"Just For Joy" Broccoli Cheese Soup
*Whisk Broccoli Cheese Soup Mix into 4 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil
*Lower heat to a high simmer and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently. If soup is too thin, cook a little longer. If soup is too thick, add a little water.
Heartier Fare: Follow directions above, substituting low sodium chicken broth for the water and add 1 cup of cooked: Chicken, ham, rice, pasta (chicken or cheese tortellini is magnificent!), etc.
Suggested Additions: Shredded Chicken, Diced Smoked Turkey, Diced Ham, White, Brown or Wild Rice
Great Garnishes: Shredded Cheddar, Dijon Mustard, or a Dollop of Sour Cream with a Dash of Curry Powder
*NOTE* If you choose to do nothing more than add water and simmer, this soup is scrumptious simply served with a crusty loaf of bread to savor every last delicious drop!

"Just For Joy" Cheddar Beer Soup
Easy and Fun Directions: Have on hand 12oz of your favorite ice cold beer. Reserve 4oz (1/2 cup) of your beer. Sip remaining 8oz as you bring 4 cups of water to a boil, reduce heat. Whisk contents of Cheddar Beer Soup Mix into simmering water. Continue simmering until thick and bubbly. Add the 4oz of beer that you didn't drink. Return to a boil and simmer until desired consistency. If too thick, add a little water. If too thin, cook a little longer. After cooking, for greater appeal, add 4-6 drops of hot pepper sauce (a good dash) or to taste. Serve with hot pepper sauce and pretzels, popped popcorn or croutons if desired.
Suggested Additions: Diced Canadian Bacon, Diced Smoked Turkey, Chicken, or Ham, Sliced Sausage, Cauliflower Florets, or Shredded Chicken
Great Garnishes: Grated Parmesan Cheese, Popped Popcorn, Shredded Provolone Cheese, Fresh Horseradish, Mini Pretzels, a Dollop of Good Brown Mustard, Chopped Green Onions or a Dollop of Sour Cream.

Taste the sunny Southwest in "Just For Joy" Southwestern Roasted Corn Chowder!
*In a mediuim saucepan whisk Southwestern Roasted Corn Chowder soup mix into 4 1/2 cups of water and bring to a boil
*Lower to medium heat
*Stir soup often from the bottom of the pot
*Continue simmering (8-10 minutes) until soup is desired consistency - if soup is too thin, cook a little longer - if soup is too thick, add a little water
*Add 4-6 drops of hot pepper sauce, or to taste
*NOTE* This soup is terrific simply served with warmed tortillas or a crusty loaf of bread. If a heartier soup is what you're after, add one cup of cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 breasts) at the beginning of the simmer. ENJOY!!
Suggested Additions: Shredded Chicken, Julienne Roasted Red Pepper, Toasted Tortilla Strips, Julienne Ham, White or Brown Rice, or Small Pasta (Orzo, Pastina)
Great Garnishes: Chopped Peanuts, Sliced Jalapenos, Sour Cream with Lime juice, Crumbled Tortilla Chips, Diced Roasted Sweet Red Peppers, Pico de Gallo Salsa, Chopped Cilantro or Shredded Jack and Cheddar Cheeses

"Just For Joy" Tortilla Soup con Queso Recipe!
*Whisk Tortilla Soup Mix into 5 cups water and bring to a boil.
*Lower heat to medium, stirring occasionally.
*Add 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken meat (2 boneless chicken breasts) stirring occasionally.
*Continue simmering until soup is desired consistency. If too thick, add a little water. If too thin, cook a little longer.
*Add 4-6 drops hot pepper sauce (a good dash) or as desired.
*Slice 8 corn tortillas into 1/4 inch strips. Fry or bake until crisp.
*Divide half the prepared strips into the soup bowls and ladle on the soup. Top with remaining tortilla strips.
Angela's Favorite Variation: Add 1 cup frozen corn and 1 14oz can of black beans and simply use tortilla chips instead of frying your own. Be Creative and ENJOY!!
Suggested Additions: Shredded Chicken or Pork
Great Garnishes: Chopped Tomatoes, Salsa, Chopped Cilantro, Sour Cream with Lime Juice, Guacamole, Diced Avocado, Shredded Jack or Cheddar Cheese.

