White Bean and Mashed Potato Soup: A Cozy Solution to Leftovers

Turn your leftover ingredients into a creamy, filling soup

You know how we recently made an excessive amount of mashed potatoes? ...We also made an excessive amount of white beans when we made quesadillas. So now we have slightly less in the container of potatoes but also a large pot of beans to work through. Time for us to get creative and combine them!

Not so long ago, we tried a white bean soup at a local restaurant. Theirs was very tasty and very filling, and it became a jumping-off point for what we've done here.

In the event you aren't starting with a bunch of leftovers like we did, please take the time to prepare potatoes and beans as needed. Using instant potatoes and canned beans are totally options if time is tight and you need food on the table soon!

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked white beans

1 whole yellow onion

1 rib celery

3 tablespoons minced garlic

1 cup mashed potatoes

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter (optional; see notes)

3 tablespoons dried parsley

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons better than bouillon variety of choice (we used chicken)

5-6 cups water

salt and pepper, to taste

Tools:

large stock pot with lid or Instant Pot/pressure cooker

food processor or blender

measuring cups and spoons

serving spoon or ladle

knife

cutting board

Any produce you plan to work with that isn't washed and ready to eat will, of course, need a quick bath before you get to chopping. You already know this, we're sure, but we'd feel like we failed you if we didn't give you the reminder each time. If you’re making your beans from scratch for this recipe, make sure to consider whether you want to soak them or not, and how that will affect the recipe as well. 

Open up the food processor or blender, checking for loose pieces because you really don't want to find out the bottom ring of the blender jar is loose or that the food processor blade isn't seated /after/ you've already put food in... Ask us how we know.

Rough chop your onion (we were a little lazy and just quartered it, which was enough to fit the chunks between the blades) and add it to the food processor. Dice and add your celery, then measure in your minced garlic. Put the lid in place, make sure it's secure, and pulse until you have a vegetable slush of mostly uniform consistency.

You can add your potatoes at this point if there's room in the food processor. We ran out of space and ended up mixing those in by hand later, so we hope you've got some space to spare.

Take your cooked beans and transfer them to the stock pot or pressure cooker. Add your mashed potatoes and the contents of the food processor and stir. If the food processor couldn't take care of the potatoes for you, reheat them before adding and melt in the butter - cold mashed potatoes have a tendency to be congealed and lumpy, and this will help them mix better

Measure in your dried parsley, Better than Bouillon, bay leaf, salt and pepper. As you can see in the photo, we used a LOT of pepper, but that's a preference thing. (Probably don't use that much. We just like pepper here.)

Add the milk and water, put the lid on the pot and bring it up to temperature.

If you're doing this on the stove top, set the burner to medium and bring the contents of the pan up to a simmer. Cover and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If you're using a pressure cooker, set to low pressure for 20 minutes and allow natural pressure release. Also, watch out for the "food burn" warning; our Instant Pot can be annoyingly sensitive, and it set off the warning alarm twice because of, as far as we could tell, a lump of potato stuck to the edge. May you have fewer headaches with yours.

This soup works great as a main dish or as a side along with something else. It would even work great as an easy lunch for the week, if you’re into food prep. We enjoyed it served alongside some slices of thick bakery bread. 

If you’re working specifically with your Instant Pot (or similar small appliances) because your oven is giving you trouble, we’re here to help. At Appliance Rescue Service, our goal is to get your home running smoothly again, whether it’s your oven or your dryer, your refrigerator or your dishwasher. You can reach out to us via our website below or by giving us a call. We’ll work with you to find a date and time that works best for your situation. 

Website
Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Punchy Potato & Cheddar Rolls 

 Layered Veggie Bowl

Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprints

Smart Appliances: The Future of Home Management?

In the past decade, home appliances have evolved far beyond their basic functions. With the rise of smart technology, modern appliances can now connect to the internet, communicate with other devices, and even learn household habits to improve efficiency. If you’ve ever wished your oven could preheat itself before you get home or your washing machine could remind you when laundry is done, smart appliances are making those dreams a reality. But are they worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look at how smart home appliances are changing household management.

What Are Smart Appliances?

Unlike traditional appliances, smart appliances come equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and interactive features that allow for remote access and automation. Many of these devices integrate with virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, giving homeowners the ability to control their appliances with voice commands or through smartphone apps. From smart refrigerators that track food expiration dates to dishwashers that optimize water usage, these innovations are designed to make home management easier and more efficient.

