COOKING FOOL!

A few years back, my New Year's Resolution was to become a better cook & I can proudly say I've dominated the kitchen! I am a cooking fool! It is so relaxing & fun to try out new recipes and see how I can personalize or alter them to make them healthier.

I wanted to share a few of my favorite cookbooks & cooking blogs I follow that have AMAZING & DELICIOUS healthy recipes! I am a vegetarian but I use to live with a house full of carnivore boys. I have learned over time to take the meat out, sub it for a meatless protein like tempeh or tofu or add the meat in for those boys or a dinner party. Practice makes perfect!

BLOGS:

For an inspirational weight loss journey with amazing recipes, check out the below: 

http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/

http://rabbitfoodformybunnyteeth.com/    --- she hasn't updated it in awhile but still good!

http://www.thefitcook.net/

For just the amazing recipes & a good read, check out these:

http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/    --- one of my favorite!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/

http://www.generationyfoodie.com/

http://www.mylifeasamrs.com/

http://www.healthybitchdaily.com/cat/kims-blog - see cookbook below

Now for overall fitness & recipes, check out these: 

http://www.jinfitness.com/

http://theskinnyconfidential.com/

COOKBOOKS:

I am completely obsessed with these two vegan/vegetarian cookbooks. I will admit I LOVE cheese so I haven't become full vegan & don't plan on it anytime soon so if there is a "vegan cheese" for example, I use regular.

FORKS OVER KNIVES - based on the amazing documentary. I urge you to check out this documentary when you get a chance or if you need some extra motivation! It will totally kick your ass in gear! You can find it on Netflix streaming. This cookbook is on amazon for about $10. It's worth it! Check out their website: http://www.forksoverknives.com/















SKINNY BITCH - You can find her personal blog above. This bitch is wonderful! She is amazingly blunt and will tell you exactly what to do and what not to do. You will fall in love with her recipes & her attitude! You can find other Skinny Bitch books as well but this is my all time favorite! This cookbook is on amazon for about $15.

And of course, don't forget to follow my blog to find some of my favorite recipes as I cook them with step by step instructions & pictures. 

Potato Broccoli Cheese Soup

I was hosting a dinner for my brother, his girlfriend and another friend on a cold November night and could not think of what to cook. Just a few short days after Thanksgiving and my brother was still craving mashed potatoes! I was mashed-potatoes-out but thought that maybe making a soup would be a good idea...I WAS RIGHT! First time attempting to make a potato soup and it will definitely not be my last! We paired the soup with some fancy grilled paninis and a yummy wine and the night was a success!

Of course I kinda skimmed another recipe I had in a book but made it my own which is what you see below! Super easy & my favorite, a one pot meal! Enjoy!

POTATO BROCCOLI & CHEESE SOUP

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 celery stocks, chopped finely
• 2lbs of potatoes - I used small gold potatoes, skinned and chopped
• 3 cups of stock - I use veggie
• 1 cup of water
• 2 cups of half and half
• 2-3 cups of broccoli - I used frozen broccoli
• 1 cup of chedder cheese, shredded
• salt & pepper - I also add a handful of Rosemary. Rosemary and potatoes are heavenly! 
• green onion,  chopped, optional

Directions:

1. In a large pot, saute the onions and celery until clear.
2. Add potatoes, stock, water, and half and half. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low-medium and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. While the potatoes are simmering, pour broccoli into a microwave safe dish, add 3 teaspoons of water, cover with plastic wrap and heat for 3 minutes and drain the water.
4. Once potatoes become softer, add the broccoli, slightly mash. They will still be very clumpy, you will be blending them so they don't need to be completely mashed.
5. Transfer the soup into a blender or use a handblender in the pot to blend the soup to your favored consistancy. I like mostly blended but a few chunks of potato.
6. Transfer the soup back into the pot and/or continue to simmer for 10 more minutes while adding the cheese until melted.
7. Add the spices to your liking. I add some chopped green onions as well and enjoy!!