What’s for lunch? A question frequently asked in these days of being at home a great deal more than any of us are used to being! Today the answer is Tex Mex Chicken Soup. My project is to have something different for lunch every day this week. And then to share ideas and recipes with anyone else who finds lunch a difficult meal. If it is just me for lunch, I am happy with a cup of cottage cheese and a handful of crackers. Or a meat, cheese and mayo sandwich on low carb bread. Lunch is not my favorite thing. I’m usually involved in a project and I don’t really want to stop, so I don’t want a time consuming affair. Preparing lunch at home, doesn’t have to be hard. Or the same old, same old. And, if we are limited in our choices otherwise – like under a stay home order - lunch ... [Read More]
Mexican
Enchilada Bake
Layered Enchilada Bake is deliciously easy. You get all the goodness and flavor of an enchilada without wrapping and tucking tortillas. And – IF – there are any left overs they are even better than the serving you had when they were freshly made! Begin by browning the ground beef. Drain excess grease and push the meat to one side to lightly saute the chopped onion. Stir in the can of corn and the enchilada sauce (mild or to your taste), plus the Taco seasoning mix. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat when mixture reaches a boil. In the meantime, place two tortillas end to end in a 9x13 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cut a third tortilla into 2 inch wide strips and place around the edges so that the bottom is fully covered. Spread half the sour ... [Read More]
Mexican Layered Salad
Mexican Layered Salad is a southwestern twist on an old classic. Make it ahead of time and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight to give flavors time to develop and meld together. Add the tortilla chips and cheese just before serving. Mexican Layered Salad is a colorful addition to a pot luck, picnic or buffet dinner. Disappears quickly – you’ve been warned. Romaine lettuce is the usual base, but you can use any head lettuce of your choice. Google “sturdy lettuce” -- as in “can remain crispy and hold its shape while being shoveled out of the bowl to the plate and then in to the mouth” -- and romaine heads the list. It generally has more flavor and is a deeper color than other head lettuce. Leaf lettuce is “sturdy” lettuce’s more delicate and flavorful cousin. I did ... [Read More]
Mini Tacos
I made Mini Tacos for a family reunion get together where I served several mini foods. The Mini Tacos disappeared quickly, and have reappeared at all sorts of events since. Kids especially love them. . . you gonna make those baby tacos again? They are colorful – like a fiesta should be – and have a little zing. The size is perfect, for little or big appetites, because they can repeat as many times as needed to take care of hunger pangs. They make great appetizers, but are filling enough for a light meal. Make the filling and keep it warm in a small crockpot and let guests fix their own taco, adding whatever toppings they choose. OR -- If serving immediately, make the colorful finished tacos and serve from a warmed baking dish. This makes a great addition to an adult appetizer ... [Read More]
Slow Cooker Southwestern Breakfast Casserole
Southwestern Breakfast Casserole made in the slow cooker is a great way to wake up in the morning. It's yummy enough -- and pretty enough -- to serve guests even when you've stayed up late the night before. I am always up around 3 in the morning so putting it in the crockpot to cook for 3 - 4 hours before breakfast is not a problem. Another alternative is to start it cooking before bed and program the slow cooker to keep it warm after cooking until needed. If you must, put the casserole in the slow cooker insert, cover and put it in the refrigerator, set your phone for the right time to allow for 4 hours cooking. When the alarm sounds slip down to the kitchen, put the insert in the crockpot, turn it on and head back to bed. It's worth it! You know I am not a spice fan -- but if ... [Read More]
Chicken Taco Chili
Chicken Taco Chili was a unanimous thumbs up the first time I made it. And every time since. Before I found this recipe I was definitely not a chili fan. Chili always seemed "heavy" and unappetizing. This one, with chicken and taco seasoning, is light and flavorful and full of good stuff. When Bytes and his big brother turned up their toddler noses at something, I'd wait a couple of weeks or so to bring back the objectionable food. When they protested at food they'd already rejected, I told them that they didn't like it when they were little but now that they were "big" boys it their taste buds just might like it. Worked 99% of the time! Obviously, my taste buds have finally matured. You'll like it too!! Chicken Taco Chili is very simple to make ahead and freeze for later ... [Read More]
