Classic Banana Bread and Melynda's Crockpot Taco Soup

Classic Banana Bread
By:  Cooking Light

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
1/3 cups plain low-fat yogurt (I always use vanilla yogurt)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Optional:  1  1/2 cups chopped walnuts (I always add these in)
Cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.  Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.  Stir.
3.  Place sugar and butter in large bowl, and beat with mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute).  Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add banana, yogurt, and vanilla; beat until blended.  Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moist. (Add in walnuts if desired beat on low as little as necessary until mixed)
4.  Spoon batter into 8 x 4-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.  Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until wooden pick inserted comes out clean.  Cool 10 minutes in pan on wire rack; remove from pan.  Cool completely on wire rack.  Yield 14 servings

Melynda's Crockpot Taco Soup         

1-1.5 Pounds ground Turkey meat browned

1 Medium Onion chopped
2 cans Kidney Beans (Pinto works too)
2 cans Black Beans
2 cans of Whole Kernel Corn
1.5-2 Packets of Favorite Taco Season

Brown Turkey meat with chopped onion.  Pour meat into Crockpot.  Add cans of beans and corn (do not drain the liquid add it with the beans).  Pour in packets of Taco season.  Start with 1.5 of the packets of taco season and then when it is close to being done add more season if it needs more flavor too much season will overwhelm it.  Stir in the season and mix well.   Then add additional water if need until the water line reach roughly 1 inch above the beans, meat and corn.  Let it cook for 3-4 hours on low.  The more it simmers the better the flavor.  Serve in individual bowls and let everyone top their own with sour cream, cheese, sliced green onions or tortilla chips.  Simple and yummy.  Makes a lot and freezes well.

Shared by Laurin

Cream of Cauliflower Soup

2 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 carrots, chopped

2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

1 head cauliflower, chopped

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in potatoes and carrots and cook 5 minutes more. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in cauliflower, cover, reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, 10 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat.

Puree in batches in a blender or food processor, or in the pot using an immersion blender. Return to low heat and stir in milk, salt, and pepper.   Heat through. Serve garnished with parsley.

Shared by Ie Li 

Four Recipes: Broiled Tilapia Parmesan, Fajitas, Yummy and Easy Granola, Crock-pot Black Bean Taco Soup

Broiled Tilapia Parmesan
Ingredients
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
2 T Olive Oil
1-2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
4 tilapia fillets

Directions
Preheat your oven's broiler. Grease a broiling pan or line pan with aluminum foil.
In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with dried basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt. Mix well and set aside.

Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil a few inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes. Remove the fillets from the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side. Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish.

I served this with rice pilaf and a fresh green salad. So yummy! - Brighten

Steak (Or Chicken) Fajitas
Ingredients
3/4 lb top sirloin steaks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 flour tortillas ( 8 inch/20 cm)
1 -2 onions depending on size ( however much you like, enough to make a good mix with the peppers)
2 small sweet peppers ( green, red, or yellow)

Directions
Slice steak/chicken into thin strips.
In bowl, mix together 1 tablespoons olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, hot pepper flakes, black pepper & salt.
Add beef strips and stir to coat, set aside.
Wrap tortillas in foil and place in 350° oven for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
Cut onions in half lengthwise and slice into strips, cut your peppers into strips.
In large non stick skillet over medium high heat, heat remaining tablespoons of olive oil.
Add onions & peppers stirring for 3-4 minutes, until softened; transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Add beef to skillet, cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes or until they lose their red color.
Return onions and peppers to skillet; stir for about one minute.
To serve, spoon a portion of the beef mixture down the centre of each tortilla, top with your desired toppings , fold bottom of tortilla up over filling, fold the sides in, overlapping.

Top with salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, guacamole, etc. We even ate this on a bed of lettuce the next day. Enjoy! - Brighten

Yummy & Easy Granola
3 cups Minute Oatmeal
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup cashews
¾ cup shredded sweet coconut
¼ cup plus 2 TB brown sugar (Or less if you want it healthier.)
¼ cup plus 2 TB maple syrup (I use honey)
¼ cup vegetable oil (Or less)
¾ tsp salt
1 cup Raisins (I add craisins too)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar.
In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.
Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed.

