Chunky Potato Soup

This may not be easy and quick, but when I thought I'd lost this recipe, I went into despair--I love this soup.
Original found here. Though I've changed it up.



My version:

• 3 medium potatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1 small onion
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 6-7 Caraway seeds
• Cayenne to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup shredded white cheeses
• 1 cup cubed cooked smoked sausage

Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Bring water to a boil in large saucepan. Add potatoes and cook until tender. Drain, reserving liquid. Set aside potatoes. Measure 1 cup cooking liquid, adding water, if necessary; set aside.

Peel and finely chop onion. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion to saucepan; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent and tender, but not brown.

Add flour to saucepan; season with  seasonings. Cook 3 to 4 minutes.

Gradually add potatoes, reserved 1 cup cooking liquid, milk and sugar to onion mixture in saucepan; stir well. Add cheese and ham. Simmer over low heat 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Filling

1/2 c. salsa
1 c. cooked cubed chicken
1 can black beans, drained
1/4 tsp. cumin
1 1/2 c. shredded cheese
tortillas

In med. bowl, stir together all ingredients.
Heat in microwave until heated.
Fill soft tortillas with filling.

String Cheese Meatloaf

1 c. plain spaghetti sauce
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 c. bread crumbs
dash of italian seasonings
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. rosemary
1 lb. burger
1/2 lb. sausage
3 pieces string cheese or mozzarella chunks or any cheese really

In bowl, combine 1/2 c. sauce, egg, bread crumbs, garlic and rosemary. Crumble meats on top and mix well. Press 1/2 of mixture in greased loaf pan. Cut one string cheese in half and place the cheeses down the middle. Cover well with remaining meat mixture.
Bake uncovered @ 350 for 1.5 hours til internal temp is at least 160. Drain. Pour remaining sauce on top and cook for 10 min. Let stand 10 min. before slicing.