I wanted Panera. Specifically their broccoli and cheese soup. So instead of waiting until Panera tries to break into the UK market, I decided to make my own. I'll be making this lots and also avoiding long lunch lines when we move back to the States.

Ingredients:
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 tea garlic powder
1 carrot, grated
1/4 cup flour
3 cups chicken stock
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
2 cups broccoli florets cut into small florets

Crusty bread for dipping

Directions:
In a large pot pour a round of oil and sauté onion and minced garlic until onion is translucent.

Add carrot and flour and mix until veggies are evenly covered with flour

Add the stock and then the potatoes. Let simmer until the potatoes are soft.

Add milk cheese and broccoli and let soup simmer 10 minutes longer.

Soups up!

So we were craving Chinese food again but yet again, don't want to shell out the cash for some pricey (in England anyway) orange chicken. This sauce makes a lot but is great on breaded chicken, or battered chicken, or possibly grilled chicken...

Ingredients:
2/3 cup water
1/4 cup OJ
1/3 cup vinegar
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 T orange zest
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 green onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons corn starch

Directions:
Dump all ingredients in a microwavable bowl and cook on high until sauce is obviously thickened. May take a minute or two.

...who needs "take-away" anyway?