RedGage

Nothing says comfort like down home southern food. When one thinks of southern food, visions of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf and chicken and dumplings come to mind. It's food that warms the body and the soul.Cream of Chicken & Dumpling Ball SoupHere's a twist on the traditional comfort food version of Southern Chicken and Dumplings. It's an easy recipe made using cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, can or fresh boiled chicken and dumpling balls made from flour, milk, and baking powder. These balls resemble Matzo balls, but taste like biscuits.Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup shortening ( do not melt)
• 1/2 cup cold milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 10oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup
• 5oz of canned or fresh cooked and de-boned chopped chicken breasts

Directions for Dough:

1. Mix flour and baking powder together until well blended
2. Incorporate the shortening into the dry ingredients until it resembles biscuit crumbs
3. Slowly add milk and begin kneading and working into a dough ball
4. When it is fully worked into a pliable dough, pinch off pieces at a time and form into 1/2" to 1" balls

Directions for Soup Broth:

1. Bring the 4 cups of chicken broth to a rolling boil
2. Slowly add a few dumplings into the broth at a time, occasionally stirring
3. After all the dumplings have been added to the broth and have cooked for 5-10 minutes, reduce heat to simmer.
4. Add chicken and condensed cream of chicken soup.
5. Stir well and it's ready to eat.

This will make one batch that will feed 2-4 people depending on the size of the bowls. For a large family of 6, this recipe was quadrupled and there were hardly any leftovers.Easy Cream of Chicken Alfredo Bow Tie Noodle SoupHere's one more easy recipe idea using canned or fresh cooked chicken and cream of chicken soup.Ingredients:

• 5 oz. of canned or fresh cooked and de-boned chopped chicken breasts
• 1 15 oz. Classic Alfredo sauce
• 12 oz. box of bowtie pasta (cooked to package directions)
• 1 10oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of milk
• Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper ( to taste)

Directions:

1. Start off by combining the condensed soup, milk and Alfredo sauce in a soup pot on the stove.
2. Stir well and heat until warm.
3. Add the cooked or canned chicken and the cooked bow tie noodles. Stir well again and keep warm.
4. Lastly, stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste

This makes about 4 servings depending on the size of the soup bowlsMore Easy Soup Recipe IdeasMaking a pot of soup is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to feed a family on a budget. There's no limit when it comes to soup. Be creative. Try a few new ideas. Consider a Chinese ChickenChow Mein Soup or a Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup. want something a little more hearty? Try an easyTaco Soup on a cold day. Soup doesn't have to be bland and boring. With a little practice, the weekly soup night may become a family favorite.