Clam Chowder & Cheddar Biscuits

OK, so I've decided to have a recipe challenge and have begun a weight loss challenge for myself.

Jake and I recently took pictures with a very talented photographer friend of mine. When I saw the pictures, my jaw literally fell to the floor. The pictures themselves were wonderful, beautiful...the editing was unbelievable. But all I could see was my double chin(s). Yes, I said it. In the blogosphere. I have a double chin. I was disgusted with myself. How had I let this happen? Time and time again I thought that I was doing OK, then when I saw a little progress, I figure "oh this one thing won't hurt me"..but it does. Because it never stops with that one thing. It continues...and continues...and continues...and I hate it.

So I am making a pledge, and am hoping to make myself accountable by posting my ups and downs on this blog. I'm hoping you all will help and support me in this and I'm hoping I can stick to it.

So onto this week's recipe...

The chilly weather is in full effect. Thanksgiving is 3 days away (woohoo! Family!) :)

So, here is a classic recipe combo, and the biscuits are an almost carbon copy of Red Lobster's Bay Biscuits...Yummo!

New England Clam Chowder

Recipe & Photo from allrecipes.com

Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 40 mins, TOTAL: 55 mins

8 servings

4 slices of bacon, diced

1 1/2 cups chopped onion

1 1/2 cups water

4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes

1 1/2 tsp salt

ground black pepper to taste

3 cups half-and-half

3 tbsp butter

2 (10oz each) cans minced clams

1. Place dices bacon in large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook until almost crisp; add onions, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in water and potatoes, and season with salt and papper. Bring to a boil, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.

2. Pour half-and-half, and add butter. Drain clams, reserving clam liquid; stir clams and 1/2 of clam liquid into soup. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from heat and allow to sit for about 10 minutes to slightly thicken. Serve and enjoy!

Cheddar Biscuits

Recipe & Photo from allrecipes.com
Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins, TOTAL: 35 mins

8 servings

2 cups biscuit baking mix (Bisquick)

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

2/3 cup milk

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 tbsp butter, melted

2 tsp dried parsley

1 tsp garlic salt

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet or line sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine biscuit baking mix, Cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Stir in milk. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Brush biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with dried parsley and garlic salt. Bake for 5 more minutes, or until lightly browned on bottoms.