Benefits of Integrating Smart Appliances into Your Home

1. Convenience at Your Fingertips

One of the biggest advantages of smart appliances is the ability to control them remotely. Running late at work? You can preheat your oven before you leave the office. Forgot to start the dishwasher? A quick tap on your phone takes care of it. Smart appliances allow users to monitor and adjust settings anytime, anywhere, making home management far more flexible than ever before.

2. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Many smart appliances come with energy-monitoring features that provide real-time feedback on usage. Smart thermostats, for example, learn your schedule and adjust heating and cooling accordingly, potentially lowering energy bills. Similarly, smart washers and dryers optimize water and power consumption based on load size, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

3. Enhanced Functionality and Customization

Courtesy of wiredsmartio

Smart appliances offer features tailored to individual needs. Smart refrigerators can suggest recipes based on the food inside, while smart ovens adjust cooking times and temperatures for perfect results. Many devices also send alerts when maintenance is needed—preventing costly repairs by addressing small issues before they become major problems. Some of the most interesting things that we’ve seen recently are AI that can build a healthy meal plan for you and an oven that uses AI to  tell how long something needs to cook.

Popular Smart Appliances and Their Features

1. Smart Refrigerators

These aren’t your average iceboxes. Modern smart refrigerators include touchscreens that display calendars, grocery lists, and even stream music or TV. Some models have interior cameras so you can check your fridge contents from your phone while shopping. They also track expiration dates and suggest meal ideas based on what’s available.

2. Smart Ovens and Ranges

Smart ovens allow users to adjust temperature, cooking mode, and even monitor food via built-in cameras—all remotely through a smartphone. Some models are equipped with voice control, letting you set timers and preheat the oven hands-free.

3. Smart Washers and Dryers

Laundry day just got easier. Smart washers and dryers offer features like cycle customization, remote start and stop, and push notifications when a load is finished. Some models even detect fabric type and adjust settings automatically for better cleaning and drying results.

Considerations Before Upgrading to Smart Appliances

While the convenience of smart appliances is undeniable, there are some key factors to keep in mind before upgrading.

1. Compatibility with Existing Systems

Before purchasing smart appliances, ensure they are compatible with your current smart home ecosystem. If you already use Google Home, for example, you’ll want to make sure new appliances integrate seamlessly with that system.

2. Data Security and Privacy

Because smart appliances connect to the internet, they are susceptible to hacking. It’s crucial to secure your devices by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication where possible, and regularly updating firmware to protect against security threats.

3. Cost vs. Benefit

Smart appliances often come with a higher price tag than their traditional counterparts. Before making a purchase, weigh the long-term savings in energy efficiency and maintenance against the initial investment to determine if it’s the right choice for your household.

Tips for Seamless Integration

If you decide to incorporate smart appliances into your home, here are a few steps to ensure a smooth transition:

Strengthen Your Wi-Fi Network: Smart appliances rely on a stable internet connection. Consider upgrading your router if needed.

Educate Household Members: Make sure everyone in your home understands how to use the new features.

Keep Software Updated: Regularly update appliance firmware to maintain security and access the latest features.

Courtesy of Geralt.

Smart appliances are more than just a tech trend—they’re transforming the way we manage our homes. With benefits like energy efficiency, enhanced functionality, and remote accessibility, these devices offer a modern solution to everyday household tasks. However, as with any investment, it’s important to consider your needs, budget, and security before diving in. Whether you start small with a smart plug or go all-in with a fully connected kitchen, the future of home management is smarter than ever.

Website
Call : (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading
Smart Home - Getting Started 

Samsung To Stop Shipping ALL 'Dumb' Appliances At End of 2023

Energy-Efficient Washing Machines

Spring Into Energy Savings: Smart Appliance & Habit Changes

Spring is here! Refresh your home’s efficiency with these energy-saving strategies.

When it comes to preparing your home for spring, people don't always think about the way that your energy usage changes from season to season.  This week, we’ll take a look at different changes you can make to your appliances and your habits to keep your home energy efficient. 

Energy-Efficient Appliance Changes

Check to see if your appliances are ENERGY STAR certified. That is going to help you in figuring out how efficient they are capable of being.  Energy Star appliances are designed from the ground up to use less electricity. 

