the Imperfectly Happy home

Homemade

The Best Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup

by Leave a Comment

Today we are making the BEST Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup! This is the tomato soup that everyone loves and requests, especially as the weather gets cooler. This is NOT that can of tomato soup you may have opened when you were a kid – but the kids will like it. Creamy, full of flavor and easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. This is an awesome Instant Pot recipe to try for pressure cooking newbies too!

You don’t have an Instant Pot? What? Now is a great time to make the investment. I made this creamy tomato soup in my 6 qt Instant Pot. I actually have 2 of them because I often find I want to make a main and a side dish in them for the same meal!  The Best Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup

The Best Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup

My Favorite Instant Pot Recipes

The first thing I ever made in my Instant Pot was the perfect roast – check out my recipe for that here. Other Instant Pot recipes you might want to try:

This quick and easy Instant Pot creamy tomato soup pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich or try it with some homemade rolls or old fashioned drop biscuits. You can’t really go wrong here!

Why Make Your Own Soup?

Making your own Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup ensures that you get the best ingredients possible – no funky additives. If you look at the label of a standard canned soup in the store it is loaded with sodium and fillers; not to mention the flavor is sub-par in my opinion. I hope this easy Instant Pot recipe shows you how easy homemade soups can be!

This recipe is also completely gluten free and can be prepared for vegetarians by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can keep the ingredients pretty standard or using Fire Roasted Tomatoes for more flavor. Out of basil? Use oregano or an Italian spice blend mix – this recipe is very forgiving.

You really won’t spend much more time in the kitchen either – the Instant Pot is going to do most of the work for you, no watching or stirring a stock pot with this recipe. Homemade Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup with less than 10 minutes cook time? Yes, please!

You’ll need an Immersion Blender or a high powered blender like a Vitamix to get a smooth and creamy consistency with this soup.

The Best Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup
Print

The Very Best Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 small diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon of avocado oil or olive oil
  • 2 14 oz cans of Diced Tomatoes I recommend using the Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes for the best flavor
  • 1 28 oz can of Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 6 oz can of tomato paste
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste
  • Shredded Cheese optional

Instructions

  1. Put your Instant Pot on sauté, add the avocado oil and diced onions and cook until onions have turned translucent, then turn the Instant Pot off.
  2. To the Instant Pot add you diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, chicken broth and seasonings.
  3. Give everything a quick stir to fully combine.
  4. Put Instant Pot lid on and set the valve to sealed.
  5. Cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
  6. Once cooking is complete do a quick release.
  7. Using an immersion blender or Vitamix, blend until the soup mixture is smooth or to your preferred consistency.
  8. Now add in your heavy cream and blend to fully incorporate it.
  9. Salt and Pepper to Taste
  10. Top with some shredded cheese to really knock it out of the park!

Need MORE Soup Recipes? Check out these family favorites!

Homemade Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup

Grandma’s Southern Ham & Beans Recipe

Best Baked Potato Soup from the Crock Pot

Paleo Taco Soup Recipe

Quick and Easy to Make DIY Lemon Extract

by Leave a Comment

DIY Lemon Extract is easy to make and nce you start making your own extracts you’ll never go back to store-bought. Today I’ll show you  how to make your own organic lemon extract at home; you won’t believe how easy it is! Only 2 ingredients and you’re going to save money making it versus buying the store bought stuff.

DIY Lemon Extract

If you’re lucky enough to have neighbors with lemon trees (lots of them here in Phoenix), they are usually happy to have you come pick some for them. Last week my neighbor put out a big box of lemons with some grocery bags and a sign that said ‘Please Take Some’.

I love lemon extract in baking (lemon poppy seed muffins!!!!). And any time you need a kick of lemon flavor, 1 teaspoon of extract equals about 1 teaspoon of lemon zest (peel). But did you know that Organic DIY Lemon Extract has health benefits as well? There are good reasons to use a pure lemon extract that you can easily make at home.