"Just For Joy" White Cheddar Asparagus Soup
*In a medium saucepan, whisk entire package of White Cheddar Asparagus Soup Mix into 4 1/2 cups water
*Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally
*Lower heat to medium low (high simmer)
*Cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If soup is too thin cook a little longer. If soup is too thick add a little water.
*NOTE* This soup is wonderful simply served with a crusty loaf of French bread! ENJOY!!
Great Garnishes: Sliced or Slivered Almonds, Shredded Cheese, Chopped and Sauteed Scallions, Cooked and Crumbled Bacon or Chopped Fresh Parsley

"Just For Joy" All American Cheddar Cheese Soup
*Whisk All American Cheddar Cheese Soup Mix into 5 cups of water
*Bring to a boil and lower heat to a simmer
*Simmer for 8 minutes stirring frequently from the bottom of the pan
*If soup is too thin, cook a little longer. If soup is too thick, add a little water.
*Add 4-6 drops of hot pepper sauce (this will not add heat, it will simply enhance the flavor).
Recipe Variation: A terrific and hearty southern adaptation is Macaroni & Cheese Soup (as served in restaurants throughout the south)...after preparation add 2 cups of cooked elbow macaroni. That's it!
Garnish either recipe with chopped fresh parsley, popped popcorn, croutons, a dollop of sour cream or your own special touches.
*NOTE* For a smokey flavor add 6-8 strips of crisp, crumbled bacon or a dash of all natural smoke flavor.

Smiling Armadillo Texas Red Chili Recipe
You Will Need:
*Smiling Armadillo Texas Chili Recipe Mix
*2 Tbl olive or vegetable oil
*2 cups chopped onion (2 medium)
*1 1/2 Tbl minced garlic (4 large cloves)
*1 1/2 pounds well trimmed meat, we recommend round or chuck steak (pot roast) or lean ground beef
*1 14oz can diced tomatoes
*1 14oz can beef broth
*1 1/2 cups chopped green pepper (2 medium)
*1 Tbl brown sugar
*1 tsp salt (if desired) & 1/4 tsp black pepper
*2 14oz cans beans (red, pinto, kidney or black beans - We like a combination of 2)
True Texans, no beans, Ever!
Directions: Heat a large, heavy pot (non-aluminum interior). When hot, coat with oil and add onions, garlic and chili meat trimmed of all visible fat and cut into dime-sized pieces, add salt and black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring constantly, just until meat is no longer pink. Stir in "Smiling Armadillo" Texas Chili Recipe mix, diced tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar and chopped green pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer, cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add drained & rinsed beans of your choosing (unless you're Texan) and simmer for an additional 1/2 hour to 1 hour. The chili has a nice little bite, but if you like more heat add as much of the "Fire" Pak as you like (be careful, or your ears might fall off!). Remove the cover for last 1/2 hour of cooking, stirring frequently, do not scorch. Adjust salt to taste and serve with your favorite chili fixins' or try one of our suggestions.
NOTE: If using ground beef - brown and drain it seperately and then continue with the recipe. Also try using turkey, chicken or pork.
Easy Cook Variation: Forget most of what you just read and throw everything into a crock-pot, give it a good stir, plug it in and go entertain yourself for 10-12 hours!
Hot and Spicy Chili Variations:
OLD MEXICO CHILI: Decrease meat to 2 pounds and add 1 Tbl unsweetened cocoa powder with the Chili Mix. Add the "Fire" Pak and 1/2 cup sliced jalapenos. Garnish with pico de gallo, cilantro and Chihuahua cheese.
SOUTHWESTERN CHILI: Decrease meat to 2 pounds, choose pinto & black beans, add 1/2 "Fire" Pak, garnish with salsa, cilantro, sour cream and sliced jalapenos and/or habaneros peppers.
LOUISIANA BAYOU: Decrease meat to 2 pounds, add 1/2 pound andouille sausage, add "Fire" Pak - use dark red kidney beans, last 1/2 hour of cooking add 1 cup fresh, coarsely chopped tomatoes, garnish with shredded cheese.
The following suggestions are milder and sweeter:
*First, add 1/2 cup ketchup with the tomatoes, then:
MIDWESTERN CHILI: Use lean ground beef & serve with chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese & a dollop of sour cream.
CINCINNATI CHILI: Use lean ground beef & add 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice with the tomatoes, use kidney beans & serve over cooked spaghetti with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
WISCONSIN CHILI: Substitute beer for beef broth, add 2 Tbl butter at the end of cooking and serve with lots of shredded jack and cheddar cheeses & a dollop of sour cream.
VEGETARIAN CHILI: omit meat, substitute vegetable broth, add beans - in addition to onions & green peppers, add 1 cup of uncooked couscous or rice, plus a total of 3 cups of diced, mixed vegetables of your choice (zucchini, carrot, celery, potatoes, turnips) cook until vegetables & grains are tender, about 45 minutes, add salt, pepper and "Fire" to taste.

If you have time, prepare the chili a day ahead. Like any stew it is even better the 2nd day. ENJOY!!

Do you have a favorite recipe using Turtle Island's "Just for Joy" Soup or Chili Mix?
Send it to us along with your name and address to info@box-of-goodies.com. If we like it, we will add it to this page and give you $5 off of your next order.

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