If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that while I oppose hiding vegetables for being deceiving, I am NOT opposed to mixing vegetables in dishes to increase its nutrient quotient.  I got really interested yesterday when Lori  made a comment she substituted white beans for shortening.  I can’t wait to try it.

On with dinner: I love potato cheese soup, but I knew we could do it with a lot less cheese, and a lot more vegetables. 

• I first boiled potatoes with carrots and celery in my pot till tender.
• Then I scooped out a blender full of potatoes, carrots, celery and a bit of water. I pureed these in the blender while I prepared my sauce.
• I made a white sauce using butter, flour, low fat milk, bullion paste, and only 1 cup of cheese.  I used to use at least 4 cups of cheese.  Then I added my pureed vegetables to the cheesy white sauce. 
• Returned the potatoes to the pot mixed together with the sauce and added salt and pepper. 
• FULL VERSION OF RECIPE HERE!

I love that the kids couldn’t pick out the carrots or celery.  And I love the creaminess it added to the soup.

On to the giveaway:  I have a copy of Jessica Seinfelds Cookbook up for grabs, along with an adorable little girls apron my wonderful sister-in-law has sewn for you great readers.  Leave a comment about things you mix into food to make it healthier. Whether its beans, ground flax, oats, fruit, vegetables, whatever!!! And if you aren’t doing it, leave a comment that you have no idea how to mix stuff in, which is why you really need to win this contest.  I will take comments until Sunday night and announce a winner Monday morning.

Related posts:

Hiding Grains

Hiding vegetables