*This recipe is very versatile. I prefer pecans over cashews. I also add the berries 15-20 minutes before it’s finished because I like how they plump up. This is awesome with milk especially right out of the oven and ice cream. Yogurt is great too. It’s crumbly so it’s not so great as a snack by itself. Enjoy! - Brighten

Crock-pot Black Bean Taco Soup
1 lb ground beef; browned and drained (Shredded Chicken is also a favorite!)
1 can small red beans; not drained
1 can black beans; not drained
1 can white corn; not drained
1 small onion diced (I use minced dried onions)
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 pkg Taco Seasoning
28 oz can crushed tomatoes, not drained

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in crock pot and cook on low 4-6 hours. Can top with grated mozzarella cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, tortilla chips.

I serve with rolls and salad. Sometimes I put it on top of lettuce for a taco salad. It’s an easy go-to meal and one of our family favorites. Hope you enjoy! – Brighten

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1/3 cup butter
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 lb. chicken cubed or large chunks
1/3 cup flour
1/2 carrot shredded
1 stick of celery shredded
1/4 cup onion shredded
1/2 cup fresh spinach torn in pieces (optional)
2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
3 chicken bullion cubes
Cracked pepper to taste
17.6 oz. of Gnocchi (I found mine in the pasta aisle at Walmart)

On medium heat melt butter in a soup pot, add in the garlic and sautee. Add your chicken and cook through out. Add flour and mix well until the flour is cooked into the chicken. Next, add your milk and heavy cream. Then add the veggies(Carrots, Celery, Onion, Spinach). Add bullion cubes. Add your Gnocchi last, it takes 3-4 min. to cook throughout. Continue cooking until soup thickens, stirring occasionally. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.


Submitted by Shanae: Ohhh my goodness this turned out fabulous and is so great for cold, frigid, blustery days. It is similar to the newest Olive Garden soup, but in my opinion not nearly as salty and much creamier. It's almost like a chowder.

Golden Squash Soup

5 medium leeks (white portion only), Sliced
2 Tablespoons butter
1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed (about 4 cups)
4 cups chicken broth
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp pepper
1 3/4 cups shredded chedder cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
2 Tablespoons thinly sliced green onion

In a large saucepan, saute leeks in butter until tender. Stir in the squash, broth, thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 min until squash is tender. Cool slightly. In blender, cover and process squash mixture in small batches until smooth; return to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Add the cheese; stir until soup is heated through and cheese is melted. Garnish with the sour cream and onion. Serves 6. Prep/Total time 30 min.

What to serve with it: warm rolls.
Submitted by Lyndsey

Stems

Pumpkin Bars
2 c sugar
3/4 c vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
2 c canned pumpkin (I know, canned pumpkin doesn't have stems...oh well)
2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 c chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix everything in the order listed. Spread in a greased 11X15 cookie sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes. (You can also use a 9X13 pan and bake it a little longer.) Let cool, then frost with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 c butter or margarine, softened
1 Tbsp. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
2-3 c powdered sugar

Mix together until smooth.
Submitted by Mitzi

Jumbo Pumpkin Cookies
3 ½ c unsifted AP flour
1 ½ t baking powder
1 ½ t baking soda
1 ½ t cinnamon
1 t nutmeg
½ t cloves
1 t salt
2 c butter or margarine
2 c firmly packed brown sugar
1 (16 oz) can pumpkin
2 eggs
2 c chocolate chips

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt. Cream butter. Gradually beat in sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin and eggs and beat well. Gradually add flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Place rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 10-13 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about 6 dozen.
Submitted by Ie Mei

Toasty Pumpkin Waffles
1 c all-purpose flour
1 Tblsp brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
1 1/4 c milk
2/3 c canned pumpkin
4 1/2 tsp butter, melted
1/3 c chopped pecans

