Lagging... and a recipe!

I've totally sucked when it comes to crafting these past 2 weeks, so that means my blog has totally sucked, too. Nothing done around the house/crafting = nothing really to post about! And the reason behind my lack of crafts? I'm dealing with a shoulder issue that gets aggravated by painting/stripping paint & stain/staining/sanding, etc. I've been having the issue for about 5+ months now, and have been through physical therapy, A.R.T. (Active Release Technique = HURTS LIKE HELL), and I finally gave in to a cortisone injection on Monday. I'm waiting with baited breath to see if it finally fixes the issue (it takes 48-72 hrs for you to really know). So far, I'm about 50% better... but we'll see.

Anyway, what I *have* been doing is trying some new recipes, especially with the huge amount of leftover honey baked ham from Thanksgiving! Here's one we tried last night, and we REALLY liked it. I think you could substitute chicken (rotisserie chicken would be good!) or even go meatless since it has beans in it.

Ham-It-Up White Bean Soup

Estimated Times

Preparation Time: 5 mins
Cooking Time: 15 mins

Servings: 6 servings (1 cup each)

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk

1 can (14.5 fl. oz.) reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 cups (about 6 oz.) cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 can (15.5 oz.) cannellini (white kidney) beans, undrained

1/2 cup frozen peas  (I used mixed vegetables - so green beans, carrots, corn, & peas - turned out awesome!)

Ground black pepper (optional)

Directions

HEAT oil in medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 minutes or until onion is tender.
Stir in flour.
Gradually stir in evaporated milk and broth.
Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
Add ham, beans and peas. Heat through.
Season to taste with pepper.

(source - Nestle Meals)