Fifty- Nifty Recipes....Wisconsin

The next state on our America recipe tour is Wisconsin.  This is where Maranatha Baptist Bible College is located.  Janet's husband teaches and coaches the Crusaders.  I'm sure that Janet and her husband stay busy....and love what they do!   The history of this college is pretty amazing (www.mbbc.edu/college). 
Janet's family enjoys Wisconsin Cheese Soup  (www.allrecipes.com).  With the weather turning cooler... and a busy schedule this soup sounds wonderful.

Wisconsin Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons margarine
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 button mushrooms, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped ham
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large heavy kettle, melt butter or margarine. Add carrots, celery, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, and ham; cook over medium heat until vegetables are crisp tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not brown.
2. Stir in flour and cornstarch; cook, stirring constantly, about 3 minutes. Add broth and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened. Add milk, paprika, cayenne, and mustard.
3. Stir in cheese gradually, stirring until cheese is melted. To avoid curdling, do not allow soup to boil after cheese is added. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve piping hot.

For dessert we should treat our hosts to a trip to Upper Krust....want a Fudge Pecan Pie, or a Peachy Caramel Crumb Pie....Dutch Apple?  Old Fashioned Custard?  Janet says their pies are very good....too many decisions...but it would be fun trying to decide!

Thanks, Janet, for sharing part of your Wisconsin with us.  I am going to leave a jar of caramel apple jam as a thank you.  Enjoy!
Go to www.tipjunkie.com/jar-homemade-gifts/ to see 48 gift jar ideas...The caramel apple jam recipe is on this site.  Ever thought of baking a pie or cake in a jar...then gifting it?  Learn how here...lots of other fun ideas at this site also!

See you soon!