Stirrin' It Up With Stacey

It's Wednesday and I hope Y'all are ready to stir somethin' up!
Today's recipe is from my good friend, Christa. She gave me this recipe some years ago, and I made it for a party I hosted last weekend.
It is the perfect soup for cold weather! And it made a fantastic addition to the buffet at our 3rd annual Pumpkin Carving Party.




In all we served 5 different soups. We gave them crazy names such as; Eye of Newtle soup (chicken noodle), Potato Bug soup (Christa's yummy potato), Dracula's Taco soup (taco soup), Cheesy Brain soup (cheesy vegetable soup), Crushed Goo of Clam (clam chowder). Everyone of the soups were a hit. Also on the buffet was a tray of yeast rolls, french bread, and corn muffins. We had sugar cookies, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and brownie bites, ooh and I can't forget the candy. The party was wonderful.

After everything was said and done we had over 20 pumpkins carved! We put them on a table outside, all with their candles lit inside. It was a site to behold.
We gave out prizes as well. The first prize of the night was a white pumpkin. As the kids arrived I had them put their names in a bowl. After dinner we drew a name for the white pumpkin! Everyone brought their own pumpkins but it was very cool to be able to give out the white one as a prize.

I had a few other prizes on hand and not a clue what to do with them. So I used the remaining names in the bowl and every 20 minutes we drew a couple names just to keep things exciting. When everyone was finished carving pumpkins we gave out prizes for: best design, most creative, best boy pumpkin, best girl pumpkin, and the Grand prize.

There's still time to plan your pumpkin carving party this year if you hurry! It doesn't have to be big, start small, we did and it has grown every year. This is not about halloween for us it is about fellowship, and it is mostly for the kiddos. They have such a great time getting into the festivities. Also we do not encourage dressing up. There is just too much going on for that and we don't want to offend anyone.
Prize ideas: (all from dollar stores)
trick or treat bag with candy or a flash light
wig and mask
candy basket
candy necklace

I hope you enjoy this recipe and the party tips above....

Christa's Yummy Potato Soup

1 lb. bacon cut into small pieces
6-8 potatoes peeled and cut into small pieces
1 onion diced
3- 12oz. cans chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup milk
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. flour
2tbsp. butter


Fry bacon and onion in a large dutch oven or pot, until the onion is tender and the bacon is browned. Do not drain. Stir in the chicken broth. Add potatoes and boil until tender. In the mean time, make a white sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, add salt, flour, and milk. Stir, cook until thickened then add to potatoes. Stir until combined.



Let me know how it turns out for you?
Until next week, many blessings to you and yours,
Stacey