Maple cranberry butter:
1/2 c fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 c maple syrup
1 c butter, softened
Additional maple syrup, optional

In large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk the egg, milk, pumpkin and butter; stir into dry ingredients until blended. Fold in pecans. Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine cranberries and syrup Cook over medium heat until berries pop, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a small mixing bowl; cool slightly. Beat in butter until blended. Serve waffles with maple cranberry butter and syrup if desired. Refrigerate and freeze leftover butter. Yield: 4 servings (1 cup butter).
Submitted by Lyndsey

Pumpkin-Apple Streusel Muffins
1 1/4 c, plus 1 Tbs. all purpose flour, divided
1 c, plus 3 Tbs. sugar, divided
1 heaping tsp. pumpkin-pie spice
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c canned pumpkin
1 large egg
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 c finely chopped peeled apple
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbs. butter

Heat oven to 350*. Line 24 mini muffin cups. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, egg, and oil. Stir in flour mixture just until combined. Stir in apples. Spoon batter into prepared cups, until they are 3/4 cup full.
In a small bowl, combine remaining flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Add butter and stir until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over muffin batter and bake 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely.
Submitted by Lyndsey

Pumpkin Crumb Cake
1 pkg yellow cake mix (reserve 1 cup)
½ c margarine, melted
1 egg

Mix; spread in greased and floured 9x13 pan.

1 ½ c canned pumpkin
¾ c sugar
2 eggs
½ tsp ginger
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
¼ tsp cloves

Mix; pour over first layer

1 cup reserved cake mix
½ c sugar
3 Tblsp margarine
1 tsp cinnamon
½ c nuts (optional)

Combine and sprinkle over top; bake at 350 for 1 hour. Serve with cool whip.
Submitted by Alison

Butternut Squash Soup
1 large butternut squash
3/4 c. carrots, diced
3/4 c. celery, chopped
1/2 onion chopped
2 Tblsp. butter
2 cans of pears
3 c. chicken broth
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. milk
Hazelnut creamer (optional)

Cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees until soft. Meanwhile, sauté carrots, celery, and onion in butter until soft. Blend all ingredients together (it may take two batches) heat and serve with a swirl of hazelnut creamer.
Submitted by Merianne

Pumpkin Stew
1 10 - 12 pound pumpkin
2 lb. Beef stew meat
2 tbs. Oil
1 Bell Pepper, one-inch slices
1 Onion, sliced
4 Medium potatoes, cubed
3 Carrots, cubed
2 Cloves of Garlic, diced
2 Sticks of Celery, sliced
1 15oz. can of diced tomatoes
2-3 c Water
Salt and pepper to taste

Carve a hole in the top of the pumpkin and remove seeds and stringy insides. Set pumpkin aside. In a Dutch oven, brown 2 lbs of stew meat in oil. Add in bell pepper, onion, potatoes, carrots, garlic, celery, and tomatoes. Add salt and pepper. Add water. Let simmer for 1 hour. Place pumpkin in shallow pan, and place stew inside pumpkin. Brush the outside of the pumpkin with a light coating of oil. Bake pumpkin and stew at 350 for 2 hours, or until pumpkin is tender. Serve while hot. Be sure to get chunks of pumpkin in your stew, as they enhance the flavor of the stew.
Submitted by Sandi

More Soups, Stews and Chowders

Tortilla Soup
2 Tbs. cooking oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) cut tomatoes
1 can (14 1/2oz) beef consommé
1 can (14 1/2oz) chicken broth
1 can (10oz) tomato soup
1 c. water
1 Tbs. ground cumin
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. coriander
2 Tbs. finely chopped cilantro (fresh if possible)
1 can (15 oz.) black beans or corn, drained (I use one of both)
1 Tbs. lemon or lime juice
1 c. cooked chicken, cut in cubes

Sauté onion and chilies in oil until tender. Add minced garlic and heat briefly. Do not allow garlic to brown. Transfer to stockpot. Add remaining ingredients and simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Top each serving with grated cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped green onions olives, or cilantro as desired. Make a day ahead and reheat for extra flavor. Can serve with chips or tortillas.
Submitted by Merianne

