Taco Soup

TACO SOUP

Ingredients:
1 medium onion

1 can corn

2 can beans (black, pinto, kidney, white, etc.)

2 can Stewed Tomatoes

1 Can green chilies

1 package taco seasoning (dry)

1 package Original Ranch Dressing Mix (dry)

Optional:

Add tortilla chips and or a sour cream

Directions:
Saute meat and onion.
Add rest of ingredients, mix well and simmer 30-45 min.

What a Crock of......Soup!

Recently, I dug out the Crock Pot  from my appliance graveyard cabinet.  I eyed it like a foreigner.  I wondered where it originally came from.  If my memory serves me I think it was a wedding gift.  One of those obligatory items I thought I had to register for. Its history dates back to the 70's and slow cooking even further back. 

I never pictured myself as an Ozzie and Harriet sort of wife but I thought I would attempt to get to know this new/old appliance. Now that I was welcoming this new visitor back into my home, I figured I best learn its language. So out came the step stool to help me reach the upper shelf where the cookbooks collected dust and down came the Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook: Feasting with Your Slow Cooker cookbook.

Little did I know this odd little appliance would soon become my best "Mother's Helper!"  The crock pot is ideal for making large quantities for supper swapping, freezing extra helpings etc. 

With the wonderful odor emanating from it, it creates the grand illusion that I have been slaving in the kitchen all day.  Throw a little flour on your face and greet your spouse at the end of the day. I guarantee you will be greeted with "MMMMMM smells good.  What's cookin?"  Oh nothin, you reply.  Just a little something I whipped up...NOT! 

One of my recent forays into crock pot cooking was French Onion Soup.  It makes approximately 10 servings and was delicious.  I have included the recipe below for you to try.  Enjoy!

FRENCH ONION SOUP

Ingredients:
8-10 large onions, sliced (Note: its worth shedding a few tears over)
1/2 cup butter or margarine
6 10 1/2 oz. cans condensed beef broth
1 1/2 tsp. worcestershire sauce
10 slices french bread toasted
Grated parmesan and/or mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Saute onions in butter unitl crisp-tender. Transfer to slow cooker.
Add broth, worcestershire sauce.
Cover. Cook on low 5-7 hours, or until onions are tneder.
Ladle into bowls or french bread bowls.
Top each with a slice of bread and cheese.
Microwave to melt cheese.

  

Ham & Bean Soup

HOMEMADE HAM & BEAN SOUP

When its cold outside, soup is such a comfort food.  This is a great recipe made from leftovers. It can be doubled or tripled etc. for a great supper swap meal and it also freezes well.

I buy a ham with the glaze packet from either Costco or Sam's Club.  Once cooked it is good for several meals and lunch meat.  Once the ham is carved and down to scraps and bone, I make the following recipe. 

Day One
1-2 20 oz bags of bean soup mix, 15 bean variety
Sort and wash the beans
Mix beans in a collander under running water
Place mix in a plan
Cover with water
Soak beans overnight

Day Two
Drain the beans  
Add two quarts of water per package of beans
Add ham, ham hock, bacon or soup bone (Note: I use the cuisinart to shred the ham scraps after cleaning off the fat)
Bring to a boil
Simmer slowly for 2 1/2 - 3 hours

Add the following:
1-2  large diced onions
1-2 15 oz.cans of tomato
Red bell pepper (optional)
1-2 Tsp chili powder
2 Tbls lemon juice
1 clove minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy!