I really, really love to make soup. I like the one-pot and one-dish cleanup, the flavor-masking of nutritious vegetables (that my kids wouldn’t otherwise eat), the thrift of putting leftovers to good use, the warm-to-your-toes feeling on a cold day, and the ease of multiplying the servings to feed a crowd. I currently have nine soup recipes that I cook regularly, depending on what’s on sale and how recently I already served them. It’s my absolute favorite entree, with a side of homemade dinner rolls, cornmuffins, or herbed biscuits to help sop it up.
I also have small children who have trouble getting broth in their mouths rather than on their clothes. I tried just straining off the broth and giving them the meat and vegetables, but this left me and Eli with too little in our bowls and deprived the children of all the good nutrition in the broth. Then I tried really big bibs. But broth was still spilled everywhere.
Although I am a mashed potato snob (must be made from fresh potatoes, NOT from a box!), I do keep potato flakes on hand. They come in handy for thickening soups and… for thickening broth in a toddler’s bowl. I add just enough to make it the consistency of yogurt, so that it will hang onto the spoon and have a better chance of making it into the mouth. That way, the kids are getting the nutritious broth and I have less cleanup.
Works for me!
For more tips and tricks, visit Works-For-Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer!
Posted on February 21st, 2007 by Dove
Filed under: Domestic Arts, Kids
Great idea. I never buy instant potatoes, but I will add it to my list for next week to try this idea.
Thanks!
This is a great idea. I have had the same problem, and I do keep a little bag of potato flakes in my pantry. I’m going to try it!
That is such a great idea! I did the straining thing too but found I, also, was left with too much broth and not enough of the meat and veggies. I’ll have to try this! I was planning on soup tonight anyway.
Great idea! I’m going to have to purchase some potato flakes. My five year old is getting the hang of soup. But my 3 year old and 18 month old still wear it most of the time. Thanks for sharing!
Great idea! I would’ve never thought of that. Thanks for sharing! =)
Great idea! I have a box in my pantry that I’ve been wondering how to use up. Could you post (or have you already) some of your soup recipes?
Sweet! I can’t wait to give this a try!
: )
Excellent solultion!! I too am a mashed potatoe snob, so I will have to go buy some flakes. My 2 yr old loved mashed potatoes too, but I don’t think he will taste the difference, yet!! I will definitely try this next time I make soup!!