The Happy Domestic

My facebook status this weekend generated some curiosity among friends and acquaintances, so I thought it might be beneficial to post details and photos of my latest project. As many of you know, I am very concerned with reducing our eco-footprint, and saving items from landfill. I'm also all about frugality, health, and making things from scratch. And, I love food. I have wanted to have my own veggie garden for the last two years, but have been stuck in ruts along the way. Two years ago I bought a bunch of seeds, and never got around to planting them. Last year I bought seedling starter pods and had my wonderful husband till a plot of ground in our backyard for me to plant. Unfortunately my seedlings damped off and failed to thrive, and the tilled ground required more prep work than I had the energy to do (breaking up lumps, removing stones / grass / weeds). Finally this year I discovered raised bed gardening, which eliminated the tilling issues, and "lasagna gardening...

This recipe was born of urgent necessity. A lazy Saturday turned into evening without any plans for dinner, and hungry kids waiting on mom. This mom put on her improv hat and pulled out a pot... a short time later everyone was slurping this delicious soup happily. Eater beware: No claims are made regarding fat content. Hey, this is convenience comfort food! Quick Loaded Baked Potato Soup 3 cups chicken stock or broth 4 cups water 4 medium potatoes, peeled & finely diced 2 handfuls finely chopped green onions (reserve 2 tbsp) 1 generous handful real bacon bits 1 cup milk 1/4 cup cream 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 3 tbsp corn starch (mix with cold water to make slurry) salt to taste Bring chicken stock and water to a boil, add potatoes and green onions (reserving 2 tbsp for garnish). Boil rapidly until potatoes are tender. Turn down to medium-low, add bacon bits, milk, cream, and mozzarella. Stir well until cheese is melted. Add corn starch slurry, stirring brisk...