Cheesy Baked Potato Soup
2/3 c. butter
2/3 c. flour or up to 1 cup
7 c. warm milk
4 large potatoes, baked, skinned and cubed
4 green onions, sliced
12 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 ¼ c. sharp cheddar cheese
1 c. sour cream
3 tsp salt
2 tsp pepper

Bake potatoes in advance. Warm the milk. In a large pot melt the butter until it begins to bubble, but do not burn it. Add flour, stirring constantly, until well mixed. Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture making a roux. Stir constantly until thickened, add extra flour as needed. Add potatoes and onions. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add bacon, cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper. Stir until cheese is completely melted.
Submitted by Patty

Chicken Stew with Raisin Dumplings
In a large pot or crockpot combine:
4 cups water
1 large chicken breast
1 tsp chopped onion
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp sage
1/4 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp parsley

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 4 hours in crockpot or 2 hours on stove. Remove bones from chicken; put large bones back in pot and simmer for an additional 2 hours to increase flavor and texture of stock. Remove bones and discard. Mix 3/4 c. flour with 1 c. water until creamy. Stir into broth slowly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until thickened.
To make dumplings: Mix 1 ½ c. flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp minced parsley, ½ tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp nutmeg. Add ½ c. raisins, 2/3 c. milk, 1 slightly beaten egg, 2 Tblsp cooking oil, and stir. Drop dumplings by the spoonful into hot liquid, simmer for 30 minutes or until done. Use ½ dumpling recipe for smaller crockpots or for ½ chicken stew recipe.
Submitted by Sarah

Butternut Squash Soup
1 large butternut squash
3/4 c. carrots, diced
3/4 c. celery, chopped
1/2 onion chopped
2 Tblsp. butter
2 cans of pears
3 c. chicken broth
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. milk
Hazelnut creamer (optional)

Cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees until soft. Meanwhile, sauté carrots, celery, and onion in butter until soft. Blend all ingredients together (it may take two batches) heat and serve with a swirl of hazelnut creamer.
Submitted by Merianne

Beef Stew
3 lbs stew meat, cut in chunks
4 medium potatoes, cubed
5 carrots, sliced (or use a bag of mini carrots)
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can golden mushroom soup
1 package dry onion soup mix
1 soup can water

Mix all ingredients. Place in a heavy oven-proof pot. Cover. Bake @275 for 6 hours. Or, place the ingredients in a crock pot and let it cook all day.
Submitted by Patty

Baked Potato Soup
4 large baked potatos, cooled, peeled and cubed
2/3 c butter
2/3 c flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
6 cups milk
8 oz sour cream
1/4 cup sliced, green onions
10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar

Heat butter, flour, salt and pepper in a large saucepan and stir until smooth. Add milk and slowly bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil 2 minutes and remove from heat. Whisk in sour cream until smooth. Add potatoes. Garnish individual servings with onions, bacon, and cheese.
Submitted by Gwen

Vegetable Cheese Soup
3-4 large carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, diced
2-3 large potatoes, diced
8 oz. fresh or frozen broccoli
1 1/2 sticks margarine or butter
3/4 cup flour
7 chicken bullion cubes
8 oz jar Cheeze Whiz

Boil & simmer carrots, celery, potatoes, & onions for 8 minutes. Add broccoli and bring to a boil again. Cook until tender. Drain and save liquid. Dissolve bullion cubes in liquid. Melt margarine, stir in flour until smooth. Add vegetable liquid on low to medium heat until thick. Blend in Cheeze Whiz until smooth. Add vegetables. Season w/ pepper. Serves 8-10.
Submitted by Sandi

Clam Chowder
13 oz minced clams
1 c onion - chopped
1 c celery - diced
2 c potatoes - diced
3/4 c butter
3/4 c flour
2 c half/half (can use milk)
2 c milk
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt and pepper

