Macaroni salad

This recipe comes from my SIL Lisa's family. They served it at my neice's blessing luncheon this summer and we all LOVED it. I found the recipe she had sent me and decided to make it for a quick, easy dinner. I was going to do some grilled chicken with it but never got that far. We did toast instead. The kids liked it and it was a simple, fast meal or side dish.

MACARONI SALAD
3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup mayo/miracle whip
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup diced ham
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbs chopped dill pickle
2 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
pepper to taste

Cook macaroni. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Mix all ingredients together. Chill and serve.

Broccoli Soup

I know. I know. It's summer and a million degrees outside. Who in there right mind is thinking of making soup for dinner? Trust me. This is refreshing and very springy/summery. Add a turkey or ham sandwich and a lemonade and you're set! (I found this one a few years ago at allrecipes.com.)

Broccoli Soup

1 T. olive oil 1 potato peeled and chopped
1 lg. onion, chopped 4 c. chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 (10 oz) pkg. frozen, chopped broccoli salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan and saute onion and garlic until tender. Mix in broccoli, potato, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes until veggies are tender. With a hand mixer or in a blender, puree the mixture until smooth. Return to the saucepan and reheat. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper. (I like to garnish with some shredded cheese) Serves 8.