Most of you have heard the phrase “say cheese” to encourage the appearance of a smile when being photographed, whether felt or not. Have you noticed, however, in old photographs from decades past that this obviously wasn’t the case? No one ever seemed to smile! Why? During those days, the elite and powerful were the only ones who could afford to have photographs taken of themselves, and they would remain stoic because smiling was seen as flighty and only something the lower class or children would do. And in those instances where less fortunate individuals could perhaps afford a photograph or two, they would imitate the norm.

In both cases, perhaps the photographer should have said “say cheeseburger soup” instead! That startling suggestion might have prompted a true smile or even a laugh from both parties! In any event, I guarantee a few sips of this delicious soup will definitely bring a little smile to your lips and joy to your belly!

Cheeseburger Soup
Serves: 8

Ingredients:

4 small russet potatoes peeled and diced
1 small white or yellow onion chopped
3/4 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
3 cups chicken broth
1 pound lean ground beef
3 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups whole milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 package (16 ounces) Velveeta processed cheese

Directions:

Place potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, dried basil and parsley in a large crock pot. Pour chicken broth over vegetables. Cover with lid. Cook on low heat 6 to 8 hours OR on high heat 4 to 5 hours or until potatoes are tender.

About 45 minutes before serving, cook and crumble ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any grease. Pour cooked ground beef into crock pot. Carefully wipe out hot skillet with a paper towel then add butter. When butter is melted whisk in flour and cook until golden brown and bubbly (about 1 minute.) Whisk in the milk, salt and pepper. Pour mixture into the crock pot and stir to combine everything. Add the cubed velveeta cheese or to the crock pot. Stir again. Cover with lid and cook another 30 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serve and enjoy!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:


How sad that back in the day a smile was something less than desirable and, even more so, no one was bold enough to counter that philosophy with something that would shatter the lie, bring joy to the heart and a real smile to the lips. Sure, cheeseburger soup might bring a moment’s pleasure to the pallet, but real joy isn’t found in a sip of soup. It’s found in the salvation of a Savior. When this becomes a reality in your life, I guarantee that when you say His name, it will bring a smile to your lips and joy to your heart! Just “say Jesus!”

– Cheri Henderson