Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Meatloaf and Mashed Potato Soup

Meatloaf and Mashed Potato Soup

Leftovers aren't usually very copious in this house, but once in a while they happen. Last night was such a night. We had a favorite here and across the U.S.; meatloaf, mashed potatoes and buttered corn. Somehow I had quite a bit of each leftover and decided they would make a lovely soup. I was right.

You can leave out the corn or use a different vegetable and this will be just as good. I started with a basic mirepoix for flavor and went from there, layering ingredients until it was just right. You need to have a leftover meatloaf and pre-made mashed potatoes on hand for this. If you have gravy on-hand, replace beef stock with whatever amount you have for added flavor.

Meatloaf and Mashed Potato Soup
Serves 8
Hands-On Time: 15 minutes
Ready In: 1 hour

Ingredients:

1 large stalk celery - diced
1 medium carrot - diced
1 medium red onion - diced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic - minced
6 cups beef stock
4 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup corn kernels
4 thick slices (1/2-inch) leftover meatloaf - cubed
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add celery, carrot, onion and garlic. Stir and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add stock and lower to a simmer. Cook for 30-45 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
3. Stir in mashed potatoes and corn until potatoes are broken up and smooth. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Add meatloaf cubes and heat through - about 10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

LobsterAnywhere.com Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder from LobsterAnywhere.com
Let me preface this post by saying I've had a lot of clam chowder in my lifetime. New England, Manhattan, you name it. They've all been good, but none truly worth sharing until now.

I had the chance to try the New England Clam Chowder from LobsterAnywhere.com and boy, oh boy is that stuff gold. No grit, no chewy clams, just smooth a smooth buttery creamy base chock full of perfectly cooked potatoes and clams.

I'm not completely sure what's in there, but I think they have bag of magic dust they're sprinkling in as it cooks. Even the kids loved it, and my boyfriend, who has never had clam chowder (I know! I was shocked, too) loved it. No wonder its been a Boston Chowdafest Champion THREE times!

Not only is this product perfection, the way it was shipped was perfect, as well. Carefully ladled into Cryovac bags, it's then shipped in a cooler with dry ice by next-day air, ensuring a truly fresh and safe product. This also comes with bags of Westminster Bakers Co. Oyster Crackers. A very nice touch.

I can't attest to the lobster products, but I can tell you this; if the rest is anything like this chowder, you're good to go and I'd trust this company for all my lobster needs! Check out LobsterAnywhere.com at the following web locations:

Website: LobsterAnywhere.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LobsterAnywhere
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lobsteranywhere
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/lobsteranywhere

Disclosure* This chowder was supplied to me free of charge. Any and all opinions are my own.