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]
Mexican
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]
Skillet Lasagna Mexicana
Skillet Lasagna Mexicana is so easy it almost makes itself. Well, not quite. But it is an all-ages approved dinner that goes from pantry to table in just about half an hour. Made from ingredients that are likely already in your pantry and refrigerator, it works wonderfully well on those days you walk in the door with a million things on your mind. Swoop the ingredients off the shelf, brown the meat and simmer in sauce, cook the pasta, add cheese – and there is one less things to worry about. A quick and delicious dinner is on the table. You'll have time to finish the rest of the list. Or free to play with the kids or even sit down and relax. Whatever fits :-) I keep browned ground beef in the freezer in bags of 2 cups each – about a pound of fresh meat. If I throw a package in ... [Read More]
Roja Chicken Enchiladas
Roja Chicken Enchiladas take their name from the red enchilada sauce used over top the filled tortillas. If it were green enchilada sauce, they would be verde enchiladas. Everybody else probably knows that -- but me. :-) Yes, I knew the names meant red and green in Spanish -- but never got close enough to realize they were attached to different kinds of enchilada sauce. Verde gets its green color from tomatillos. Red sauce is -- of course -- tomato based. You probably knew that too. In this case, choose the type of red sauce you like -- mild, medium or hot. You know I'm wimpy about things that just might include heat so I went for the mild. I am making a conscious effort to broaden my cooking/eating experiences. Not sure "hot" is ever going to happen though. :-) Shred the ... [Read More]
Pork Tostadas
Pork Tostadas are open faced sandwiches made on a crispy fried tortilla. Tostada = toasted. Anything that can go on a taco can also be found on a Tostada. You know I am a wimp when it comes to spicy and to me Mexican food meant spicy. Wrong! How did I find out? Last spring I noticed our local grocery offered cooking sessions. Always looking for new dishes and ways to make our meals healthy and varied, I signed up immediately. I’ve added to our food rotation things like Pork Tostadas and more. I love it! For many reasons! HyVee is a regional, employee owned grocery that opened a few months before we bought our home and was a factor in our choosing where to live. Contrary to what some people think, residents of the Great Plains do not shop at trading posts or dingy general ... [Read More]
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
The first time I made Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip, I wasn’t so sure anyone would like it. They didn’t just LIKE it, they thought it was fantastic! Black beans, corn and spicy (sort of!) enchilada sauce and all. The creamy melty cheese didn’t hurt either! It is just as good the second day, too, though I had to hide a sample so I could check that out. :-) Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before running it through the microwave to reheat. Rotisserie chicken works well for this, as does leftover chicken or turkey. Dice the meat on the small side for easier eating and so it won’t break the chips. I used mild enchilada sauce, but if your family likes the spicier versions go right ahead. I did add the cumin for a bit more kick so you might want to adjust that or even use a ... [Read More]