Easy Three-Ingredient Tomato Soup

 I received this easy three-ingredient tomato soup recipe which pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich from my daughter. It is delicious and oh so easy.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (I used regular butter - I prefer the Kerry butter)

1/2 large onion, cut into large wedges

1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes (This works with fresh tomatoes too)

1/1/2 cups water, of chicken or vegetable stock

1/2 or more teaspoon salt to taste

Directions:

Melt butter over medium heat

Add onion wedges, water (stock), tomatoes, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 40 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Blend the soup and then season it to taste. (You can blend with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. If you use a regular blender, do it in

small amounts and cover the top of the blender with a towel as the soup is very hot.)

Makes 2 generous servings.

Mom's Half Hour Chili

This is my favorite Chili recipe. I have found that if I make it the day before and put it in the refrigerator over night and have it the next day, the spices have blended nicely together. Having said that, it is tasty the first day, but the day after is even better. Please note, I like my chili to be thick and not like soup. You could actually eat this with tortilla chips, a spoon, or over a hotdog or french fries if you are so inclined.  The recipe is as follows:

1 lb ground beef ( I have used steak and stew meat; you could also substitute chicken)
1/2 c. chopped onion (can be omitted)
1 tsp. garlic salt
3-4 tsps. chili powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1 bay leaf
3 c cooked tomatoes
1 #2 can read kidney beans

Please note, these are the basic ingredients and you can change it to suit your desire for heat.  I add red chili pepper flakes and more chili powder. Saute the ground beef with the onion, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic salt, and bay leaf until browned. Add tomatoes, simmer 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf and add beans. Cook 10-15 minutes or more stir often.