Soups&Sandwiches

MORE GREAT ZEBRALICIOUS SOUP & SANDWICH RECIPES COMING SOON . . .

CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP

½ lb. sliced fresh mushrooms
½ cup chopped onion
2 Tbs. butter
2 Tbs. flour
1-2 tsp. curry powder (2 if you like curry)
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (bouillon cubes & water ok)

1 15-oz. can solid pack pumpkin (not pumpkin pie)
1 12-oz. can evaporated milk (not sweetened)
1 Tbs. honey
¼ tsp. pepper
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
Chives for garnish if desired

In a large saucepan sauté the mushrooms and onion in butter until tender. Stir in flour and curry powder until blended. Gradually add the broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened

Add the pumpkin, milk, honey, salt, pepper and nutmeg; heat through.

Garnish with chives if desired.

Yield: approximately 7 servings

WORLD'S BEST CHILI

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 serrano pepper, minced
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 pound ground sirloin
1/2 pound ground pork
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 Heineken
1 bay leaf
1 10-ounce bag of frozen corn, thawed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes with juice, tomatoes chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, Serrano, and green pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the sirloin and pork and cook until browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. Add the chipotle, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon. Stir until blended. Add the Heineken and bay leaf and cook until the beer has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Add the corn, kidney beans, and tomatoes. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for an hour. Stir in tomato paste, salt and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for another 20 minutes. Transfer to individual serving bowls and serve with desired garnishes.

Suggested garnishes: pickled jalapenos, sour cream, cilantro, and cheddar cheese.