Crock-pot Potato Chowder

This Potato Chowder recipe is something we make over and over again. My husband isn't too fond of soups, chowders or the like but this one he devours. It's super easy to make and so comforting. The optional toppings really complete it. If you want to prep the potatoes ahead read yesterday's post, here.

Some of my families' favorite things to top our Potato Chowder with include:

- crumbled bacon
- shredded cheese
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
- cream cheese (garlic & herb is yummy)
- chives or scallions
- parsley or cilantro
- salsa
- pesto
- blue cheese (we like any kind of cheese really)


What's your favorite chowder or soup topping? 

Potato Chowder (click here for printable recipe)

Cooking Time: 8 1/2 to 10 1/2 hours

Ideal slow cooker size: 5-qt

All you have to do is place all the the ingredients in Crock-pot and mix. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours.

Enjoy!

Tidbit Tuesday (Soaked Potatoes)

Have you ever had to use a large amount of potatoes for a dish and wanted to prep them all ahead of time? The good news is you can! Prepping food is often the most tedious and boring part about cooking. Especially if you have to scrub, peel and chop pounds of potatoes. You can do this all the night before you plan to make your dish!

All you have to do is clean your potatoes, peel them if you want and chop them up according to the size you need. Next you put them in a big bowl, completely cover them with water and place them in the refrigerator until the next day. As long as they are completely covered they won't turn brown. Before using the potatoes you just need to drain and rinse them.

I always do this before I make a big batch of Crock-pot Potato Chowder. I like to prep as many of the ingredients as I can before I make a crock-pot meal then I can just throw everything in the next day. Tomorrow I'll be sharing my Crock-pot Potato Chowder recipe. See ya then!

Don't forget to share your Tidbits! I would love to feature you and or your blog. Just post a picture on Facebook or e-mail me. I even made a nifty button you can grab.

Calm & Peace

This is the last week for the Poetic Winter Photography Challenge. Calm is the theme, I would say that's definitely a challenge. As I pondered the word calm I couldn't stop thinking about the word peace. The words calm and peace are similar words meaning tranquil and content.

To me being calm and at peace is deeper than just an emotion. It's more of a destination, a safe spot, where you feel nothing but comfort. Comfort in knowing that you are loved and taken care of. Hope for the future. To be at peace is to be completely content. I believe we feel a stronger sense of peace sometimes more than others because we are imperfect people living in an imperfect place. There will always be storms to get through.

I've been recovering from surgery and have spent many days resting in bed. It hit me one day when I woke how calm and at peace I was; and as I looked around my room I saw reminders everywhere. I was sent gorgeous potted plants, which I LOVE more than just a bouquet of flowers, and many well wishes. Here are some of the images that reminded me that I was loved and helped me to feel calm and at peace.

Jewelry & Chocolate

I don't know too many girls who wouldn't love some new jewelry & some chocolates. I was blessed with both this Valentine's Day! I know I'm a little behind but I'm just now able to enjoy my loot. Did you get anything special?

I can't remember the last time my husband got me a Valentine's Day gift. We usually make a yummy dinner together and sometimes he gets me a potted plant. This year he got me a bracelet! It might be because he felt bad that I had to have surgery. I've been really excited about this bracelet. Unfortunately I've been stuck in the house still recovering, so I've worn it and admired it while lounging. It makes me feel nice though.

I've been wanting a bracelet that has the quote "not all who wonder are lost" by ~Tolkien. I'm quite a wanderer but I wouldn't consider myself lost ;) Because of my wandering my husband isn't too fond of even grocery shopping with me, I can get very distracted from the task.

My new bracelet is so awesome! I'm disappointed I didn't discover this company sooner. It's made by HorseFeathers Gifts, a mother daughter team. You can read the inspiring story about how the company started HERE. My husband got me a Wide Cuff in the color Pewter. With a Quote and feather charm. The neat thing about the bracelet is that it's interchangeable. The Quote and charms can easily be changed. I had entirely too much fun taking pictures of my new bracelet. I consider it to be a wearable piece of art.

I'm really impressed with the quality and care that was put into this bracelet. Sometimes cuff bracelets are bulky feeling and the leather is hard. That's not the case with this bracelet. It's made of soft leather and the genius way it clasps in the back allows the bracelet to lay surprisingly flat. I can't say enough good things about it. It even arrives wrapped up beautifully. I look forward to getting more pieces from this company in the future. You should check them out at horsefeathersgifts.com 

 

On top of getting a bracelet I was sent the most delicious box of chocolates from my parents. They came from Shenandoah Fine Chocolates and were a welcome reminder of the valley. The Apple Pie truffle was my favorite! It reminded me of the Apple Blossoms that are celebrated every year in the Spring. 

If you are ever in the area of Winchester, Virginia you should stop by. They even have what they call the Chocolate Bar Restaurant that serves a variety of foods & drinks. You can go to shenandoahfinechocolates.com to find out more. It looks like they are working on creating an online store so hopefully those of us who aren't local can purchase their divine chocolates soon.

Just for the record I will always be honest with you. Neither one of these companies gave me anything to give a review. I just like to share good things with others. Besides if they did ever offer me anything you would be the first to know because I would love to have a giveaway!

Passion

This week's Winter Photography Challenge is to capture Passion, click HERE for more info.  What's your passion?   T. Allan Armstrong once said,  "If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you." 

My passion is throwing pottery. It makes me feel alive and complete! I love to capture my pieces through photography. I decided one snowy morning to open up a window and balance some of my recent pieces on a brick ledge. I thought the snowy background was perfect and an opportunity I didn't want to pass. What do you think?

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come ALIVE."

~Howard Thurman

Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm" 

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Passion and purpose go hand in hand. When you discover your purpose, you will normally find it's something you're tremendously passionate about."

~Steve Paylina