Seriously Good

For Christmas, one of my grandmothers bought me this little pack of helpful books. There is one for basically all of your pantry item - type things : salt, toothpaste, veggie oil, paper bags, lemon juice, foil, baking soda, cornstarch, vinegar, bleach. Each book contains several pages of little known helpful hints on how you can use them...aside from their obvious. For example, did you know:
-To remove urine from a baby mattress, blot dry with paper towels or a rag, then sprinkle area with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Let dry, then vacuum.
-Help a poison ivy rash clear up more quickly by soaking irritated skin in very warm salt water.
-Remove severe grass stains by soaking in undiluted vinegar for a half hour before washing.
-Squeaky doors driving you crazy? Spray the hinges with cooking spray.

So, yes, there are several pages of info like this in each booklet. Some sounds crazy - but, others might be worth a shot! I love little kitchen and household helps like that. :)

And now... some SERIOUSLY good recipes to share! I've been quite the Susie Homemaker this week and loving every minute I can do it! My goal every year is to continue to provide healthy and delish meals for my family. And, after going out to eat basically every day over Christmas... it's time for some good ol' homecooked!
Today I'd like to share a soup and salad dressing recipe - both are Ah-mazing. :) And, both are pretty inexpensive to make.

Blender Salad Dressing

1 c. veggie oil

3/4 c. cider vinegar

1 med. onion, cut into wedges

1/2 c. ketchup

1/4 c. sugar

1 t. salt

1 t. ground mustard

1/4 t. garlic powder

1/4 t. pepper

In a blender, combine all ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Store in the fridge.
Makes about 2 3/4 cups!
*This may be similar to a Russian flavor - if you've ever had that, which, I haven't. It's very tangy and delish!

Chicken Noodle Soup

2 (14oz) cans Chicken broth

3 c. water

1 3/4 c. sliced carrots

1/2 c. chopped onion

2 celery ribs, sliced

12 oz. frozen egg noodles

3 c. chopped cooked chicken {or turkey}

10 oz frozen peas

2 envelopes chicken gravy mix

1/2 c. cold water

1) In large saucepan, bring the broth, water, carrots, onions and celery to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 4-6 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.
2) Add noodles. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until noodles are tender.
3) Stir in chicken and peas. Combine gravy mixes and cold water until smooth; stir into the soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
*7 servings

Wow! We had this with company the other night and it's such a delicious, thick soup! The egg noodles and chicken gravy made it taste like something my mom would make! No runny Campbell's chicken soup here! Serve with some warm bread and you are all set! Best part is... lots of leftovers!!!