Macaroni And Cheese Soup - - #FBS4Sandy

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Money! Money is what's needed right now to lend the most support to the victims on of hurricane Sandy. Money, so they can rebuild from a wreckage that has completely ravaged the eastern seaboard and it's communities.  I urge you now, if you haven't already done so, to donate in any amount you feel comfortable with by clicking on the link below:





I will be listing several more locations for you to make a $ donation at the end of my post if you're inclined to go a different route. It's not as important where you give, just that you GIVE!

As I sit riveted to my television set watching all the news coverage about the destruction and devastation Sandy has done, my heart has gone out, at least a-million-and-one times, to each and every person effected by this terrible storm know as Sandy! That bitch!  The images are as heartbreaking as they are horrendous.

My monetary donation has already been made, but now what? What else can I do to show how much I care and the desire I have to lend my support???

It is at times like these when I'm the most proud to be a member of the food blogging community.  As we all share our great passion for food and its preparation, we also share in our desire to comfort and care for those in need through the making and giving of our mutual love... Food.

It is with great thanks that two such admired, and well known food bloggers (Barb of Creative-Culinary and Jenn of Jenn Cuisine) have stepped into the forefront, taken charge, and have come up with the brilliant idea of  "Food Bloggers For Sandy" (#FBS4Sandy).

With their idea of us virtually sending and sharing our best loved comfort food dishes we are, in our own way, sending the healing and the love that is so badly needed at this time.  A warm hug from the inside out (if you will) and the strength to know that you are not alone!!! We are here and we care...one comfort food dish at a time!


It is with a friendly smile and warm and loving embrace that I've developed this recipe specifically for #FBS4Sandy.  I truly hope you will enjoy it and that you'll feel the love with each creamy, cheesy spoonful you take :)


MACARONI AND CHEESE SOUP

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon butter
1 - 12 ounce package of frozen winter squash, thawed and drained (if needed).
fresh grated nutmeg
2 medium carrots, chopped finely
1 medium onion, chopped finely
2 ribs celery, chopped finely
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper
1 quart chicken stock (**more to thin if needed)
1 cup dry white wine
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Swiss Cheese
6 slices American Cheese
1 pound Velveeta cheese, cut into chunks

-In a large stock pot, cook the macaroni a few minutes shy of what it says on the package directions. Drain.
-To the macaroni, add the thawed winter squash and nutmeg and stir well to combine. Set aside.
-In a large pot over medium high heat, cook the carrots, onion and celery in the olive oil until very soft (approximately 5-7 minutes).
-Season with salt and pepper.
-Reduce the heat to medium.
-Add the chicken stock and the wine to the softened vegetables and bring to a low simmer.
-Stir in the cream cheese, cheddar, Swiss, American cheeses. Stir well to combine and so that the cheeses melt.
-Add the macaroni and squash mixture into the pot. Stir well.
-Add the cubed Velveeta cheese into the pot and reduce the heat to low.
-Continue cooking on low, stirring occasionally until the soup is thickened and heated through.
(I tried this recipe without the Velveeta and to be honest, the soup wasn't thick enough for our tastes. The addition of the Velveeta cheese was definitely the ingredient that brought this soup all together).*If the soup has become too thick for your taste, thin with some additional chicken stock and stir to heat through.**
-Season with additional salt and pepper (if needed) and serve!


I served my soup with some amazingly delicious Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits. These tasty little morsels were even better when dipped into this creamy, cheesy goodness.

Here is a BONUS comfort food recipe if you'd like to make them to go along with the soup. I highly recommend it!!!

BACON CHEDDAR BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup buttermilk
1 pound cooked and crumbled bacon
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

-Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
-Cook the bacon until crisp. Drain. Cool and crumble. Set aside.
-In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
-Add the buttermilk and using a wooden spoon, mix until just combined. *Do not over mix the dough*
-Stir in the cheese and the crumbled bacon.
-Using a tablespoon, drop the dough onto (2) parchment lined baking sheets leaving space in between.
-Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are nicely golden brown.
-Serve with the soup and know you've been hugged...tightly!


As I mentioned earlier, if you're looking for additional ways and places to make your dollar donations, you can also do so at the sites listed below:
 
Salvation Army is also focused on providing food, shelter, and support to victims, and takes donations to storm relief.

•  Red Cross is providing food, shelter, and other forms of support to hurricane victims.  You can donate directly to the Red Cross, you can also text the word “Redcross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
•  Feeding America is providing food, water and supplies to those who need it as part of their disaster relief program.

For more delicious comfort food recipes and information associated with #FBS4Sandy, head on over to Creative-Culinary and Jenn Cuisine and scroll down to the bottom of their posts where you'll find a feast for the eyes, taste buds and hearts! 

Thanks for giving!  Take comfort, for you are loved!!!
Renée

Macaroni And Cheese Soup - - #FBS4Sandy