White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Soup

I was so unsure of how this would turn out that I did not take pictures. But it turned out wonderfully and was so yummy. The next time I make this, and there will definitely be a next time I will take pictures.

Ingredients

• 2 ¹/2 cups water
• 1 (10-ounce) package broccoli & carrot mix, thawed
• 1 (7.25-ounce) package white cheddar macaroni & cheese mix
• 1 ¹/2 teaspoons salt
• ¹/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups (1 quart) milk
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded White Cheddar cheese or cheese mix
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika 
• (optional red pepper flakes for spice)

Instructions

1. In a soup pot, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the broccoli and carrots, the macaroni from the packaged mix (reserving the cheese packet), the salt and pepper. Return to a boil, cover loosely, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    
2. Add the remaining ingredients, including the reserved cheese packet. Reduce the heat to medium, cover loosely, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until hot and creamy, stirring occasionally.

On the Road to Recovery

Physical therapy has started and now I'm supposed to be patient. I've always said that patience is a gift that I do not possess. I'm ready to be up and doing things such as finishing my "spring" cleaning in my house or enjoying my summer, or taking my puppy to the dog park. For now I'm still on crutches. The original pain is better, but because I'm not as active right now I've had some issues with my SI joint being in pain and my moments of insanity when I forget I can't put too much weight on my right hip.

God is good though and I have wonderful friends and family who have taken care of and entertained me through these weeks while I'm stuck at home. I am very looking forward to driving myself again. For now I'm glad that it all went well and with the possibilities to come.