Classic Soup, Salad, and Bread Combo

Around my house, I do most of the cooking, but it's a factor of available time and not skill.  Sometimes, you need an inexpensive way to throw together a meal for your family.  This is one of my favorites, and it is such a good meal that you really feel like you must have tried harder to make it than you actually did.

Soup and Bread:

     2 cans Campbell's Chunky Soup (Choice of flavors, but I recommend the Chicken Corn Chowder)
     1 loaf Italian bread from grocery bakery
 
     a.  Heat soup on stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
     b.  Slice bread and heat in oven at 175-200 degrees for about 10 minutes (about as long as the soup takes to heat.)
     c.  Serve.

Salad:

     Chopped Romaine Lettuce
     1 can Sliced Mandarin Oranges
     Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
     Seedless Red Grapes
     Cucumber
     Shelled Walnuts
     Green Stuffed Olives
     Croutons

     a.  Throw ingredients in bowl.
     b.  Mix together.
     c.  Serve
 
Take note that, with the exception of the lettuce and the cucumber, everything on the salad can be tossed into the bowl without any other prep.  This combo is filling, and the whole thing takes about 10 minutes.  If you serve the salad first, the soup and bread should be ready at about the time you finish eating salad.  Pretty healthy, super easy, and surprisingly delicious.

Crock Pot Cheesy Broccoli Soup

This is a great recipe, super easy to make, and perfect for mommys who are home all day but have to spend some of their time chasing little ones around the house.  I adapted it from another similar soup recipe to be made in the slow cooker.  I typically start it in the morning and keep it going all day.  The most important thing to remember is to stir throughout the day.  Otherwise, the cheese can get a little funky.

Ingredients:

2 cups of water
2 bouillon cubes
1 cup of Velveeta cheese, cubed
1-2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 1/2 cups of frozen chopped broccoli
1 Tbsp of garlic powder
Crushed red pepper to taste (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste

1.  Turn slow cooker on low and add water and bouillon cubes.  Allow bouillon cubes to partially dissolve.

2.  While bouillon cubes are dissolving, partially cook chicken over medium-low heat until white on the outside.  Remove from heat.

3.  Add cheese, chicken, and spices to slow cooker.

4.  Cook on low for 4-6 hours, STIRRING once every 45-60 minutes to ensure smooth consistency.

5.  Add broccoli and cook for an additional 1-2 hours.

6.  Serve and enjoy!