Pre-Patty's Day Thinking

First of all, let me say that it is really going to be no fun at all celebrating St. Patrick's Day without Andre. Ahh, boo. (Andre will be teaching tomorrow night.) The boys will be here, but they are kind of young to really have too much fun with it, or to appreciate the Irish dinner I am going to make. Then there's the whole thing where I don't even really want to cook just for myself, but I have to cause it's St. Patrick's Day, and what kind of Irish girl would I be if I didn't....yada yada yada. I have to make the most of this Day O' Green, don't I? After poking around the vast world of internet, I found a nice, easy, IRISH recipe that will be easily stored for Andre's return home. It's also considered "healthy." Perfect. Here we go...

Cheddar-Ale Soup

What could be more appropriate than cooking with beer on St. Patrick’s Day? This creamy cheese- and beer-lover's soup will have your taste buds dancing an Irish jig.

Serves: 6 (1-3/4 cups each)

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 12-ounce bottle beer, preferably ale

2 18-ounce bags precooked diced peeled potatoes

1 14-ounce can vegetable broth or reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 cup water

2-1/2 cups nonfat or low-fat milk

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1-1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced or finely chopped

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add beer; bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes.

2. Add potatoes, broth and water; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and mash the potatoes with a potato masher to the desired consistency.

3. Whisk milk and flour and add to the soup. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

4. Remove from the heat; stir in 1-1/4 cups cheese; keep stirring until melted.

5. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese and bell pepper.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Per serving:

395 calories

12 g fat (6 g sat, 1 g mono)

29 mg cholesterol

52 g carbohydrate

14 g protein

5 g fiber

387 mg sodium

274 mg potassium

Here are some other "healthy" St. Patrick's Day recipes if you are interested. Either way, have fun, and dance with many many leprechauns!