Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There is something about a rich creamy soup that brings me back to my childhood.  My mom used to make the best creamy chicken noodle soup.  I honestly haven't tried to duplicate hers as she did it off the top of her head. Some day I will have to try.  But until than try this creamy chicken soup.  If you don't like gnocchi try noodles.  But give the gnocchi a try I think you will like it.  I mean how bad can a potato dumpling be??

1 stick butter
1 small onion
2 celery stalks
2 carrots
1 tsp fresh garlic
1/2 cup flour
8 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. marjoram
1/2 tsp. white pepper
4 cups half and half
1 box (15 oz) potato gnocchi
4 cups cooked chicken breast*

Melt butter, saute onions, carrots, celery and fresh garlic.  Add flour.  (You want it to be thick and pasty looking.  Gradually add chicken broth.  Stir until thickened.  Add chicken and seasonings.   Add half and half.  Bring to a boil.  Let simmer for about an hour.  Add gnocchi. Turn down to medium and let gnocchi float to top.  Once gnocchi floats to top they should be done.  I generally try one of the gnocchi to make sure it is soft before serving.  You don't want to cook too long as they could get soggy. 

*Note:  If you are short on time just buy a rotisserie chicken or rotisserie chicken breast and cut it up.  Just make sure that you add the stock from the bottom of the package.  It just adds a little bit more chicken flavoring.   

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

I love just about any bar as long as it is moist.  But my absolute favorite cake is banana bars with cream cheese frosting. I have another recipe on my blog for banana cake and it is very good also but I think for now that this is my new favorite banana bar recipe. 

1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
1 cup (8 oz.) sour cream

 Directions:
 1.   In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with bananas and sour cream, beating well after each addition.
2.  Pour into a greased 15x10x1 jelly roll pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
3.  Frost with my favorite cream cheese frosting. 
4.  Add nuts on top - they add a special touch
5.  Enjoy