Puerco y Papa (Pig & Potato) Cheese Chowder

3 medium russet potatoes, diced

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon each garlic and onion powder

salt and pepper

3 cups water

2 cups whole milk, 1/2 and 1/2 or cream

3 cups shredded mexican cheese blend

6 slices cooked bacon cut into 1/2 inch strips

3 slices cooked dinner ham, chopped

1 small can diced green chilis

In a large pot (nonstick) melt butter and add potatoes. If you want to use raw bacon, cook it in the pot, leave about 2 tablespoons of the grease in the pot and omit the butter. Add salt and pepper, onion and garlic powder and cook potatoes in butter or bacon grease for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water and boil until potatoes are almost done. Lower heat to medium and stir in milk and add cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and then add cooked bacon and ham (I used spiral sliced ham I had frozen after Christmas). Add green chilis and cook until meat is heated through.

I just made this recipe up last night so if something doesn't make sense feel free to leave a comment about it and I'll try to help. I'm not a professional :)

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

1 can cream of chicken soup
1 1/3 C water
3/4 C uncooked rice
2 C frozen broccoli or mixed veggies
4 boneless chicken breasts
1/2 C grated cheddar

Stir soup, water, rice and veg into a cake pan. Top with chicken and season as desired (Season All, onion and salt, whatever) . Cover with foil. Bake at 375 for 45 min. Top with cheese and let melt in oven 5 min.

Ham and Cheese Soup

Make this tonight. You'll thank me. Then curse me in the morning when you step on the scale.

2 Cups diced potatoes
1 Cup chopped onion
1 Cup grated or chopped carrot
1 Cup chopped celery
2 cans chicken broth
1/2 Cup butter
2/3 Cup flour
1 quart half & half (or 1 qt milk with 3Tbs butter)
1 lb Velveeta, cubed
2 Cups diced ham

Boil veggies in the broth until almost tender. Melt butter and add flour. Put 1/2 of half and half in soup, then add melted butter and flour. Stir or whisk until dissolved. Add rest of half and half. Heat until thick. Add cheese and let melt into soup. Add ham. DO NOT LET BOIL!