Spring may be just around the corner, but here are few recipes that will be sure to warm both the bellies and the hearts of your families!

This St. Patrick's Day, warm up with a bowl of this great tasting Potato Chowder from the Gooseberry Patch.

Fireside Potato Chowder
Carol Bull

3c. potatoes, chopped
1c. water
2/3c. onion, finely chopped
1t. dried marjoram, crushed
1/2t. dry mustard
2t. instant chicken bouillon
1/4t. pepper
3c. milk, divided
1/4c. all-purpose flour
3/4c. Swiss cheese, shredded
1c. ham, chopped
2T. fresh parsley, chopped

Add potatoes to a large stockpot, cover with water. Add onion, marjoram, mustard, bouillon and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer covered for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove stockpot from heat and mash potatoes; don't drain. In a small bowl, blend one cup milk and flour until smooth. Add to potato mixture and blend well. Add remaining milk and cheese, stir well. Cook over medium heat until soup begins to thicken. Continue to cook and stir for one minute. Add ham and parsley. Serves four.

Sticking with our St. Patrick's Day theme, this Ham and GREEN Bean Supper is sure to be a hit with all of your little "leprechauns"!

Cathy McBride
Gooseberry Patch

6 potatoes, peeled, cubed and boiled
2 14 1/2 oz. cans green beans, drained
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1 t. garlic powder
2 10 3/4 oz. cans cream of chicken soup
2 to 3 lbs. cooked ham, cubed
1/2 c. bread crumbs

Stir all the ingredients together except for the bread crumbs; spread in a lightly greased 13" x 9" baking pan. Sprinkle with bread crumbs; bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Serves 6.

Did you like these recipes? If so, both Granary stores have a great selection of Gooseberry Patch and country cookbooks available. And remember, this month all giftware is 10% off, cookbooks included!