I have a teenager! How is that possible? This weekend we celebrated my oldest son’s 13th birthday. My kiddos like themes and he chose Daniel Boone. They love history. We know all about the real Daniel Boone as well as the 1960s series starring Fess Parker.

We had a soup and sandwich menu and, after a few requests, I am including a recipe here!

We took a hayride and had hot drinks to enjoy along the way!

My son asked for pies instead of cake. I made the crusts, but he made the apple pie and his younger brother made the pecan pie! My mom made some gluten free options (no picture but delish)! The sandwiches were also basic- homemade rolls (sourdough or gluten free) and meat, cheese, condiments (even homemade mustard!). My sister-in-law provided a beautiful veggie platter with a lovely variety of veggies with dip.

Cheesy Potato and Kielbasa Soup (feeds a crowd)

• 6-8 cups of red potatoes, washed and diced
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 lb. kielbasa, cut into thin slices
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 2 tsp. salt
• 8 oz. block cream cheese
• 3 cups bone broth
• 3 cups milk
• 4 tsp. potato starch

Cook potatoes and squash in cold water until soft (I used a crock pot for times’ sake, but you could do stove top easily). Drain potatoes and squash. Add to large crock pot with kielbasa. Pour in milk and broth. Add spices and stir. Place cream cheese on top. Cook on high for approx. 3 hours. Take 1 cup liquid from crock pot and add starch. Mix with emulsion blender (or beat with fork until smooth). Add back to crock pot. If you like a thicker broth, do a double amount of starch.

I did not use a recipe for this soup. But, since I was asked for one, I came as close to what I did as I could! Hope y’all enjoy as much as we did this weekend!