Health Benefits of Pure Lemon

  • Fights Cancer Cells
  • Slows Microbial Growth
  • Prevent Kidney Stone Formation
  • Reduce Stress

Get all the details on these lemon extract benefits on Healthfully.com

Recipes That You Can Use Your DIY Lemon Extract In

Easy to Make DIY Lemon Extract – All Natural & Organic

Now that you know the health benefits of a pure DIY lemon extract AND you have a few recipes to get you started using it… let’s make some!Be sure to see the bottom of this article for 2 other delicious and easy to make extract recipes!

easy to make diy lemon extract
Print

Easy to Make All Natural Organic DIY Lemon Extract

Prep Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 - 4 Organic Lemons if they are large you'll only need 3
  • 1/2 cup of vodka
  • Zester or Grater
  • Canning jar with lid
  • Clean Sterile Bottles for Storage

Instructions

  1. Wash your lemons and pat dry
  2. Zest the lemon peels

  3. Put your peels in your canning jar; I prefer the wide-mouth jars with the plastic lids.

  4. Pour vodka over the peels and secure lid
  5. Store in cool place without a lot of light (I use the top of my pantry)
  6. Give the jar a shake every 2 - 3 days
  7. Allow the mixture to steep for 6 - 8 weeks for full flavor

  8. Once completed strain the zest out and put into your sterile storing bottles (like these)

  9. Best if kept in fridge but you can keep it in a cool cabinet.
  10. USE IT!

Can you believe that’s all it takes for yummy, pure organic lemon extract? You’ll have enough to last a long time too; at a fraction of store prices. This delicious homemade lemon extract also makes a wonderful gift, people ask for my homemade extracts every year!

Want to make other extracts?  Check out my Almond Extract and Vanilla Extract Recipes! Remember these make great gifts for just about anyone, but your baking friends will especially love them.

Wait! Do you need more DIY gift ideas? I have that too! See DIY Christmas Gifts Anyone Can Make!

Never miss a post ~ Sign up for the Imperfectly Happy Newsletter

 

Fun And Easy Diy Chicken Wire Projects

by Leave a Comment

I’ve collected 14 creative chicken wire projects that you’re going to love! I know I have a bit of an obsession with chicken wire.  I am not sure where is started, but I just gravitate to anything with chicken wire on it! I guess I love the homey or farmy feel that a chicken wire project gives a room.  What about you?  Do you have a lot of chicken wire around the house?

chicken wire projects

Fun And Easy Diy Chicken Wire Projects

With the holidays rapidly approaching, I have included a few chicken wire projects that would make great gifts too. I love a great homemade gift, don’t you?Rustic Chicken Wire Tree Topper – This DIY Christmas Tree topper would also make a great decorating accent. Simple construction and you probably have a lot of the supplies already!

Chicken Wire Basket – If you have chicken wire and a tomato cage then you’re half way to an awesome homemade, rustic basket! Distressed Cabinet with Chicken Wire Panels – I see these kinds of cabinets at yard sales and Craigslist all the time. You can completely make-over a boring piece and make it extraordinary! This would be awesome in a kitchen or dining room.

Mason Jar & Chicken Wire Vase – Have some old canning jars that have a chip?  This is a great way to re-purpose jars you can’t use for canning anymore. This is a simple project and would make a wonderful gift for a teacher or friend that needs a little pick-me-up!

Farmhouse Chicken Wire Light Fixture – If you really want some farmhouse charm in your home without getting too cutesy, this could be just the touch you’re looking for!  I want to put this right over my kitchen table!!!

Antiqued Chicken Wire Wall – I absolutely L O V E this look. This chicken wire project uses an entire wall! I am working on this chicken wire project in our master bedroom right now!

chicken-wire-project 4Fall Chicken Wire Banner – I admit, I look at cute fabric banners on Etsy a lot. I have been saying I’m going to make one for more than a year and never have; but this one make fit the bill for me.  Instead of fabric, the banner is made of CHICKEN WIRE! Here is is decorated with the word Fall, but could certainly be done in a lot of different looks.

DIY Chicken Wire Magazine Baskets – A pretty simple chicken wire project that you can attach right to your walls. Your magazines will never look better! 😉

Chicken Wire Wreath – Chicken wire and feathers make up this unique chicken wire project. Perfect to adorn the front door of chicken loving families!

Chicken Wire Kindle/Firewood Box – Now this chicken wire project is more on the practical side.  But if you need a box to hold your fire supplies, why not make is cute? This is made from wood, so not too close to the fire!

chicken-wire-project 7Chicken Wire Frame Magnet – This is a great starter chicken wire project. You can give your refrigerator a make-over with these sweet chicken wire frame magnets.  These are great for showcasing the kid’s art, or family pictures!

Chicken Wire Christmas Tree – So so cute! Once you have this cut, this project is pretty simple. You can add lights, spray paint it or just hang some fun ornaments.chicken-wire-project 8

DIY Holiday Card Display – I love all the card we get from family and friends over the holidays, but I need a great way to display them. This chicken wire project is fast and easy to complete…and still lots of time before the cards start coming!

