Here are some of my favorite ways to bring some comfort to the table and smiles to the faces of those around it:
• A make-ahead casserole—I like to put together a hearty one-dish meal that makes enough for leftovers on another night.
• Homemade hot cocoa mix—Keeping a container of homemade mix ready lets me make a cozy cup of cocoa to warm things up after school or any time at all.
• Quick loaves—Waking up to the smell of baking lemon bread, banana bread or pumpkin bread makes the day better already.
• Soups and chowders—I like to make a big batch so there’s some for supper and plenty left over to send some to school for a good, hot lunch.
In this All-Star Potato, Bacon and Corn Chowder, potato flakes bring familiar flavor and act as a thickener. Sunny yellow corn and crispy bacon really brighten up the taste, and evaporated milk makes it extra creamy and super comforting.
All-Star Potato, Bacon and Corn Chowder
Prep: 10 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes
Makes 8 servings
2 cans (14 fluid ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (12 fluid ounces each Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk
2 cups instant mashed potato flakes
1 can (15 1/4 ounces) no-salt added whole-kernel corn, drained
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, additional cooked and/or crumbled bacon (optional)
Combine broth and evaporated milk in large saucepan. Bring mixture just to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Add potato flakes, corn, bacon, onion powder and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 8 minutes until creamy and slightly thick. Top each serving with cheddar cheese, green onions and/or bacon.
Nutrition Information per serving: 240 calories; 90 calories from fat; 10g total fat; 6g saturated fat; 0g trans fat; 40mg cholesterol; 350mg sodium; 25g carbohydrate; 2g fiber; 11g sugars; 13g protein; 80% DV vitamin C; 25% DV calcium
