One of my sorority sisters sent me an email that she had tried a recipe from my cookbook, but with her own twist.
Here’s the original:

Potato Cheddar Chowder

2 cups potatoes, diced
¼ cup onion, chopped
1¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
2 cups milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

In a medium pot, combine potatoes, onion, salt and water. Simmer, covered for 10 minutes. Set it aside, but do not drain. In another pan melt butter and stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring until mixture thickens. Remove from heat, add cheese and stir until it melts. Add vegetables and Worcestershire sauce. Heat, do not boil.

Sprinkle with a little paprika if desired. Makes five cups.

Here’s how she made it healthier:

Just wanted to let you know that I made the potato cheddar chowder with olive oil in place of butter, whole wheat flour instead of white flour, unsweetened soy milk for milk, and soy cheese.  I gotta admit I was a little skeptical as to whether or not I’d be able to eat this experiment.  I’m pleased to report that it was the best potato soup that I’ve ever made or eaten and earned my “share worthy” rating so I shared with 9 friends.  I was really brave and tripled the recipe.  Anyways, I thought you’d get a kick out of this fun fact.  Thanks for the inspiration.  One last note, I left the potato peel on for extra fiber and vitamins and found this recipe to be diabetic friendly.

She also said that rather than boiling the onion with the potato, she cooked it in olive oil. And when she makes the soup again she’ll add some carrot and celery to the olive oil for extra color, fiber and flavor.

This is what I’m talking about! Don’t be afraid to play with ANY recipe! Especially to make it healthier! All recipes were invented at some point! So have some fun!

And thanks again, Linda, for sharing!