Next up, let’s look at one of the most important tips we have, keeping your appliances clean externally and internally. The harder your appliance works to breathe, the more energy it consumes. The more the various coils are caked in dirt, dust, and pet hair, the harder they have to work to bring keep cool. So making sure that all sides of your appliances are clean, directly relates to your bill. This also applies to your dryer, as making sure that the lint screen on your dryer is clean affects how hard it works. 

Once you’ve gotten your appliances clean, there are appliance specific changes that we can run through to get your entire suite in fighting shape. 

Refrigerator & Freezers

Courtesy of Darrien Staton

You want to keep your fridge and freezer full but not packed to the brim, which is a hard line to define. A full unit will retain the cold better, but too much will restrict airflow. In addition to having to work harder, having limited airflow leads to pockets in the unit that are warmer and colder.. These pockets make it harder to keep your food at the right temperatures.  This concern also applies to the amount of frost buildup in your freezer. You’ll want to defrost it regularly to ensure the frost doesn’t block airflow.   Once you have everything arranged properly, check your manufacturer pamphlet for what temperature is recommended. It should be somewhere around 40*F for the refrigerator and 0*F for the freezer.

Dishwasher

When it comes to your dishwasher, you’ll want to start by skipping the rinsing of your dishes. It sounds weird, we know. But your dishwasher, if it’s a modern one, is designed to handle food residue. So all you need to do is to scrape it off. Next up, make sure to run full loads. We don’t mean that you need to pack every dish in that you own. Merely that you need to ensure that you’re utilizing the space that is there. Doing this is going to cut down on your water waste, as well as your energy usage. Finally, skip the heated dry. Letting your dishes air-dry is perfectly acceptable.  

Oven & Stove

Let’s move on to your range and take a look there at how we can pare down. Use your toaster oven (or your microwave) to reheat your food, instead of the oven. Not only do these take less energy, but they also will keep your home cooler. Which, a useful tip is to avoid preheating unless it’s needed. Although all of us work hard to keep our burners clean, it’s probably not because we’re looking at efficiency. However, it turns out that keeping your burners clean is just as useful as keeping your fridge clean to allow better efficiency.  

Washer & Dryer

Courtesy of Bia Sousa

When it comes to your laundry, start by washing with cold water whenever possible. It might not seem like a big change, but it can save you a surprising amount on hot water costs. Next up, always run full loads or adjust the water level if you’re doing a smaller one. This helps make the most of every wash cycle. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, be sure to use HE detergent—it’s designed to work best with these machines. On the drying side of things, clean the lint screen after every cycle to keep airflow strong and drying times short. Drying similar-weight fabrics together helps, too, since everything will dry more evenly. If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it—this will shut off the machine when your clothes are dry instead of running longer than needed. And if you really want to cut down on energy use, consider line drying. If clothes feel too stiff, just toss them in the dryer for a few minutes on a low or air-dry setting to soften them up.

To round things out, we do want to point out an important if less enjoyable fact.
Unless your appliances are 10 years old or younger, you’re not working with ‘the most’ efficient home appliances. It’s a fact of research and development. You don’t have to purchase all new appliances, you do have to be aware that your mileage may vary. The amount of efficiency you will be able to improve your appliances will vary based on how old they are. The tips we’ve provided will absolutely help in reducing your energy usage and your bills. We just want to be upfront in regards to how much you can realistically expect. 

Energy-Saving Habits for Everyday Use

Beyond appliance-specific tips, changing daily habits can significantly impact your energy consumption.

• Run major appliances at night to reduce strain on the power grid and keep your home cooler.

• Unplug electronics when not in use or use power strips to cut phantom energy usage.

• Use ceiling fans to circulate air and reduce heating/cooling needs—run them counterclockwise in summer for a cooling effect.

• Replace or clean filters regularly in HVAC systems, range hoods, and dryers to prevent overworking your appliances.

• Keep blinds closed on hot days to reduce cooling costs; open them on sunny winter days to let in natural heat.

• Adjust your thermostat—set it to 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter for optimal savings.

• Be mindful of appliance placement—keep heat-producing electronics away from thermostats to prevent unnecessary cooling.

