RECIPE: Chicken, Bacon, and Cheesy Potato Soup

I have another tasty, Cat-Made recipe to share today!

Yay!
I love testing and creating these recipes.

I hope everyone will save this and try it, it is so hearty and wonderful. 

I know that some people like a lot of other stuff in their potato soup, but my recipe is basic and all my own. 

We aren't big celery lovers and my husband doesn't like cooked carrots, so here is what I came up with!
Enjoy!

Cheesy Potato-Bacon-Chicken Soup

Shopping List: (Makes 12 quarts)

3-32 oz Chicken Broth
3- Packages of Velveeta Cheese Sauce

5- Chicken Breasts
6- Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
6- Large Potatoes
1- Stick of Butter

1- Large onion

3-4 Cups Instant Potatoes
1 lb of Bacon, chopped
1 Pint Heavy Cream

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Melt butter in a 12 Quart stock pot and add chopped onion on medium heat.

Step 2: Add 3 containers of Chicken Broth and refill one with water and add to pot.

Step 3: Cube and add chicken to pot.

Step 4: Cube and add Potatoes to pot.

Step 5: Cut up bacon into small-ish pieces (about half of an inch). I used Wrights Thick Cut bacon.
Brown the bacon lightly in a separate pan, drain, and add to pot.

Step 6: Turn heat to low, and let cook 6-8 hours, or until potatoes are cooked through.

Step 7: In order to thicken I like to use instant potatoes. It's easy, and it doesn't take away any of the cubes of potatoes from the soup. Stir in 2 cups to start with.

Step 8: Pour in Cream and slowly stir in shredded cheese I started with one 2 cup bag, then a second, and then a third, melting them in separately.

Step 9: I buy these Velveeta Cheese Sauces at the dollar store for one buck a piece. You could just as easily buy a block of Velveeta and do the same thing.
Take about 4 cups of soup from the pot and put in a separate bowl. Stir in your Velveeta sauce, or block until it's melted and thick. Add this back into the pot.

Step 10: Now it's up to you how thick you want it, but I added 2 more cups of instant potatoes at this point, and it was just the right consistency. Not too thin or too thick.

Step 11: Salt and pepper as much as you want. I used an entire shaker full of pepper in mine, but I like pepper.

Step 12: Turn off the heat, serve, and enjoy.
I cut up some ciabatta and toasted it for some homemade croutons.  

Diapers, Delight, and Depression

Well, these first two things are related.
I don't want to jinx anything, but today was an interesting day that could lead to a great opportunity.
What I have to share is this ADORABLE reusable diaper!!

Isn't it sooo cute?
Economical, and so much nicer than disposable.
My favourite thing about these is how long they can be used.
A 'small' size, can fit up to 15 lbs or so, because of the velcro front!
I have to say this is not something I ever thought I would make, but they are cute, and people seem to love them.

Now the last thing...

 I try to keep my blog upbeat and relatively impersonal, but lately I've been really down and frustrated.
Dealing with depression is hard. It takes a toll on your mood and on your body.
I feel so tired all the time, and just plain 'blah'.
Sometimes I find myself in tears or angry for no reason, and sometimes I'm so sad I don't know how I can go on living.
Depression and mental illness is an issue that is close to my heart, and I think it's important for people to know that mental illnesses like depression and bi-polar disorder really change who you are at your core.
The best way I know how to describe depression is like having dual personalities.
In your heart and deep in your mind you know you have no reason to feel this aching sorrow and anger,
but your body and your conscious mind don't get the message.
My body fights against itself for power.
Who will win?
The me who wants to smile and be productive, and enjoy everything in her life?
Or the me who wants to give up ?
I fight hard to make sure it's the good me.
I am a happy and kind person, but when I am in a 'downswing' like I am now, I don't feel like doing anything I enjoy.

 I get irritable and anything could send me into a fit of tears.
So,with that said, I apologize to any readers and followers on Facebook if  I am not as active as I'd like to be.
Right now I am in that downswing, and I know some people will understand that, and some people won't, but I can only hope that sharing how I feel will encourage someone else to seek help.

Thank you, dearest readers and followers!
<3