Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Don't Scrape the Bottom

I am considering a cookbook for the average cook. Meals that sometimes have to sit on the back burner while the table is set, little hands are washed, arguments are settled, and dad finds his way home. You know, basic foods, simple ingredients, meals for families. Like tonight - I fixed a new favorite -

Cheesy Potato Soup:
6 potatoes pealed and chopped into chunks
1/2 of a small onion (optional, mom)
1 or 2 celery stalks
1 or 2 carrots peeled and chopped
chicken broth or water (I have just started using chicken broth, thank you Laurie, and it really adds flavor)
Boil all that in a large pot until the potatoes become soft. Then add some milk (or cream - better with cream) and some American cheese slices until your soup thickens and looks a little cheesy. Tonight I added some broccoli and leftover ham. Delish.

The secret that is sure to catch the eye of my readers is this: For the best flavor - DON'T SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE PAN. That thick layer of blackened potato or beans or rice adds insulation and is best left undisturbed.

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