So here we are in the middle of October.  Leaves are changing, air is crisp, snow has already fallen…!  It’s definitely crock pot season (football season… ha!)

And to kick off the season I’ve started with soups.  My freezer is now full of them– They’re great for quick, easy homemade meals.  Plus, I really like knowing *exactly* what ingredients went into each one.

Here’s what I’ve mastered so far:

15 Bean Soup (with ham)- Who even knew there were 15 types of beans??  Rated “3.5 spoons” by Clement, my official soup-sampler.

Sausage and Bean Soup- So far this is the only way I’ve figured out how to make kielbasa work for me.   This was a lovely soup with white beans, onions, potatoes and other good stuff.  5 spoons!

Wild Rice Soup- This is an essential soup for a true Minnesotan.  4 spoons by Clement (not a Minnesotan, but a good sport nonetheless!).

Beef and Barley Stew- Super-thick and hearty.  If I do it over again it’ll have fewer veggies and more potatoes.  5 spoons!

So as you can guess, I’ve come to really appreciate my crock pot.  Next up is chili, a winter staple!