CROCKPOT CHICKEN WILD RICE SOUP

Okay everyone, I'd have to say this is the soup of the season! The BEST new recipe for the crock pot I've tried yet. It's a great different flavor that my husband and I absolutely loved.

CROCKPOT CHICKEN WILD RICE SOUP

SOURCE: PINCH OF YUM

SERVES: 10;   PREP-TIME: 10 minutes;   TOTAL TIME: 7-8 hours and 15 minutes
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INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 1 pound chicken breasts
• 2 cups mirepoix (combination of chopped onion, carrots, and celery)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon sage
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• up to 2 cups of additional milk or water

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DIRECTIONS:

1. Rinse the wild rice.  Place the uncooked wild rice, raw chicken, mirepoix, chicken broth, and seasoning in a crockpot.  Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.  The chicken should be cooked through and rice should be soft.  There will be extra liquid in the crockpot; do not drain.

2. Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and allow to cool slightly.  Using two forks, shred the chicken.  Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.

3. When the rice and chicken are done cooking, melt butter in a saucepan.  Add the flour and let the mixture bubble for 1 minute.  Slowly whisk in the whole milk until a thick, creamy mixture forms.

4. Add creamy mixture to the rice and chicken in the crockpot and stir to combine.  Add extra water or milk to adjust the consistency as you like (I added an extra cup).  Season with additional salt and pepper.

Balsamic Garlic Parmesan Bruschetta

This is my favorite go-to appetizer recipe. I love, love, LOVE bruschetta. It goes along perfectly with my love for italian food.

This was the appetizer that I brought to our friend's New Years party. Happy 2014! Enjoy!

BALSAMIC GARLIC PARMESAN BRUSCHETTA

PREP-TIME: 10-15 minutes;   TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
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INGREDIENTS:

• 8 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 french baguette

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DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix together tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

2. Slice up the french baguette with 3/8" - 1/2"-thick pieces. Brush a little bit of olive oil and sprinkle garlic salt onto each piece. 

3. Broil the baguette slices in your oven until toasted to your liking.

4. Top baguette slices with tomato mixture, serve, and enjoy!