Winter Food...Oh So Glorious

Last night and all day today it has been snowing...first real snow fall. BAP is convinced St Nick is going to come really soon. (since at Christmas there is supposed to be snow; there was virtually none on this last Christmas). Today is a soup and bread sort of day...an ideal meal since it is so cold. Mom would often make this soup after a long day at the local ski and/or sledding hill. It brings back the best of memories. (Thanks Mom!) She would oven serve it with bread and butter, or cheese quesadillas. My cousin made it for us and it is my go-to recipe whenever I make soup...it pairs so well with any and all types of soup. This bread is OH SO GOOD.

Cheeseburger Chowder

adapted from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cheeseburger-Chowder-2

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 1/2 cups water

3 t beef boullion granules

1/2 t salt

2 cups cubed potatoes

3 T flour

2 1/2 cups milk, divided

1 cup cheddar cheese grated

(chopped cooked real bacon as topping)

Brown beef and onion, until no longer pink. Rinse and drain. Add to large saucepan, adding water, boullion and salt. Add potatoes. Boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk. Gradually add to potato beef mixture. Boil; cook and stir 2 minutes until thickened. Add rest of milk. Heat thoroughly. Add cheese. Melt. Serve.

Bloomin' Herb Bread

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/files/2009/05/pastor-ryans-bloomin-herb-bread.pdf

20 ounces bread flour (approx. 4 cups)

8 ounces warm water

4 ounces (1 cube) butter, melted

chopped fresh herbs (1 t minced garlic and 1/2 cup chopped onion are my favorite)

2 t salt

1 t yeast (I used closer to 1 T)

Preheat oven to 450.

Combine all ingredients in mixer using a bread hook. Beat/knead until all ingredients are incorporated.

Place in 4qt Dutch oven (go around with olive oil 2x). Cover bread in the grease. Cut a large X on top. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Cover with lid. Place in oven for 30minutes. Remove lid and bake another 15-30 minutes (until desired brownness is achieved).