Fiesta Soup

If you need a quick and tasty recipe for these cool nights this soup will fill both requirements.  I made this soup in my crock-pot but you can do it on the stove-top if you prefer.

Cook 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( did mine in the crock-pot)
Once the meat is cooked add

1 can Mexican stewed tomatoes
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn with red and green peppers
1 can chicken broth
1 can Rotel tomatoes and  peppers (I used the HOT)
1 can diced green chilies
1 Can Campbell NACHO cheese soup
2 tablespoons of dehydrated onions (or you could saute fresh onions in a tablespoon of olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp Cumin
Mix well

Add 3 cups water
simmer until done (I cooked mine for 4 hours in the crock pot)
add salt and pepper if desired ( I did not)

If you want a heartier soup you can ladle it over cooked brown rice

Top with Sour cream and shredded cheese if desired.  My younger daughter also added hot-sauce to hers.  Serve with bread-sticks and a salad

YUM!

a New Pasta Recipe-Chicken and Cherry Tomato Pasta Italiano

My dad gave me a whole "mess" of cherry tomatoes (a mess is a LOT for those of you that don't speak country the way my dad does)and they were going to spoil if I didn't use them--so I made this delicious pasta dish last night for supper.  I wish I had taken a photo of it...but did not so you will just have to wait until next time.

This recipe needs a name...so suggest one and I will consider it but for now I will call it...

Chicken and Cherry Tomato Pasta Italiano

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast per person you are serving, cut into bite-size pieces
dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper
Cayenne pepper flakes if you desire
spaghetti or pasta of your choice, 4 oz per person you are serving
2 cups of cherry tomatoes (the smaller the better in my opinion), cut large ones in half
6 cloves of garlic, smashed and coarsely chopped
Swanson flavor boos packet (this is concentrated chicken broth)
olive oil, butter for sauteing
Real grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions, set aside
reserve some pasta water in case you need it to add to your sauce

Cut your chicken breasts into bite size pieces.
Season liberally with salt and pepper, oregano and basil

Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in your saute pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter, allow to melt
Saute chicken until done, i like it to have a little golden color to it
Sprinkle with Cayenne pepper flakes
add garlic and allow to saute
Add flavor boost, stir well to distribute
Add a little pasta water if you need more "sauce"
Add pasta, toss to coat
Plate and top liberally with Parmesan cheese

The cheese really adds to this dish since the sauce is very minimal.

Delicious with a side salad, artisan bread and a good Chianti or chardonnay
Plus, I had this on the table in under 30 minutes!

Marinated Flank Steak

We're heading out of town for a wedding and getting ready to send DD1 back to college early next week so we needed a delicious, quick meal this evening:

Marinated Flank Steak

Score the flank steak for maximum tenderness
Place the meat in a gallon Zip lock bag and add the following
(Measurements are approximate)
2 TBS olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup red wine
1 clove garlic minced
1 tsp. oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp capers

Allow to marinate overnight (or for at least an hour) and grill as desired.
We're serving this with corn on the cog, marinated cucumbers and fresh red ripe tomatoes!

Quickie Meals

With a little forethought and a fully stocked pantry or freezer you can get some wholesome meals on the table in a short amount of time. Studies indicate that families who dine together are healthier, perform better in school and are generally happier than their counterparts who are unable to share a meal together at least 4 nights per week. Isn't your family worth it?

Here is a handy list of some quick meals that you might be able to get on the table with fuss, planning and preparation:

hot dogs or brats
frozen pizza's
tacos
breakfast for dinner such as fried eggs or scrambles using left over veggies or french toast
frozen prepared meals such as lasagna, stir fry or Italian dishes-$$EXPENSE ALERT$$
Pasta with store-bought sauce
Salads-jazzed up with last nights leftover steak, chicken or seafood
Fried rice
Sloppy Joes
Quesidilla's-make with whatever you have in the pantry as filling
Previously frozen soups, chili's or casseroles
Sandwich's-BLTs, fried egg sandwich's, turkey clubs, hot ham and cheese, gourmet grilled cheese (great way to use up misc. slices of cheese varieties)
Mac and Cheese-dress it up with leftovers
Loaded baked potatoes (top with left over chili, broccoli and cheese, Ham and cheese, etc). Also a great way to use your left overs
Boxed bean and rice dishes to which I add smoked sausage
Anything rolled in a soft taco-peanut butter, lunch meat or more elaborate fillings. Also a great way to use up last nights rice by pairing it with other complimentary ingredients

My children's favorite is the muffin tray snack dinner
Fill each hole of muffin tin with cubed cheese, meat, veggies, snack crackers, raisins/peanuts, etc for a fun but nutritious meal.

And lastly-(GASP) the dreaded leftovers. Yes, folks, last nights dinner can be eaten!