Beer Cheese Potato Soup

I was hungry for beer cheese soup, and too impatient to look at a recipe.  Luckily, I had a package of Melissa's Parisienne Potatoes, so I could throw something together quickly.

Beer Cheese Soup

1 14 oz pkg Melissa's Pre-Cooked Parisienne Potatoes

1 12 oz can beer (such as Coors Light)

1 32 fl oz box Trader Joes Low Sodium Vegetable Broth

1/4 tsp minced Garlic

1/2 tsp dried mustard

1/4 tsp turmeric

1 Tbsp minced fresh Garlic Chives

2 c shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Heat all ingredients except chives and cheddar cheese in crock pot on high till simmering, about two hours.  Use immersion blender to puree, then mix in cheddar cheese, and finish with minced chives. 

Melissa's Beet and Bean Salad with Mozzarella

I love the convenience of ready-made ingredients.  When a friend made a wonderful pasta lunch for me, I offered to bring a salad.  It was effortless to toss Melissa's Steamed Golden Beets, Steamed Baby (red) Beets, and Steamed Blackeyed Peas with baby mozzarella, a touch of olive oil and splash of balsamic vinegar.  The flavor contrasts in the salad were refreshing and the side dish went nicely with the tortellini.  I think the group of ladies will be lunching often!