Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Bacon and Spinach Soup

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had their black-eyed peas for good Soup 006luck on the 1st. It’s hard to believe that it’s already 2012. I’m sure I’ll be writing 2011 on my checks right up until the point when it’s time for the new year to roll around again. :)

Today I thought I’d share a tasty soup recipe. Is it cold where you are? Although it was super-warm last week (in the 60s and 70s!), Jack Frost has finally made an appearance in the Southern US. This means that I’m ready to bring out my soup pot and warm up a little from the inside, out!

This recipe also has bacon in it…because I couldn’t pass up the chance to post another bacon-related recipe. :)

Bacon and Spinach Soup

5 slices of bacon
3 T butter
1/2 cup minced onion
1 cup sliced mushrooms
11/2 packed cups of minced spinach
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups half and half
1 cup whipping cream
Dash of Tabasco
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt to taste

Fry bacon in a large stock pot, removing when crisp (keeping the bacon grease in the pot). Mince the bacon when cooled. Add butter to the bacon grease in the pot, then add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for 4 more minutes, while stirring. Stir in the flour and cook for 4 minutes, while stirring.

Slowly add in the broth, then the half and half and whipping cream. Stir continuously until the soup simmers. Add the spinach and seasonings, then remove from the heat.

Soup 004I think I could eat the entire pot of soup myself! :)

RileyAdamsFoodBlogPostpic_thumb_thumb[3]What I really wanted for Christmas (and was very disappointed that I didn’t find in my stocking) was more hours in my day. I’m sorry to say that this is my last regular post for Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen. Between writing and a very busy family life, I’m slap out of hours.

The support of all the ladies here at the kitchen and all your comments have meant a lot to me and I’ll miss seeing you every Wednesday! It’s really been a delight.

Although I won’t be posting every week, it won’t be goodbye. I’ll be back to visit Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen. And I’ll be looking forward to more great recipes from the mystery loving cooks here—now with Roberta and Peg!

Happy 2012 everyone!

Riley/Elizabeth
Hickory Smoked Homicide
Finger Lickin’ Dead

18 comments:

  1. Elizabeth/Riley! We will miss you terribly. I know what you mean when you say you are slap out of time. How you do two series and raise a family and your regular blog is beyond me. So keep writing. Keep being a fabulous mom, and we'll see you back here as a guest real soon! Good luck with everything.

    ~Avery

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  2. So sorry to see you leave, Elizabeth! I always enjoy your posts and your cheerful updates. But I'll be keeping an eye out for your books and checking your regular blog (as I always do). Best of luck!

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  3. Avery--I will miss you, too! Thanks for being such a fantastic and supportive co-blogger!

    Julie--Thanks so much! I enjoy your blog, too. :) And I'm so excited to read "Affairs of Steak"--which released yesterday!!

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  4. We will miss you Riley/Elizabeth! hope you'll come back to visit often!

    and the soup sounds divine...

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  5. Lucy--I sure will! And give that soup a try...it's yummy!

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  6. Elizabeth, you'd better come back frequently, as promised! We will certainly miss you. I always looked forward to your southern recipes and a slice of your life!

    ~ Krista

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  7. OH NO... I feel so abandoned! Thank you so much for being a part of the blog and wish you continued great success! Hope to see you back as often as your schedule allows.

    The soup sounds delicious, in fact, it is almost exactly a recipe I use for mushroom soup. Never added the greens before, but sounds perfect. Want to pour this over a baked potato.

    Best of everything with your family, health, and career, it has been fun to get to peek into your life.

    Dave

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  8. Oh my goodness glory, I've died and gone to heaven...You've taken two of my favorite things and put 'em together in a delicious soundin' bowl of warmth! Mmmmmmmm!

    I saw an avocado soup listed here that sure got my attention too. I've gotta go check it out. I'm gettin' all warm and tingly just thinkin' about it.

    God bless ya sweetie and have a fantastic 2012!!! :o)

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  9. Elizabeth/Riley - It has been my pleasure and honor to blog with you. This is not good-bye because I follow your amazing Mystery Writing is Murder blog. I also enjoy recommending your blog to aspiring writers; ditto your Writer's Knowledge Base; AND I'm a fan of your books!

    Thanks for all you do and all you've done. Again, not good-bye but certainly good luck, good wishes, good writing, and the warmest blessings to you and your loved ones for the New Year.

    ~ Cleo

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  10. Krista--It's a crazy life..ha! I'll keep cooking and definitely come visit.

    Dave--You know I still love you, Dave! I'll be back to visit you. :)

    It's almost thick enough to put over a baked potato! The greens add some nice color and taste, too. :)

    Juju--It was perfect for supper last night...dipped down to 20 degrees last night here!

    Nezzy--I think you'll love it! I could really eat the whole pot of soup myself. :)

    Cleo--The honor has been mine! Thanks so much for the kind words...it's definitely not goodbye. And the happiest New Year to you and yours!

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  11. Elizabeth, I'll certainly miss you here in the Kitchen! Your posts are always a delight, and so are your comforting recipes. I do hope you can find time to visit us once in awhile, though I understand your busy schedule. And I read your blog as often as I can--you have some wonderfully helpful tips there too!

    The soup recipe sounds so good and warming on these freezing nights we've had lately. Will give it a try ASAP.

    Thanks for entertaining us with your books and being a fun part of this little community! All Best Wishes for 2012! Hugs!

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  12. Elizabeth,
    I feel as if a friend is off on a wonderful extended journey! I wish you nothing but wonderful things in your roles as wife, mom, and writer.

    My children love spinach and bacon so this will definitely be on your menu very very soon...thanks!!

    Again...it is not goodbye but fare thee well!
    Blessings on a wonderful new year!

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  13. Lynn in Texas--Thanks! And thanks for connecting with me at my blog, too. :) I really wish I could have just an extra hour each day...I'm pretty sure that's all I need!

    It's cold now, isn't it? It's already in the 30s here and I'm wishing we hadn't eaten all the soup!

    Nanc--Such a sweet way of putting it! Thank you!

    I hope your children will enjoy it! Mine love it, even the non-spinach eater (she thinks the spinach is "seasoning." ) :)

    And...same to you for a happy 2012!

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  14. We'll miss you! I know it's busy, busy, busy with kids. I have three myself, and honestly, sometimes they barely get fed ( :) ). I don't know that there is one item per week that comes out of my kitchen that I would want to photograph and put on the internet for all to see.

    Enjoy your writing and family!

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  15. The one day I didn't blog hop and I missed your news. I'm sorry to see you go, but I know I'll be seeing you around the blogsphere.

    Good luck in all your endeavors in 2012 and beyond.

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  16. I've enjoyed your posts here, Elizabeth. This is one of the most fun foodie blogs on the web.

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  17. Thanks so much, y'all! I'll see you around the interwebs, for sure. :)

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