and i am feeling a little fall like on this saturday. what better way to spend the afternoon than the ohio state buckeye football game and some yummy warm comfort food. potato soup!
this recipe was given to me a while ago and since, i have made a few tweaks. it is so awesome and creamy! this is a must try!

ingredients:

one package of sliced bacon
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
5 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
4 to 5 large baking potatoes, baked
4 green onions, chopped
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

directions:

1. bake potatoes; then cube. if you would like the skins off then skin them first then cube. i leave skins on because i like the skins. set aside.

2. place bacon in a large, deep skillet. cook over medium heat until browned. drain, crumble, and set aside.

3. in a stock pot or dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. whisk in flour until smooth (mixture will be thick). gradually stir in cream then milk, whisking constantly until thickened. stir in potatoes and onions. bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

4. reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. mix in cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper. continue cooking, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted. (you can also add bacon here but i like it better just sprinkled on top it stays crunchy and flavorful)


top with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and chives if desired or add bacon and some green onion to the top as well!

fresh mango juice

i absolutely am loving this quick and easy home made juice. mangoes have many healthy and redeeming qualities and this fruit makes a great juice. check out this super simple recipe.

ingredients:

1 mango

1 teaspoon of honey (more or less to taste)

4-5 ice cubes

1. peel the skin off of the mango. i use a potato peeler. cut the mango into diced slices and place in blender along with honey and ice cubes. blend until creamy and smooth. (yes its that easy)