Managing Increased Summer Usage

Warmer months often mean more frequent fridge openings and heavier appliance usage. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Declutter your fridge before summer to make space for seasonal grocery hauls.

• Increase maintenance—clean coils and check seals more frequently.

• Monitor performance for signs of strain, such as unusual noises or longer cooling times.

By making these adjustments and adopting energy-conscious habits, you’ll be well on your way to a more energy-efficient home this spring—and beyond.

By making a few simple changes to how you use and maintain your appliances, you can keep your home running efficiently while cutting down on energy waste. Whether it’s adjusting your daily habits, keeping your appliances clean, or optimizing their performance, every small step adds up to big savings over time. And if you ever run into appliance issues that maintenance alone can’t fix, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. From repairs to expert advice, we’ll make sure your appliances are working at their best—so you can enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home all season long.

Website
Call :(214) 599-0055

Homeowners Beware: LG Recalls Electric Ranges Due to Safety Risks

 If you own an LG electric range, you may need to act fast. Get the details on the latest recall and what it means for you.

 What Happened? 

A new recall has been announced for LG  Slide-In and Freestanding Electric Ranges sold from 2015 to January of this year, 2025.  

Over 500,000 of these units have been sold in that time period. The consumer product safety commission has received at least 86 reports of unintentional activation of the front-mounted knobs. They have been involved in dozens of fires, injuries and pet deaths according to the CPSC. 

The products were manufactured in both Mexico and Korea and imported by LG  Electronics USA in New Jersey. They were sold in a variety of major stores, including Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s across the United States. Depending on the model, they retailed for between $1,400 and $2,650.

 It is important to note, that this is not a refund or even a repair that is being offered by LG. Instead, they are offering a warning label which reminds users to turn on the Control Lock / Lock Out feature before stepping away from the stove. They also have a video which guides owners on how to use the feature. 

Who is Affected? 

The recall includes LG Slide-In and Freestanding Electric Ranges sold between 2015 and January 2025 at major retailers like Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Depending on the model, they retailed for between $1,400 and $2,650.

You can check the full list at www.tinyurl.com/LGRecall.

Courtesy of LG

What is a Recall? 

A recall occurs when a manufacturer or regulatory authority determines that a product poses a safety risk or fails to meet regulatory standards.  (In the United States, this is most often the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.) This action is taken to protect consumers from potential harm and ensure the integrity of the product.

Recalls can be initiated for various reasons, including defects in design or manufacturing, safety concerns, or failure to meet regulatory requirements. In the case of appliances like stoves or ranges, recalls may be issued due to problems with components such as burners, electrical systems, or structural integrity.

When a recall is initiated, the manufacturer typically works with relevant regulatory agencies to notify consumers of the issue and provide instructions on how to address it. This often involves contacting affected consumers directly, issuing public announcements through various channels, and coordinating efforts to repair or replace the affected products. 

Why is a Sticker  Enough? 

In 2024, Samsung recalled over 1.1 million ovens for a similar hazard, and the CPSC has warned that unintended burner activation has resulted in serious fires, injuries, and even fatalities. 

Also in 2024 we had the Kenmore / Frigidaire recall. Here we had 203,000 ovens which were affected. Again with reports of fires occurring and people and property being damaged

So, why is LG allowed to only offer a sticker as a “repair”?

To begin with, the LG ovens are being turned on, although unintentionally, bye the user or pets.

Additionally, there are three different tiers of safety features, according to LG.  The first is a burner on light, the second is an alert beep that goes off when a knob is turned off, and finally there is the Control Lock / Lock Out feature. In a statement to USA Today, Senior Vice President of LG Electronics USA, John I Taylor emphasized that the affected products have a proven safety feature. 

Additionally, LG was sued over this issue in 2022 with a US district Court dismissing the class action lawsuit in 2023 citing that the ranges were still under a 1-year warranty. 

 According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the sticker and a reminder to use the built-in feature is enough.

What Do I Do? 

Start by locating the model number on the inside of your oven door or the bottom storage drawer and compare it against the list at this link. 

Next up, whether or not you have one of the affected models, it would be beneficial to review LG's video for how to use the control lock/lock out function.  www.vimeo.com/1037322282.

Fire safety professionals are recommending installing stove knob locks to prevent unintentional activation. They also recommend keeping objects off the stove when not in use as well as double checking burner knobs before you leave home or go to bed.

