I distinctly remember certain foods that were served each season when I was a child. During the winter, soups appeared on our menu every week. There was mom’s taco soup served with cheddar cornbread, classic chicken noodle and broccoli and cheddar. I loved warming up with different soups throughout the winter months; even those from red and white cans. My favorite soup was one that my grandmother made every year. I can still see her putting all of the ingredients into one big pot, creating a delectable batch of potato soup. I loved to smell it as it was cooking. When it was finally ready, I relished every single bite!

Every year, when temperatures begin to plummet, I long for a bowl of my grandmother’s soup. Unfortunately I don’t have her recipe, so I am unaware of every ingredient she added to it, but when it comes to satisfying my craving, I have found this quick and easy recipe does the trick. It calls for frozen hash browns which cuts down on prep time and allows me to whip this up in a pinch. It’s both a delicious and hearty soup thanks to protein-rich milk and cheese. Give it a try and keep warm with soup this winter!

Easy Potato Soup

16 ounces frozen hash brown potatoes (cubed)
1 cup chopped onions
1 (14 ½ ounces) can chicken broth
2 cups water
1 can (10 ¾ ounces) cream of celery soup
1 can (10 ¾ ounces) cream of chicken soup
2 cups milk
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Combine potatoes, chopped onions, chicken broth and water; bring to a boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Stir in soups and milk; heat thoroughly. Add cheese – allow to melt completely. Garnish with bacon bits or chives as desired.

Guest post by Sarah White, MS, RD, LDN

Sarah White is a Registered Dietitian in Tennessee where she works as a pediatric dietitian at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Through her involvement in the Healthy Ways Clinic and various community efforts, Sarah helps children and teens lead healthier lifestyles.

For many dads, back-to-school comes with early mornings, packed lunches, after-school pickup, homework, and practices. The daily race to get everyone out the door on time, mixed with juggling life demands, makes healthy eating challenging. Despite this, the busy back-to-school season also brings an opportunity to play an active role in building healthy habits at home.