Wait, are we talking about soup or soap??
Actually... both!
Our soup is superior, and our soap is a fun project that started back in 2023.
It all started with a few random containers from the thrift store, a vision of homemade hard dish soap, and cute round scrubbers- and definitely a random TikTok or two for inspiration.
As luck would have it, we already had all the soap-making supplies on hand. So, we figured, why not give it a try?! We are by no means professional soap makers, but mom has dabbled in a few bar soap recipes over the years, and it has always been such a fun process. I really, really like her soap. The last one had Calendula in it!
The only catch? The time is ticking! We want to give these as Christmas gifts... but they take 4-6 weeks to cure! We had to hurry, because it's already November. Christmas is in approximately 5 weeks. AHHH!!
Long story short- they turned out absolutely adorable! Well... at least the first batch did. The second attempt didn't cool fast enough, so they aren't as pretty as the first round. But hey, lesson learned- and one I definitely won't forget.
Remember that as you homestead... you learn as you go! You make mistakes but you don't let those stop you from trying again! Even if you microwave your sourdough....
Overall, we are super excited to update you in a few weeks on how cute and hopefully amazing they turned out.
Next up... SOUP! Which is spelt way too close to soap haha!
Meg and mom love soup! Mom loves it even more when it's simple, quick, homemade, and healthy. While we could have spent the day making a big batch loaded with extra veggies, this time we went cozy, no-fuss potato soup.
It's such a great feeling to head to the pantry and find everything you need already canned and ready to go. The bonus? Extra bacon from the weekend, just waiting to be used in this delicious dish!
So, off to the panty mom went- canned chicken broth and diced potatoes in hand. A little ranch dressing, some crumbled bacon, and into the pot it all went. Once the potatoes were warm, we stirred in shredded cheese and a splash of cream.
In no time at all, we had a hot, creamy soup ready to enjoy with fresh sourdough. (We always have fresh sourdough here.) The perfect Sunday afternoon meal before Mom and Megan had to head to the skating rink.
SOUP RECIPE:
6 cups diced potatoes- peeled
1 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup cooked & crumbled bacon
1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (you COULD make your own too)
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper to taste
- Peel and dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- In a crockpot, layer diced potatoes, a sprinkle of ranch seasoning, and add cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Pour the broth over the top ensuring it covers all of the ingredients.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender- if your potatoes are precooked, this is a super quick meal.
- Once potatoes are tender, stir in heavy cream.
- Season with salt, pepper, chives, chopped green onions or whatever your heart desires.
Another thing about homesteading... cooking can truly be an experiment, especially when you measure each ingredient with your heart! You'll know it is best when it's made with love!
Megan highly recommends toasted sourdough cut in strips for easy dunking. This soup is easy to warm back up and overall great. Let us know your favorite soup in the comments and if you try this recipe!
Soup, soap, and all things homesteadin'! That's what we bring to this blog- just for you. We will see you back next week with our thanksgiving excitement and the OH so many loaves of sourdough that mom has made!
Wish Megan luck as she has her first ice skating competition of the season! Watch out Grand Forks!!
Thanks for reading. We appreciate you fellow homesteaders!
- The Funny Farm.