We feel it is important to note that while LG and the CSPC believe the features listed are in fact enough to rely on consumer diligence, accidents can happen as has been shown; pets and small children can easily activate these knobs when left unattended. Given these dangers we ask that you consider the situation with all due caution and what safety precautions best fit your home. 

If you realize that your range has been acting oddly and it's not because of this recall, reach out to us at Appliance Rescue Service. There should never be a time when you fear leaving your home because your oven is turning on at random, or that your pet might accidentally bump it. We will work with you to find a date and time that fits your schedule so that we can get to the bottom of any issues. Our technicians are experienced in working on all sorts of appliances, new and old. Our top priority is always ensuring that your home is running smoothly.

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055

courtesy of StockSnap

Too Many Potatoes? Try These Tasty Crescent Pockets

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside—your leftovers never tasted this good

We made the critical error of asking for help peeling potatoes two nights ago. Our helper was a little too helpful, went on autopilot and peeled... basically all of them. For one dinner. We ended up with five. whole. pounds. of peeled potatoes. It was not a holiday, and no guests were expected.

Suddenly, we had a lot more mashed potatoes than we originally bargained for. Waste is not an option with perfectly good food, and we had to come up with something to avoid "potatoes again?" complaints over the three or more consecutive days of potato side dishes. In case you ever find yourself in a similar bind, here's a silly little recipe to dress up said potatoes. Another one will follow, for sure. Stay tuned.

Ingredients:

1 can crescent rolls

2 cups plain mashed potatoes

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons sour cream

3 tablespoons butter, melted

salt and white pepper, to taste

1/2 pound assorted cooked mixed vegetables

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons cold water

1 tablespoon flour

shredded cheese, if desired

Tools:

baking sheet

parchment paper

measuring cups and spoons

mixing bowl

spoon(s)

We elected to leave the potatoes plain when we cooked them and to add seasoning in batches to keep things from getting too boring as we worked through what appeared to be a bottomless bucket of potatoes. If you're beginning with some leftover potatoes that are already seasoned, please feel free to skip the seasonings here or dress up your spuds with something else.

Preheat your oven to 375 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a microwave safe mixing cup, stir together the two tablespoons of cold water and the single tablespoon of flour to make a slurry. Once well combined, pour the cup of chicken stock and the half teaspoons of celery salt and onion powder into the slurry. Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds. Remove, stir well, and repeat the heat-remove-stir process until the mixture thickens into gravy.

Reheat your mashed potatoes in a mixing bowl or other microwave safe container. Measure in the garlic, melted butter, sour cream, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste test, because some potatoes just need more flavor. Add more as necessary.

Unroll the can of crescent rolls and place the dough on the baking sheet. While we chose to use the eight triangular pieces the sheet is perforated into and show the filling poking out, you may prefer to do four larger pockets and fully enclose them, or press the perforated lines back together and re-cut into rounds or squares. Play around with it if you'd like.

After you've decided on a shape and laid out all your dough, place a quarter cup of potatoes on each portion of dough. Press a scoop of vegetables into each mound of potatoes, and drizzle just a little gravy over the vegetables. (Set the remaining gravy aside to top the pockets later.)

If you'd like to add some cheese, feel free to do so at this point. We had some other cheesy food planned for the dinner plate this time around and skipped the extra here. Be sure to add only a low-moisture cheese to prevent the crescent dough getting soggy.

Fold the edges of the dough over to trap all the filling inside. Pinch to fully enclose, if you'd like. The parchment paper makes for easy cleanup even if the filling leaks out a little during baking, so that's totally optional.

Bake for 10-15 minutes until dough has begun to turn golden-brown and any exposed filling is sizzling. Allow to cool at least two minutes before attempting to remove from the baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining chicken gravy and serve as a side.

If while cooking you find that your oven is only cooking half of this delicious dinner, it might be an issue with the heating elements. We’ve got a link in the additional reading section below for different issues that can crop up with your range. And if you’re already aware that your range needs servicing, you can reach out to us today. We’ll work with you to find a date and time that works for your schedule, and send out our technicians. At Appliance Rescue Service, keeping your home in tip top shape is our goal. 

Website
Call : (214) 599-0055

Kitchen Hazards Unveiled 

Crispy Bottoms to Raw Centers: A Chef's Nightmare

 37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly