This weather reminds me of growing up in Eudora. We lived next door to my grandparents and cousins. My Granddaddy would gather all the grandchildren and we would walk up the hill to my aunt’s house. My aunt, Sybil Gaye Sexton Pegram, lived on the hill of the Sexton home place. Momma would bundle us up and send us on our way. We loved sledding. Granddaddy would pull us around the pasture on the tractor. We always were hungry after all the fun. My aunt, known to everyone as Gaye-Gaye, always had goodies for us. Her home always smelled like hot cocoa. She loved doting on her nieces and nephews. Back in those days, we thought frozen pot pies, chicken noodle soup, hot cocoa and snow cream were the best food you could enjoy on those cold days. It is amazing the memories that flood back when the seasons change. I thought I would share a grown up twist to some of my favorite snow day foods.Enjoy!Chicken Pot Pie1 (10.75-oz) can cream of chicken soup 1 cup chicken broth 1 3/4 cups chicken 1 large can Veg-all1/2 cup frozen peas1 can cream on celery soup1/2 cup milk1 stick butter, meltedkosher salt, to tasteblack pepper, to taste2 frozen pie shellsPreheat oven to 350. Spray a pie dish with non stick spray.Mix soups, broth, chicken, vegetables, milk together. Add butter.Place one pie shell at the bottom of the dish, add mixture, then place remaining shell on top.Poke holes in the crust. Brush butter in the edges of the crust.Bake for 35 minutes, until golden brown on top.Chicken tortilla soup1 large onion chopped1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut up in pieces1 15oz can whole tomatoes crushed up1 4oz can green chiles1 15 oz can black beans rinsed and drained1 10 oz pkg frozen corn2 tbs cumin1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste1 box chicken stock (prefer organic)1 tsp pepper1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice1 can enchilada sauce1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips or to your liking1 1/2 cup shredded cheese, your choice1 1/2 cups sour cream1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro1 diced avocado or more to taste.....this is a must and a favorite thing for meHeat oil in large pot and add chopped onion.Season chicken breast pieces with some salt, pepper, and garlic powder and add to onion. Saute until onion is translucent and chicken is cooked.Add stock, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, cumin, seasonings, beans, and corn to onion mixture. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 30 minutes.Add sour cream and tortilla chips. Stir until smooth and thickened.Add lime juice and stir. Spoon into bowls and top with cheese, more sour cream, tortilla chips, and diced avocado.Easy Cheeseburger Sandwiches1 1/2 pounds ground beef1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper8 ounces Velveeta 2 tablespoons milk1 medium green bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)2 cloves garlic, finely chopped12 sandwich bunsCook beef and garlic pepper in 12-inch skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain.Spray 3 to 4 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Mix beef and remaining ingredients except buns in cooker.Cover and cook on low heat setting 6 to 7 hours. To serve, fill buns with beef mixture.Hot Cocoa1/2 cup sugar1/4 cup baking cocoaDash salt1/3 cup hot water4 cups milk3/4 teaspoon vanilla extractMiniature marshmallows, sweetened whipped cream or cinnamon sticks, optionalIn a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa and salt. Add water; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in milk; heat to serving temperature (do not boil). Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Whisk until frothy. If desired, garnish with marshmallows, cream or cinnamon sticks.Southern Snow Creamfresh clean snow1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (fat free works great too)2 teaspoons vanillaGather fresh, clean snow in a large bowl or place a bowl outside after it starts to snow to catch it.You will need the bowl to be very full.Mix in the sweetened condensed milk& vanilla.As you stir the snow will reduce by about half.Keep mixing, by hand, until thoroughly combined; it will take a few minutes.Mix in or top with desired candies, sprinkles or ice cream toppings; or enjoy plain.
