Unpredictable February weather calls for nourishing lunch or dinner choices, like a steaming bowl of soup or a warm, freshly baked sandwich. Either one makes a meal in itself, but you may have a taste for both, and this combination surely will satisfy that craving.
This chicken soup recipe isn’t your plain, chicken-noodle variety. It calls for spaghetti sauce, giving it a different twist.
The sandwich begins with a loaf of frozen bread dough so that homemade-bread taste goodness is in every bite. Both bring warmth to a cold winter day!
ZESTY CHICKEN-RICE SOUP
1 (49 1/2-ounce) can chicken broth
1 (26-ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce (your favorite brand)
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups cooked rice
1 teaspoon sugar
A few sprigs of parsley, chopped
In a Dutch oven, combine broth, spaghetti sauce, chicken, onions, parsley and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Stir in rice and sugar. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 more minutes or until heated through.
Ladle into serving bowls and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Makes 10 servings.
HOT HAM-CHEESE AND VEGGIE SANDWICHES
1 (1-pound) loaf frozen white bread dough, thawed
1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese
1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Colby cheese
1 (16-ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
On a floured surface, roll dough into an 18-by-12-inch rectangle. Layer with Swiss cheese, ham, cheddar cheese, Colby cheese and broccoli to within 1-inch of edges. Sprinkle with garlic powder.
Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with long side; seal seams and ends. Place seam-side down on a greased 15-by-10-by-1-inch baking pan.
Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil; bake 10-15 minutes longer.
Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing into sandwiches. Yields: 6-8 servings.
Brotherton offers website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature. Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
