Strange Days

No, no...I'm not condoning smoking..I mean if you do it, that's up to you and all, but I have some reasons today.  Also, the song...one, I LOVE The Doors.  Used to drive my father crazy, though I don't know why.  Probably because he never really cared for them and when the movie biopic came out back in 1991 about them, I listened to nothing but The Doors for at least six months.  Come to think of it, I pretty much drove everybody that got into my car crazy at that time.  There was no listening to anything else.  Ever.  I eventually gave in and started to add some variety to the mix, but I still totally dig them.  And this song in particular, right now anyway.  Its kind of fitting since it does seen as if I have been having some strange days indeed.  Hoping that by the end of the week I feel more on the normal side as opposed to the strange side.

I just don't know.

Also, on March 5, 1969 Jim Morrison was arrested for "lewd behavior" during a Miami concert. (Haven't done a "this date in history" thing in a looooooooooooong time!!)

So, I didn't do it last week, because last Tuesday I had Elsie's super awesome guest post, but this week we are back to business, and I have a SOUPER TUESDAY treat for you.  Especially if you like cheese and potato and you like them together.  Like me.  

Smoky Cheese and Potato Soup

Ingredients

6 ounces smoked cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda), shredded

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

4 ounces ham, finely chopped (or, if you don't want meat, omit.  I like ham and all, but it seems soggy to me in soup and if a soupe recipe calls for ham I skip it and add a little extra salt if it needs it...but that's me...)

1 medium carrot, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

3 cups whole milk

1/2 24 ounce package refrigerated garlic mashed potatoes (or mash some potatoes and add some garlic and butter)

Canned shoestring potatoes, fresh snipped parsley, and/or paprika (optional)

Directions

In a bowl combine cheese and flour; set aside.

In a Dutch oven combine the ham, carrot, curry powder, and paprika. Cook and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes. Stir in milk. Cook, uncovered, for 4 to 5 minutes, just until milk is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally. Gradually whisk in mashed potatoes. Cook, stirring frequently, until hot and bubbly. Stir in the cheese and flour. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, just until cheese is melted.

 Ladle soup into bowls. Top with shoestring potatoes, parsley, and/or paprika.

My goodness, that is making my mouth water right now!

*********************************************************

And for any of you Jim Morrison fans out there (like me), your moment of Zen...