Happy Birthday Allie

Allie is 20 today. Her last final was yesterday and she got off work 3 hours early today. On the way home from work she called me for the recipe for her favorite soup: Potato Soup. Her birthday celebration included going to some friend's home and making Potato Soup for the gang. I asked her why she didn't make it at her place then take it to her friends.... guess she doesn't have any large soup pots in her apartment. Sigh..... guess what I'm going to go get her for a gift?! She's coming home Monday so we'll have a little party for her then. I DO have one of her gifts so far.... Jack Johnson's newest CD. This one has a special story. There was a boy in elementary school Allie had a crush on. Once done with 6th grade ..... the kids who had been together for 7 years scattered to at least 4 different middle schools. Danny went to one school, Allie to another. I know she has fond memories of those years. Danny became a talented singer/musician/song writer and just happened to be Jack Johnson's cousin. A couple years ago Danny was diagnosed with cancer and last October he succumbed to the disease. Before he passed, his cousin Jack had Danny sing some back ups on one of the tracks. If you have the CD, check out the credits on If I Had Eyes. I have a feeling the CD will mean a lot to her.

So here is Allie's favorite Potato Soup recipe....

2 celery sticks
1 carrot
1 sm onion + 2 green onions
Finely chop first 4 ingredients

4 med potatoes, cubed
3-4 cups chicken broth
6 strips bacon, diced
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp mace
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
2 cups milk

In medium saucepan bring broth to a boil. To broth add celery, carrots, onions and potatoes. Cook until tender.

In large saucepan cook bacon until crisp. Remove and drain. Pour all but 1/4 cup bacon drippings from pan. Blend in flour, salt and pepper. Stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil.

Add celery, carrots, onions, potatoes and broth a little at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir in bacon, mace and red pepper. Heat through.

Happy Birthday chica. Your dad and I are proud of you!