Evy's Cajun Kitchen

Evelyn Brandon - For The Record

When it's cold, I love soups and savory meals. I'm not sure what it is about soups and chili on a cold day, but it just seems to warm the heart as well as the body.

I love chili, but like most people, I don't like it very spicy. I make a simple and very fast chili. It's done in just a few short minutes and can be cooked for as long as you want it to simmer. And of course, you can make it as spicy or mild as you would like to.

Mild Chili

2 pounds hamburger/turkey meat

2 small cans tomato sauce

2-3 Tablespoons minced garlic

medium onion

2 cans Bush's pinto beans (regular flavor)

2 envelopes McCormick's mild chili seasoning

In large cast iron Dutch oven, brown meat. After about 10 minutes, add onions, garlic, 1 can tomato sauce and chili seasoning. Stir until meat is browned completely and onions are clear. Add beans and remaining tomato sauce. Simmer until done and serve immediately.

One of my favorite soups to make is broccoli cheese. This recipe is an easy crock pot soup. Crock pots are one of my favorite inventions. They make it so easy to put all your ingredients in and walk away to do all your chores and errands. This one is really quick and easy to prepare.

Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

1/2 cup green pepper, chopped

1/2 cup onion chopped

2 Tablespoons butter

1 10 oz. can cream of chicken soup (I prefer cream of mushroom)

1 1/2 cup half and half

1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 10 oz. package frozen broccoli

Saute' onion and pepper in butter. Combine all ingredients in crock pot. Cook on low 3-4 hours. Do not add salt.

I hope you enjoy these recipes and you add them to your favorites, like I have mine.

Bon appétit!