DIY Chicken Wire Accessory Organizer – A super cute way to keep your jewelry, sunglasses and scarves organized!

There you have it –  14 Creative Chicken Wire Projects to get you started on some fun DIY for the house or gifts. I’d love to hear how they turn out or how you’ve used chicken wire in your own crafty project!

The Best Southern Ham and Beans Recipe

by 4 Comments

This is the best Southern Ham and Beans Recipe, hands down; it came right from my grandma! Southern ham and beans was one of my favorite meals growing up…even though I’m from Arizona.  My dad’s mother was southern, through and through, and she made a mean pot of Southern Ham and Beans.  Not only did she share her wonderful recipes with me, she often told me the struggles that she saw growing up; what poor families faced just too feed themselves. My grandma knew how to stretch a buck and still make a tasty meal.

This easy recipe is delicious, feeds a lot of people and will be easy on your budget. Nothing says it is fall to me, more than a big bowl of my grandma’s ham and beans!

Southern Ham and Beans Recipe

The Best Southern Ham and Beans Recipe

Eating on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor! The ingredients for this Southern ham an beans recipe are very simple and inexpensive but a full of flavor and smell amazing when cooking (you might have to fight off your neighbors!). You can also make extra and freeze it up for later.

Not sure what to serve with your Southern Ham and Beans? I suggest warm sweet cornbread muffins topped a little honey butter; I’ve included those recipes for you as well.

The best part about this delicious budget-friendly ham and beans recipe? This dish actually tastes better the 2nd day!

Note: You will need a large stock pot for this recipe (I like this one) or make it in your crock pot. If you have a big crowd, this recipe is easily doubled so everyone can enjoy it!

My husband likes a few shakes of hot sauce in his, so you might want to put that out on the table.

What meals do you serve that are budget friendly? Be sure to check out my post on Great Depression Meals for other budget recipes from the past. Also check out Easy Bean Recipes That Will Save You Money.

Southern Ham and Beans Recipe
Print

My Grandma's Best Southern Ham and Beans Recipe

This is a delicious budget-friendly meal. And if you have a big crowd, this recipe is easily doubled so everyone can enjoy it!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 1 lbs of dry pinto beans or whatever bean you prefer
  • 4 or 5 smoked ham hocks or use diced leftover ham, about 1/2 - 3/4 lbs should do it
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 – 3 teaspoons of black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf optional
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash the beans (you don’t have to soak them overnight with this method)
  2. Put the beans, ham hocks, chopped onion, pepper and bay leaf in a large stock pot and cover with water.
  3. Bring to boil and then turn down to a low simmer.
  4. Cover and let simmer low for several hours.
  5. Stir and check often – you may need to add a bit more water, but only enough to keep everything covered
  6. Beans will be tender and the sauce will thicken up.
  7. Break up the meat into the beans and serve in a bowl with warm corn bread.

 

Sweet Cornbread Muffins Recipe
Print

Grandma's Sweet & Crispy Southern Cornbread Muffins

A delicious Southern cornbread that is crispy on the top and sweet and moist on the inside.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
  • 2 tablespoons sugar optional
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
  • Extra oil or butter to grease your pan if not using cups

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
  2. Grease your pan or put paper liners in.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl.
  4. Pour into a greased muffin pan, each opening should be filled about 3/4 of the way
  5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until muffin tops are a rich golden brown
Raw Honey Butter
Print

Quick and Easy Homemade Raw Honey Butter

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup of softened butter
  • 1/4 cup of raw honey

Instructions

  1. In small bowl use a hand mixer to combine the softened butter with the raw honey.
  2. Store in air-tight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Easy To Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

by 3 Comments

Slow cooker apple butter is about the best thing you’ll spread on a piece of toast…ever. It tastes like a bite of fall in your mouth! If fall had a flavor…it would be apple butter. But don’t just eat this lovely apple butter recipe in the fall, it is good all year long! The best thing is this easy to make slow cooker apple butter recipe is to die for; and will cook while you’re getting work or gardening done. 😉
Easy To Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

Easy To Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

I know the Instant Pot is the shiny new toy in most kitchens but you can’t go wrong with your crock pot or slow cooker. This apple butter recipe is tried and true from your slow cooker and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love it (and ask for seconds). Simple ingredients that make the flavor of the apples the star – so let’s get cooking….

Read More