Super Easy Tortilla Soup

2 Cans of black beans
2 cans of diced tomatoes
1-2 chicken breast(s)
1/2 can of green chillies
2 handfuls of baby carrots (or 3 normal carrots)
2/3 - 1 red pepper
1/2 yellow onion
2-4 cloves of garlic
6-10 pieces of Cilantro
1 can of corn
cream
Salt
Cumin
Limes

Tortilla chips
Cheddar cheese

Start by boiling chicken in sauce pan, may flavor with poultry seasoning and cumin. While chicken boils, blend 1 can of black beans, 1 can of tomatoes, carrots, green chillies, onion, garlic, red pepper, and cilantro.  (if you need more liquid to blend, wait till chicken is done and use chicken broth. (I probably added 1-2 cups of chicken broth).  *it took me about 3 different blending batches to completely blend everything.* Add to stew pot. Then drain corn, 1 can of tomatoes, 1 can of black beans. Shred chicken and add to soup. Bring to boil in stew pot, and simmer for about 10 min. Flavor to liking with cumin and salt. Slowly add 1 cup of cream to thicken (may need more).

Enhanced with more flavor and quantity from: https://www.blendtec.com/recipes/tortilla-soup
*Cocanut cream did not thicken

Serve with cheese, tortilla chips and lime.

Taco Seasoning

We are doing a taco salad potluck tomorrow, but i have not bought taco seasoning in over a year. Instead I make my own, and it looks a little like this:

1Tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red peper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper

Normally I brown my 'ground meat of choice' up with an onion. Afterwards, I add this to it with about a cup of water per pound. You may only need half of the mix per pound, depending on how spicy you like your food ;)

Taco Soup

Taco soup is a pretty easy go to meal for me, especially if I have people coming over at the last minute. It also makes for a good meal when the weather is cold and you want to stay in. There are tons of variations of taco soup around, but this is the one I use. Instead of taco seasoning, I usually throw in some cumin, coriander, chili powder and cayenne, but you can use whatever you like.

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
28 oz. can tomatoes
8 oz. can tomato sauce
15 oz can kidney beans
15 oz can corn
3-4 cups water
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 lb. cheese, shredded
1 lg. pkg. corn chips
8 oz. sour cream (optional)

In a large pot, brown beef with onion. Drain off grease and add the seasoning. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered about 20 minutes. Serve with corn chips, cheese and sour cream.

Chicken Fajita Chowder

Tried this for the first time today and loved it!

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped
• 1 each medium green, sweet red and yellow peppers, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1 cup green enchilada sauce
• 1/4 cup canned chopped green chilies
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• Tortilla chips and minced fresh chives, optional

Cook and stir chicken, peppers, and onions in oil until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add water, corn, rice, enchilada sauce, chilies and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until rice is done. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and cheese until cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips and chives.