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Is a simple recipe for Roast Chicken the key to an engagement? According to Glamour magazine it is … More here. The magazine editors had an experience whereby the sharing of a favorite recipe prompted one woman’s boyfriend to propose – it was that good. The magazine has since put together a cookbook to help women navigate their kitchen — called “100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know” (available through Hyperion). In addition to Engagement Chicken, the book covers breakfast (“He Stayed Over Omelette”), entrees (“Let’s Make a Baby Pasta”) and drinks (“Forget the Mistake You Made at Work Margarita”), all tried-and-true recipes perfected by the team at Glamour.
I have to admit that the chicken recipe does look delicious and I will definitely give it a try.
This prompted me to think about the following: which one of my signature dishes hooked the hubbs?
Answer: My made-from-scratch baked potato soup. I didn’t know it at the time, but well after we were married he admitted that watching me whip up soup from scratch put him at ease in my little apartment kitchen. He confided that witnessing this meant I was someone he – and his stomach – could relate to. What he didn’t know is that I had little money and that this soup is not just super easy to make but cost-effective, too!
Here’s the recipe that still elicits “mmmms” of delight to this day:
MJ’s Baked Potato Soup
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces (or about 10 baby carrots, chopped)
- 1 14 oz can of chicken broth (I use low sodium)
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 3 cups milk (any kind but skim)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- Bacon bits & extra cheese for topping
In a large saucepan, steam all vegetables on high steam for about 8 -10 min (they will still be slightly crunchy). Set aside.
While veggies are steaming, cook up your cream base: in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth (it will be thick) and bubbling. Slowly pour in the chicken broth; continue to stir. Next, add the milk, keep stirring and bring mixture to a gentle boil; it will thicken as it cooks. Once the desired consistency, turn heat to low and stir in cheese until melted. Drain steamed vegetables and gently fold them into the cream sauce. Season with Mrs. Dash® regular or Mrs. Dash® onion seasonings and a pinch of garlic powder (not salt).
Ladle into soup bowls and top with bacon bits & a bit of shredded cheddar. This is his favorite Saturday soup served with an oven roasted chicken sandwich.
How about you? Do you have a signature dish that defined your relationship?
