I want to start out today with a HUGE praise! Remember how we’ve been praying for my dear friend Gail’s son-in-law, Tommy? He was diagnosed with a terrible cancer that had grown so large in his chest, it very nearly killed him before he could get to the hospital. With four little ones at home, one not much more than a newborn, the terrifying journey of massive chemo began. They were so very careful of Tommy ever since because he couldn’t get the Covid vaccine. Still, a couple of weeks ago, the whole family got Covid and we prayed even harder. His chemo finally ended and he had a PET scan done. They went to Cleveland to get the results yesterday and….THE CANCER IS GONE! He has a little inflammation left from the Covid, but the cancer has been kicked to the curb. This was absolutely a Christmas Miracle!!! God is AMAZING! The family would like to thank you all for your continued prayers!

Now, to the more mundane here on Marshmallow Ranch. We have taken to sleeping in a little later during the winter months. There’s no pressing chores to be done outside so we are enjoying a little hibernation. Still, Mr FixIt usually gets up a little before me and I linger under the covers, reading and replying to your comments here. Yesterday, Mr. FixIt came in and said one of the kids was coming over to pick up a Christmas gift, so we scurried around and picked up the living room before they arrived.

I cleaned up the kitchen from baking so I can bake some more. Then I sat and knitted while I watched A Christmas Story and my sweetheart snoozed in his recliner. When it came time for supper, I was at a loss for what to make. I didn’t have any hamburger set out or I would have made chili or spaghetti. Mr. FixIt had ham sandwiches for lunch, so that was out. I thought I might make grilled cheese and tomato soup, but alas…no cans of soup. I could have made some from canned tomatoes, but I had a strike of inspiration!

I’ve never made this before, and I didn’t have a recipe nor did I take the time to look one up. I just flew by the seat of my pants. Remember last week when we talked about buying bulk at Sam’s and how expensive beef has gotten? I picked up a BIG bag of broccoli florets and had about a half bag left. I had three thick slices of Colby cheese from the deli and about a quarter pound of sliced ham. Voila! Cheesy Hammy Broccoli Soup!!! OMGosh! It was SO good. Again, I don’t cook with a recipe, but I’ll tell you as best I can how to make it.

Cheesy Hammy Broccoli Soup

Melt half a stick of butter in a good sized sauce pan over medium heat. Stir in about a half cup or so of all purpose flour. Stir continuously to make a roux. When it starts to look a little golden, pull it from the flame and set aside for a minute. You don’t want it to scorch.

Steam about 3 cups of broccoli florets. I use a steamer basket over about an inch or so of boiling water and put a lid over it. 

While the broccoli is steaming, chop the ham and cheese and set aside in a bowl.

Put the pan with the roux back on the flame and pour in about 3-4 cups of milk and whisk it till smooth. Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly and cook until it thickens. I used this seasoning blend called Farm Dust. I love it and have no idea what’s in it but you can season yours with garlic and pepper or whatever you like. Be careful not to add a lot of salt because both the ham and the cheese is salty enough.

Add the ham and cheese and stir till the cheese is melted then spoon in the steamed broccoli. If you like a smooth, creamy soup, you can use an immersion blender, but I like mine chunky. So, I used a meat chopper that I bought up in Amish Country. I couldn’t find one on Lehman’s website, but here’s a link on Amazon.

Once everything is combined, ladle it up in big soup bowls and serve with the crackers of your choice. Also goes well with hot rolls or homemade buttermilk biscuits but I didn’t get all “fancy like that.”

There’s nothing like a big bowl of hot soup to comfort a wounded heart and ward of the chill of a winter’s night. 

❄️

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:26 ESV