Drain juice from clams and pour over veggies in saucepan. Add enough water to barely cover and simmer covered over medium heat until the potatoes are done. Melt butter and flour and cook 2 min. Add cream and milk and cook and stir until smooth and thick. Add undrained veggies, clams, sugar and salt/pepper, and heat thoroughly.
Submitted by Anne-Marie

Taco Soup
Time: approximately 30-40 minutes
Servings: approximately 10-12 servings
1 lb ground beef
4 stalks celery, sliced
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 large green pepper
2 cans pinto beans
2 cans kidney beans
2 cans black beans
1 can olives, sliced
1 can corn (optional)
2 quarts tomatoes, diced
1/3 cup chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
salt & pepper to taste
cheddar cheese, shredded
1 bag frito chips
sour cream

Brown ground beef with celery, onion, and green pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drain the grease from ground beef. Combine beef/vegetable mix with beans, olives, tomatoes, and spices in large pot. Heat all ingredients to a boil, then simmer for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm with shredded cheddar cheese, frito chips and a dollop of sour cream. Freeze any leftovers for a rainy day.
Submitted by Alisha

Soups, Stews and Chowders

Egg Drop Soup
4 c. chicken broth
2 eggs
½-1 tsp sugar
2 tsp soy sauce
2-3 green onions, sliced

Beat eggs slightly. Put chicken broth, soy sauce and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat off. Slowly pour in the beaten eggs, stirring constantly, until they form long threads. Season with salt, pepper and green onions. Makes 4-6 servings.
Submitted by Alison

Chicken Chowder
2 lbs. chicken breast
1 c. onion
1 c. celery
2-4 c. potatoes, diced
¾ c. butter or margarine
¾ cup flour
2 cans evaporated milk
1 ½ tsp salt
1 ½ Tblsp. vinegar

Boil chicken in water-filled pan until done. Remove chicken and shred, but keep broth in pan. Add onion, celery and potatoes to broth and cook until tender. Drain broth from veggies.
In a separate pan, melt butter; add flour and heat until mixture is bubbling. Add milk and salt and stir until mixture is very thick. Add sauce to veggies; stir in chicken. Add vinegar and mix well. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve in a bread bowl.
Submitted by Alison

Cheesy Vegetable Soup
Potatoes
Celery
Onion
Carrots
Broccoli
½ c. milk
1 can cream of soup (whatever kind you have)
1 chicken bullion cube
1 Tblsp. butter
Dash celery salt
Dash seasoning salt
1/3 block Velveeta cheese, cubed

Peel and dice potatoes for # of people serving. Chop up onion, celery, carrots, and broccoli. Use as much or as little of the different veggies as you would like. Cover with water and add 1 tsp salt. Boil until tender. Reduce temperature to low. Add milk, soup, bullion cube, butter, celery salt, seasoning salt. Then add Velveeta cheese. Adding cooked chicken to this soup is an option. This soup holds really well in a bread bowl.
Submitted by Lyndsey

Taco Soup
Ground beef and onion - browned. (amount can be varied according to taste)
1 can corn, undrained
1 can kidney beans, undrained
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 pkg. taco seasoning

Combine all ingredients in pan. Add a little water if soup is to too thick. Simmer 15 minutes. Serve with cheese, tortilla chips and sour cream. No spoon required, just use the tortilla chips (my daughter loves eating this soup).
Submitted by Lyndsey

Clam Chowder
1 c. diced onion
2 c. diced potatoes - (can use 3)
1 c. chopped celery - (can use 2)
2 cans minced clams (6 1/2 oz.)
3/4 c. butter
3/4 c. flour
1 qt half & half - (or 1pt half and half/1pt milk)
1 ½ tsp salt
½ tsp sugar and a little pepper

Drain clams and put juice with vegetables and add just enough water to barely cover. Add salt and boil for 15 minutes or until tender. Add butter, sugar and pepper to taste. Combine half & half and flour, whisk until smooth. Add mixture to soup. Simmer for 20 minutes until thick.
Submitted by Lyndsey