Sunday in preparation for the Chinese New Year, I cleaned out my kitchen cupboard and freezer and made food with what I had on hand.

I came up with cream of chicken and wild rice soup, which is my most favorite soup and the most visited post on this blog thanks to being a copycat of Paneras. But actually having met there recently for business, I can say this recipe is better and so taking the time to make even if you only do it once a winter.

For whatever reason I had 1 1/2 bags of marshmallows and 8 cups of Rice Krispies so I made half chocolate Krispie treats and half regular. I’d like to claim I eat healthy, but once you read that soup recipe you’ll see that’s not true and I like having a little sweet at the end of my lunch. Honey on my yogurt or a clementine doesn’t cut it.

I also made a creamy spinach and artichoke dip, which is different than one I’ve previously posted so I should photograph it and post it.