Cozy Monday Sydrome Food

When my husband and I were first married, we hated to see the weekend come to an end.  Mid-morning on Monday I could always expect a call with him stating that he had, "Monday Syndrome". With that in mind, I believe today calls for some exceptional cozy food!   BTW, he called this morning stating he had a case of "Monday Syndrome".

Cast of Characters contributing to this meal:
Shannon-one of my great sisters who taught me the word accouterments as it relates to food.  She found the recipe for this Potato Soup and our entire family has become OBSESSED with it.  We are all very thankful!  She is Look for her infamous Corn Souffle coming in November!

Judy- while Todd and I were in our betrothed stage, Judy's tennis friends had a sweet luncheon for us.  An incredible time-less Spinach Salad was served.  We eat this salad at least once a month.

Myself- I have been an avid reader of Cooking Light magazine for many, many years.  The problem is that by the time I have made the recipe for the 5th time, it can no longer be considered a Cooking Light recipe b/c of all the goodies I add!

Monday Syndrome Menu
Baked Potato Soup served with crumbled fried bacon
Spinach Salad
Chocolate Banana Bread

RECIPES

Shannon's Baked Potato Soup

4 cups chicken broth

5 cups yukon gold potatoes

1/4 cup diced white onion

1/2 t seasoning salt

1/4 t white pepper

1/4 t ground red pepper

1 8oz package of cream cheese, cut in chunks

Combine potatoes, broth, onion, and spices in large stock pot.  Boil on med-high heat until potatoes are tender.  Do not over cook potatoes!  Smash a few of the potatoes to release their starch.  This helps thicken the soup.  Reduce to low heat.  Add cream cheese.  Heat, stirring frequently with whisk, until cheese melts.

After placing potatoes in chicken broth mixture, start frying the bacon.  

Serve bacon, freshly grated cheddar cheese, green onions.

Judy's Spinach Salad

1 lb fresh spinach

1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered

3/4 c bean sprouts

1 c seedless grapes, green or red, halved

Dressing:

1 c canola oil

1/3 c white vinegar

1/2 c grated white onion-or less

3/4 c sugar

1 t salt

1 t Worcestershire sauce

Blend well with whisk and then toss a 1/4c at a time with salad mixture. 

PS  If you did NOT  want to make a spinach salad, serving the spinach as one of the accouterments is a great way to get your fresh green vegatable!!

Banana Bread

1 c white flour

1 c whole wheat flour

1/4 c ground flax seed

3/4 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

1 c sugar

6 T butter, softened-not margarine

4 ripe bananas, smashed

2 eggs

1/2 c vanilla yogurt

1/4 c sour cream

                                         1 c chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine flours, flax seed, baking soda, salt in medium bowl.  Stir with whisk.  Set aside.

Place sugar and butter in large bow.  Blend on med. speed until well blended.  Add banana, eggs, yogurt, and sour cream.  Mix just until moist.  Slowly add choc. chips.

If you would like to make this marbled, instead of adding choc. chips to batter,  melt choc. chips in microwave and then add 1 cup batter to melted choc.  Add 1/2 plain batter to bread  pan, then choc. batter, and then the rest of the plain batter. 

You can place batter in bread pan or muffin pan.  For bread, make for 60 -65 mins.  For muffins, 20-25 mins.