Potato Corn Chowder

With the arrival of Fall comes many things: colorful, crunchy leaves, pumpkins and hay bales, the wearing of sweaters, cinnamon spiced candles...and soup! Here's a great recipe for a hearty soup that is perfect on a cool, fall day.

1 T. salt
5 c. cubed potatoes
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. water
1/2 tsp. red pepper
1 tsp. parsley flakes
4 c. milk, divided
3 c. corn
4 slices of bacon, diced
1/3 c. diced green pepper
1/3 c. diced red pepper
3 T. cornstarch

Cook salt, potatoes, onion, garlic powder, broth and water in large saucepan until tender. Add parsley flakes, red pepper, 3 cups milk and corn. While this is heating, fry bacon, green and red peppers in a separate skillet. Drain off some of the fat, then add to soup. Combine 1 cup milk and cornstarch in separate bowl. Gradually mix into soup and cook to thicken. Serve hot.

Creamy Macaroni & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese always pleases, and if you've never made it from scratch, you don't know what you're missing! Here's a great recipe for a creamy, made-from-scratch version. Enjoy!

1 6 oz. pkg. macaroni
3 T. butter
2 c. cubed American cheese
1 1/4 c. milk
2 T. minced onion
1/2 tsp. salt
pepper
paprika

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook macaroni and drain. Mix in butter, cheese, milk, onion, salt and pepper. Turn into a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake 45 minutes. Serve hot.

Pumpkin Nut Cake

A great cake to start off the month of October! Enjoy!

1 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. cooked pumpkin
3 c. sifted all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. maple extract
1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugars thoroughly, then add eggs and pumpkin; mix well. sift together flour, soda, baking powder and salt in separate mixing bowl. Add alternately with milk to sugar mixture. Fold  in flavor and nuts. Pour into a greased and floured tube pan, and bake for 1 hour, or until cake tests done. May be dusted with powdered sugar or served with your choice of glaze.